Technology Addiction may be, in fact thanks to the recent pandemic, the addiction epidemic of this millennium. Technology combined with the use of the internet offers an escape for individuals from the pain, stress, and loneliness in their own life. A place of mental fixation that provides comfort and entertainment at the touch of a screen. For those suffering from extreme addiction and dependence, going offline can be unthinkable let alone attainable. Surfing the web, sending emails, playing video games, checking Social Media, watching YouTube, watching online porn, and smartphone usage may be the norm today. However, these are now acknowledged as more than just everyday rituals and even unhealthy obsessions for many folks. And in some cases, they can be debilitating addictions and clinical disorders that have ruined peoples relationships and lives. 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. So many young people are struggling with this issue, yet there are so few therapy options. While countries like South Korea have over 400 Technology Addiction Recovery Centers, here in the United States they are extremely limited.
Thankfully though, treatment from the ultimate technology addiction recovery center in paradise can be found within the United States. Maui Recovery, for example, provides both traditional and unique therapies to treat the whole client for successful relief from technology addiction. There is even a dedicated specialized program available to effectively treat the issues of technology and blue screen addictions. Dr. Kardaras, the Co-CEO and Chief Clinical Officer of Maui Recovery, is considered one of the world’s leading experts on digital addiction (social media, video games, smart phones, etc.) and its treatment. He is the author of “Glow Kids” (St. Martin’s Press, 2016), the seminal book on the clinical, neurological and sociological aspects of digital/technology addiction. And with close experience of the last 10 years, he has clinically worked with hundreds of young people struggling with this issue. Further exploring the different kinds of technology addiction that are seen today, can give a better idea to anyone wanting to address a problem within themselves or a loved one.
Examples Of Different Forms Of Technology Addiction
Smartphone Addiction – With technology and all it’s wondrous forms and devices prevalent today, many consumers that indulge struggle to differentiate the online world from the real one. According to Pew Research Center; the vast majority of Americans – 97% – now own a cellphone of some kind. The share of Americans that own a smartphone is now 85%, up from just 35% in Pew Research Center’s first survey of smartphone ownership conducted in 2011. Smartphones are useful for almost everything in today’s world- from connecting with others, online banking and shopping, to entertainment throughout the day. But this convenience it seems now may come with a heavy cost. Children, most vulnerable, could be “stunting their own creative abilities” by constantly turning on and tuning in. Young users are easily forming compulsion and technology addiction as seen today. Looking at another study of 216 kids- results showed that 30 percent of internet users showed signs of depression and that the depressed kids were the most intense web users. There are even brain-imaging studies of the effects of screen time, as stated in the study conducted. According to a study from Dr. Jean M. Twenge, teens are 74 percent more likely to have trouble sleeping and twice as likely to see a professional for mental health issues than their 1980s counterparts. Finding the ultimate technology addiction recovery center in paradise for smartphone addiction is a wise step in the right direction. Research has now shown that smartphone addiction, and other forms of technology addiction, can neurologically damage developing brains. In profound treatment, as offered by Maui Recovery for example, focusing on the sources of the anxiety and unhappiness instead can make great changes. Experienced technology addiction recovery centers can teach clients that they can walk away from bad habits. That they no longer need the Internet to feel whole, it was always from within.
Social Media Addiction – Scrolling through and checking social media accounts has become an increasingly popular activity over the last decade. Although most people and their use of social media is non-problematic and recreational, there is an increasing percentage of users that form a technology addiction related thru social media. Or in other words, people who compulsively engage in social networking sites on an hourly, if not minutely basis. Social media addiction is a behavioral addiction that is characterized as being overly concerned about social media, driven by an uncontrollable urge to log on to or use social media platforms. Therefore, devoting so much time and effort to social media that it impairs other important life areas and obligations. Although addiction may not be an official term in the United States, not yet anyway, this serious compulsion does indeed exist.
Video Game Addiction – “Are We Still in The Game?” Those 6 words were asked of Dr. K almost 10 years ago by a delusional and confused teenager. 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 technology has on children and adults. Thanks to technology today, the different consoles and options to play video games online today are endless. Whether at home, school, or on a plane- playing video game play time is available. Seeking the ultimate technology addiction recovery center in paradise literally takes the client away from technology and immerses them back into the real world. Nature has a wonderful way of connecting us back to our core self, where technology addiction has no grounds to stand dominant.
Online Gambling Addiction – The ultimate technology addiction recovery center in paradise is no stranger to clients with online gambling addiction. The compulsive need to gamble whether on a phone, computer, or video device at a street bar is one that can take a dangerous toll. Technology has provided the backdrop for endless options to experience gambling, where it was once only experienced at the race track or casino before. An online gambling addiction is just as serious as a drug or alcohol addiction, in that the person’s world can come crashing down at any moment. There are many signs that can signal whether you or a loved one have a problem with online gambling, and more importantly a true addiction. Including; a constant desire and need to gamble, troubles stopping win or lose, being very secretive, financial hardships, having anxiety when not online gambling, and complete disregard for obligations and relationships.
A Digital Detox From The Ultimate Technology Addiction Recovery Center In Paradise
A digital detox is known as a time during which one significantly reduces or eliminates the time spent from using electronic devices such as computers and smartphones. Small steps such as turning off notifications, limiting time on sites specifically, or disconnecting for periods of the day are a start. Some examples of disconnection would be keeping devices out of the bedroom while sleeping or turning them off while eating meals. These steps will allow more restored focus on real time social interaction with family, friends, co-workers, or even strangers. It also reduces dependency on social media and networking sites for interaction and communication, creating more awareness in the physical world. By focusing on the sources of anxiety and unhappiness, the ultimate technology addiction recovery center in paradise reconnects the client from within. Walking away from bad habits is the focus, with knowing that they no longer need the addictive glow of the screen to feel whole.
