Some things are inherently good, somethings are inherently bad. Most things are just inherently neutral. What determines whether they serve either a positive or negative function in an individual, is often a matter of to what degree and in what manner they are used.

Anything (even good things) can become destructive if utilized in a manner that  becomes obsessive, compulsive or addictive.

For many people, some of these things have either a physiologically or psychologically addictive component to them. Things that may have been historically used in a manageable way can overtime, take on a significance that leads to more both more frequency and intensity.

Most of us in society are aware of the dangers and negative consequences to some form of physiological or chemical addiction. However, although the body may have developed both tolerance and dependence to a certain substance or behavior, it has a wonderful ability to naturally seek to again gain homeostasis over time, when that substance is slowly removed. This of course can also be assisted medically as well. 

Receiving assistance to become physically non-dependent its not either the real impediment, or the long-term challenge, to both recovery and freedom. It's the psychological and emotional component that needs to be both identified and treated as well.

The first step is to examine the possibility that these activities may no longer be serving a purpose for just recreation or distraction, but are possibly serving another important purpose, in helping an individual to cope and survive in a difficult and ever-changing world.