A whole generation of “Failure to Launch” Millennials have seen their schooling, job prospects, and/or interpersonal relationships suffer–or even destroyed–as a result of their technology addiction. With social media so prevalent today, many sufferers struggle to differentiate the online world from the real world. The next view, click, or download can feel as necessary as breathing for those struggling with severe technology addiction. However the effects of residential treatment for technology addiction can be transformative, leaving clients no longer needing technology to feel whole. By focusing on the sources of the anxiety and unhappiness, professionals at a residential treatment center can teach clients that they can walk away from bad habits. All of us at Maui Recovery have made it our mission to address and treat the addiction of this millennium- Technology Addiction. There is a virtual world that provides comfort and entertainment for those struggling with their reality, making it vastly worse sometimes. The Internet can offer an escape from the pain, stress, and loneliness for a person struggling with their own life, making going offline unthinkable. But at Maui Recovery we hope to change this destructive addiction and strive to help our clients heal.
How To Recognize Technology Addiction
But, how does one know they are actually addicted to technology? Technology has become part of our everyday life- from communicating, shopping, learning, to paying monthly bills. Technology and all of its vast devices have served a great convenience in a lot of ways, and when used responsibility an addiction may not be a concern. However, when used compulsively, our devices can become our demise. Common symptoms and signs to watch for of a technology addiction can include:
- No longer engaging in activities that were once enjoyed.
- Spending most waking hours online.
- Anger or agitation when asked to step away from the device of choice.
- Concealing and/or lying about internet usage.
When any of those symptoms seem to be present and growing, then looking into the effects of residential treatment for technology addiction is important. Psychological disorders like anxiety and depression are quite often linked to a technology addiction. In fact, Internet addiction is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges or behaviors regarding computer use and internet access that lead to impairment or distress. Some examples of technology addiction can include; obsessive online gambling, shopping or day-trading, compulsive web surfing, database searching, or obsessive computer game playing. All of these forms of compulsive behavior are similar to the damaging behaviors from substance abuse. Hence the need to find support as soon as possible, whether for yourself or someone you love.
Recognized Forms Of Technology Addiction In Today’s World
Phone Addiction- Signs of phone addiction include feeling irritable or negative when going without a phone, being unable to go without a phone for long periods of time, or using a phone so much that it negatively affects physical health or mental health. Extreme anxiety if and when an individual’s phone is missing or cannot be found.
Video Game Addiction- Video game addiction, also called internet gaming disorder, is a condition characterized by severely reduced control over gaming habits, resulting in negative consequences in many aspects of your life, including self-care, relationships, school and work. In fact, when the six words “Are we still in the game?” were spoken by a young patient, the mission of Maui Recovery’s founder was born.
Social Media Addiction- Social media addiction is an unhealthy dependence on interactive platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Like most dependencies, social media addiction manifests as overuse and difficulty in abstaining. Ironically, one common effect of the problem is social isolation. The effects of residential treatment for technology addiction can help with this form of addiction immensely, as community involvement is a key player.
Online Gambling Addiction- Compulsive gambling, also called gambling disorder, is the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on an individual’s life. Online Gambling Addiction means the user is willing to risk something of value in the hope of getting something of even greater value, no matter the odds.
With the different kinds of Technology Addiction explored above, what they all have in common are their three stages. First is the Obsession, followed by the Compulsion, and ends with a Solution. Examples of Obsession are; playing video games, checking social media, watching YouTube, sending emails, surfing the web Video game playing, social media obsession, porn, and excessive smartphone usage. So many young people are struggling with compulsion, an uncontrollable urge to use technology and all that it offers at all costs. Yet there are so few therapy options, as we are still understanding how technology addiction can be recovered from. And the effects of residential treatment for technology addiction has for lasting success. While countries like South Korea have over 400 Technology Addiction rehabs, here in the United States there are extremely limited options. However, there IS a dedicated specialized residential treatment facility now to effectively address and combat Technology Addiction. Dr. Kardaras, our Co-CEO and Chief Clinical Officer at Maui Recovery, is considered one of the world’s leading experts on Technology Addiction. He is the author of “Glow Kids” (St. Martin’s Press, 2016), the seminal book on the clinical, neurological and sociological aspects of technology addiction. And for over the past 10 years, he has clinically worked with hundreds of young people struggling with this issue with successful results. Debilitating Technology Addictions and clinical disorders have ruined peoples lives, but there is help now for lifelong lasting recovery.
Maui Recovery’s Effects Of Residential Treatment For Technology Addiction
Reversing the breakdown of mind, body, and spirit that Technology Addiction creates is real. And the effects of residential treatment for Technology Addiction are powerful, helping residents to find their true Identity without technology. At Maui Recovery we aim to welcome, nurture, and care for individuals and families on their healing journey to recovery. Empowering their restoration & transformation from Technology Addiction through providing programs that heal the Whole Self, from a shame core to a love core, cultivating meaningful human connection, intimacy and purposeful living. Residential treatment centers will vary in what they have to offer for clients wanting to participate in their healing journey. Options that include private living quarters, around the clock staff, and unique therapies used in recovery from Technology Addiction are some to consider. For instance, Maui Recovery provides a private and peaceful environment away from technology and immersed in Paradise to help clients keep their focus on personal inward growth. At Maui Recovery, we combine the best evidence-based treatments with powerful and transformative holistic and experimental therapies in the beauty of Mother Nature.
Core Values incorporated in our residential treatment for Technology Addiction:
- Compassion for the person struggling and their family undergoing treatment.
- Genuinely care about our Ohana (family) and maintaining a sacred living community.
- Assisting individuals in their recovery journey including aftercare.
- Patience for people’s process, speed, and individual progress.
- Healing the Whole Self through recovery, wellness, mindfulness and spirituality.
- Helping with the healing process of the entire family.
Amazing benefits that come with a recovery journey at Maui Recovery include:
- Property is situated in the beautiful paradise that is Maui.
- Luxurious, spacious, and private setting.
- Private mental health treatment programs and therapies.
- Integrated health care treatment.
- Top mental health professionals and experienced staff members.
- Unique Nature Immersion Activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing, etc.
- Unique Therapies such as Equine and Surf.
- Luxurious private rooms and lodging.
- Round-the-clock patient care and guidance.
Choosing the right facility can ensure that anyone seeking recovery receives the beneficial effects of residential treatment for Technology Addiction. Again, not all residential treatment centers will provide the same forms of treatment, therapies, or programs used with Technology Addiction. In our opinion, what better place to free yourself from the tight grasp of devices and technology than in Mother Nature! Adventure Therapy and Nature Immersion for example, are holistic forms of therapy that do the exact opposite of what technology offers. Nature Immersion opportunities help an individual to REALLY connect with their REAL environment and all life around them. Helping to reconnect on a much more deeper level, heavily outweighing the false connection we feel to our technology and devices. Maui Recovery provides a centrally located, pristine, private, and tranquil setting for anyone seeking the effects of residential treatment for Technology Addiction.
About Our Founder of Maui Recovery – Dr. Nicholas Kardaras
“Are we still in the game?” Those 6 words were asked of Dr. K almost 10 years ago by a delusional and confused teen. The 16 year-old client was experiencing an episode of Video Game-Induced Psychosis. That exchange was the beginning of an eye-opening exploration into Video Game Addiction and the neurological impacts screens have on kids. Dr. Kardaras is an Ivy-League educated psychologist, an internationally renowned speaker, and one of the country’s foremost Technology Addiction experts. A former Clinical Professor at Stony Brook Medicine where he specialized in teaching the neurophysiology and recovery techniques for addiction. Dr. Kardaras has also taught neuropsychology at the doctoral-level and has worked closely in developing clinical protocols with Dr. Howard Shaffer, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and the Director of their Division of Addiction. He lives with his wife and twin sons between Austin, TX and Sag Harbor NY and is a frequent presenter and lecturer on the subjects of mental health, philosophy, and both substance and screen addictions. Above all, Dr. Kardaras understands the effects of residential treatment for Technology Addiction is powerful and transformative for those seeking recovery.
Considered a leading expert on young people and digital addiction, he is the author of “Glow Kids” (St. Martin’s Press, 2016), the seminal book on the clinical, neurological and sociological aspects of Technology Addiction (Smart Phones, Video Games, Social Media, etc.) and has clinically worked with over 1,000 teens and young people during the last 15 years. He has been active in advocating that screen addiction be recognized as a clinical disorder akin to Substance Addiction. He understands the positive effects of residential treatment for Technology Addiction and has developed the most comprehensive recovery protocols to treat this emerging global problem. Dr. Kardaras is also the creator of Seahab, an intensive experiential form of Nature Immersion Therapy. Based on the very successful evidence-based principles of Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare (OBH), Seahab has proven to be very effective as an intensive intervention to help addicts shift out of self-destructive and toxic lifestyle patterns.
Maui Recovery’s Residential Treatment For Technology Addiction Works
With 15 years of treating and healing, the Maui Recovery family has learned to combine the best with the best in residential treatment for Technology Addiction. The combination of evidence-based treatments with powerful and transformative holistic and experimental therapies are used to treat the whole client. At Maui Recovery, our incredible staff members and family aim to help clients cope and realize the roots of their compulsive need for technology. By focusing on the sources of Technology Addiction, we are able to teach individuals experiencing compulsion that their need and anxiety is from a false place. At Maui Recovery we are the world’s only Hawaii residential treatment facility that uses Myth, Archetype, and “the Hero’s journey” as an intrinsic part of our recovery program. So often, the technology addicted person feels alone, lost, and devoid of a healthy sense of self or of a sense of purpose in their lives. But when they can finally begin to re-frame their experiences using the intrinsic power of archetypes such as the “hero’s journey”, they can then begin to understand and re-frame their thoughts. We also employ master-level clinicians that are trained to help guide each client through this “Hero’s Journey”–all while using the magical, mythical island of Maui as an essential element and ingredient in this transformative experience. What better place to find hope and yourself again WITHOUT TECHNOLOGY, than in paradise with incredible support. Maui Recovery maximizes the positive effects of residential treatment for Technology Addiction by walking each resident every step of the way with a supportive community.
