Since the emergence of smartphones and the internet, there has been an increase in the number of people who struggle with a technology addiction. It’s not uncommon for adults and teens to feel like they must constantly be “plugged in” to the internet and social media. But, this can leave younger people with a feeling of FOMO (fear of missing out) or fear of being left out. Technology addiction is considered a behavioral addiction due to the effect electronic use has on the brain. If your teen is struggling with an electronics addiction, we offer various treatment programs that could help them. Call us at 855.940.6229 today to discover our process addiction treatment for teens.
What Is a Technology Addiction?
Technology addictions fall into a specific category — behavioral addictions. These are primarily recognized by addiction and mental health professionals and include other behaviors like sex and gambling. Behavioral addictions are characterized by the progressive inability to regulate, control, or limit a certain behavior. Internet addiction shares similar characteristics with obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). The world today is characterized by increasing technology and connectivity use. Some teenagers and young adults cross over from everyday technology use into addiction. This happens when technology negatively impacts their family, school, work, and social life. Addiction to electronics includes addiction to:
- Surfing the web
- Social networking
- Video games
- And more
Technology use triggers brain pathways in the same intense and direct way that particular substances affect the brain of someone with a substance use disorder.
Dangers of Technology Addiction
Technology addiction is not just a harmless habit, but it can have severe consequences on overall well-being. Some of the dangers and negative effects of technology addiction include:
- Physical health problems such as eye strain, neck and back pain from excessive screen time
- Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and loneliness
- Interpersonal relationship problems due to isolation and lack of face-to-face communication
- Poor academic or work performance due to distraction and lack of focus
If your teen is struggling with a technology addiction, we are here to help.
Our Technology Addiction Treatment
Our unique treatment programs are designed specifically for adolescents struggling with process addictions, including technology addiction. We offer individualized treatment plans that address the root cause of the addiction and provide tools and coping mechanisms for long-term recovery.
We provide:
- Individual therapy sessions to explore triggers and underlying issues.
- Family therapy to improve communication and support systems.
- Group therapy to learn from peers going through similar struggles.
- Mindfulness-based techniques to decrease impulsivity and increase self-awareness.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify negative thought patterns and develop healthy coping strategies.
- Experiential activities to promote physical and emotional healing.
Our approach is based on the principles of evidence-based treatment, which combines therapy and experiential activities to address the underlying issues that contribute to technology addiction. We believe in a holistic approach that focuses on healing the mind, body, and spirit. Our program also includes family involvement as we recognize the important role of healthy family dynamics in recovery.
Call MCAW Today
Technology addiction is a growing issue among adolescents, but it is treatable. With our individualized and evidence-based treatment programs, we help teens overcome their addiction and learn how to use technology in a healthy way. Connect with MCAW online or call 855.940.6229 today.
