Understanding Digital Addiction Treatment
Addictions to our devices are on the rise in today's tech-driven world. For those who become addicted, it can feel like an overwhelming compulsion to constantly stay online and connected to digital devices. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, withdrawal symptoms and a deep urge to keep using technology despite the negative consequences. Fortunately, digital addiction treatment is available for those in need of help.
What Is Digital Addiction?
Digital addiction, or internet addiction/ technology addiction, is a type of behavioral addiction that is characterized by excessive use of digital devices, such as smartphones and computers to the point where it interferes with everyday life. A digital addict may display behaviors such as compulsive or excessive use of digital devices and online activities such as social media, gaming, texting, and internet browsing. This addiction can cause significant disruption to an individual's life, leading to mental health issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
Examples of Digital Addiction:
Here are three common examples of addiction to digital devices.
Social media addiction. This type of digital addiction involves excessive use of social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. People with this type of addiction may experience withdrawal symptoms if they are unable to access their accounts or check for updates regularly.
Gaming addiction. This form of digital addiction involves an excessive use of video games and gaming systems. People with this type of addiction may feel an overwhelming urge to play, as well as withdrawal symptoms when they are unable to do so.
Internet addiction. This type of digital addiction involves the compulsive use of the internet, including activities such as online shopping, gambling, and watching videos. People with internet addiction may feel an overwhelming urge to be online and connected at all times.
Why Technology Is Addictive
Technology can be addicting because it provides a sense of connection, validation, and escape from reality. It can also be used as a mental health coping mechanism for difficult emotions such as boredom or loneliness, which can be difficult to resist. Technology is everywhere. Not only is it easy to access, often it is a required part of a person's day to day life. This makes technology addiction treatment particularly sensitive and complex.
Signs and Symptoms of Digital Addiction
Symptoms include neglecting important tasks, decreased mental health, and feeling irritable or restless when not engaging in online activities. Similar to the symptoms of substance use disorder in adolescence and adulthood, it is common to have increased anxiety or depression, and difficulty in maintaining relationships with family and friends. Additional warning signs include insomnia, lying about the amount of time spent online, and neglecting personal hygiene. If you find yourself unable to concentrate or focus on things that matter because you are preoccupied or obsessing about getting back to your screen, it's time to talk to a professional about digital addiction.
How to Overcome a Digital Addiction
Recognizing that you have an addiction is an important first step in gaining control over this compulsive behavior and regaining your freedom and mental health. Fortunately, there are treatment resources available for those who need help. Seeking professional help from a mental health provider or therapist can be beneficial in managing this addiction and preventing relapse. With the right support and digital addiction help, it is possible to overcome this challenging issue.
How Digital Addiction Treatment Works
By taking steps to address digital and internet addiction, individuals can gain control over their technology use and create healthier habits that lead to better overall health. Internet addiction treatment options may include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapies, lifestyle changes such as limiting screen time, and other forms of therapy to address underlying issues related to digital addiction. Support groups and online forums can also be helpful in providing resources, guidance, and a safe space to discuss the issue openly with others who understand what you're going through.
Digital Addiction Treatment at Next Level Recovery Associates
At Next Level Recovery Associates, we understand the challenge of digital addiction and technology addiction, and are here to help. Our experienced professionals provide a well-rounded approach to technology addiction treatment that includes individual therapy sessions, group therapy, family support services, and lifestyle changes. We also have on-site staff available 24/7 to monitor progress and ensure individuals are getting the care they need. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment that will enable individuals to regain control of their lives and develop healthier habits. Let us help you take the next step towards recovery.
We focus on gaming, social media and internet use.
PROBLEMATIC GAMING
The type and severity of a gaming disorder varies from person to person. Some people are using gaming to avoid physical world interactions, some to escape the hardships of daily life, and some to feel a sense of superiority and achievement that they struggle to find otherwise. Identifying the “why” is where treatment begins!
The gaming industry is expected to generate 146 billion dollars in 2021. That is a 40% increase in only two years!
social media disorder
Problematic social media use is characterized by a person being unable to control their use of social media sites/apps. Those affected by this disorder have an uncontrollable urge to check, manage, and observe social media in a way that is so time consuming that it is affecting other areas of their life like jobs, in-person relationships, and/or health.
Symptoms of depression are two times as likely to occur in teens who spend more than five hours a day on their smartphones!
Internet Use Disorders
There is different variations of internet addiction disorder including online shopping, compulsive information seeking, online dating and more. Internet addiction disorders can lead to other co-occurring disorders such as depression, alcohol or substance abuse, sexual addictions, anxiety, dissociation, ADHD, and mood dysregulation.
Internet addiction treatment seeks to find balance in the relationship between the user and the internet rather than eliminating the web from the user’s life.
Digital Addiction Service Highlights
COACHING
Family/Recovery coaching, for us, is about helping our clients develop and implement healthy goals, plans, and strategies in order to overcome their problematic relationship with technology. We hope to assist our clients in identifying what they “tech of choice” is doing for them, and then help them to replace those negative coping skills with positive and sustainable ones that will lead to more fulfillment, confidence, and joy in their lives.
interventions
Interventions, or as we refer to them “Family Meetings”, are about confronting a loved one's problematic technology usage in a compassionate and dignified way. The goal of any intervention is to shift the dynamic in the household and help motivate the loved one towards change. Each family's scenario is unique so our professional team of interventionists and clinicians will help guide the family through this difficult time from beginning to end.
case management
Case Management is about collaboration amongst professionals and our clients. After assessing our individual client's needs, we help to design a case management plan that is unique to each person. Each person's plan can include assessments, counseling, coaching, treatment and level of care recommendations, medication management, support, and accountability.
Get Digital Addiction Help Today
If you or someone you know is struggling with digital addiction, internet addiction, or technology addiction, it's important to seek help as soon as possible. Next Level Recovery Associates can help you learn healthier coping mechanisms and develop strategies for managing your use of technology. Reach out and start your journey to recovery. We are here with the best, most professional support to help you every step of the way. Take back control of your life, now. Contact us today!
FAQs: Digital Addictions and Treatment Insights
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Internet addiction is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable use of the internet, which significantly interferes with daily life activities and responsibilities. While it is not officially recognized as a standalone disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), it is often considered under the umbrella of impulse control disorders, which are legitimate disorders.
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Technology addiction reflects broader impulse control issues, where an individual has persistent problems resisting the urge to engage in harmful behaviors, such as excessive internet use. This can be indicative of an underlying impulse control disorder, as the inability to manage impulses directly impacts one's ability to moderate internet usage.
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Digital addictions are often associated with depression, anxiety, and other impulse control disorders. These underlying issues can exacerbate or contribute to the development of an addiction, making comprehensive mental health evaluation and treatment crucial.
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Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is highly effective in treating digital addictions by helping individuals recognize and alter detrimental thought patterns and behaviors associated with compulsive internet use. CBT aims to develop skills for better impulse control, enhance self-regulation, and establish healthier internet usage habits.
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As of the latest edition, the DSM does not specifically list digital or internet addiction as distinct clinical diagnoses. However, patterns of excessive internet use can be addressed under related categories such as behavioral addictions or impulse control disorders, depending on the individual's symptoms and behaviors.