It’s no secret that we live in a digital world. With technology becoming more and more advanced, it’s hard to imagine living without it. The advancement of digital, consumer computers have lead to the largest productivity leap in human history since the Industrial Revolution. While there are unarguably many benefits to using technology, there is however a caveat: technology addiction. Today, technology addiction is in fact real, and being addicted to technology can have serious affects on your mental health. With the enhancement of life-like video games, the aggressive proliferation of digital social-media and the addictive quality of streaming services like Netflix; more Americans are being systematically hooked by big tech in the United States. Various software engineers in Silicon Valley for instance, have came forward admitting they are engineering social media to be more addictive: keeping our eyes glued to our digital screens for longer. It therefore comes as no surprise that Technology Addiction is on the rise in the United States and throughout the world. Now, in the 21st century: it’s important to recognize the signs of technology addiction, and how to find treatment.
How Common Is Technology Addiction?
Although technology addiction is a relatively new phenomenon: it is one of the fastest growing addictions we have ever seen in America. In fact, the typical American spends around 10 hours and 39 minutes on tech devices each day! Technology addiction however is an umbrella term for addictive behaviors towards:
- Texting
- Video Gaming
- Social Media
- Digital Gambling
- Cybersex / Online Porn
- Overuse on Smartphones
Technology addiction treatment involves a digital detox period where the patient is removed from all non-essential digital stimuli. According to Dr. Kardaras at Omega Recovery in Austin, TX: during this digital detox period “the real work of self-discovery and long-term recovery occur.” Technology addiction treatment therapists in the United States are certified by the NIDHW (National Institute for Digital Health and Wellness). At Omega Recovery Dr. Nicholas Kardaras’s technology addiction treatment program uses the following psycho-dynamic treatments:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Peer Recovery Coaching
- Nature Immersion
- Outdoor Behavioral Health
- Narrative Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Yoga and Somatic Techniques
What Happens When You’re Addicted to Technology?
Being addicted to technology has similar effects on our brain chemistry to that of drug addiction. When we constantly use technology, our brains are releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. This release of dopamine is what gives us that “satisfied” feeling when we’re using our favorite app or playing our favorite video game. Over time, the brain becomes more tolerant to dopamine, and requires more dopamine in order to feel the same level of pleasure. This leads to users needing to spend more time on their devices in order to get the same “high.” Although affinity towards digital entertainment is commonly normal; technology addiction may arise if an individual is using technology as a coping mechanism to avoid problems and avoid life’s responsibilities. Technology addiction starts to affect one’s life once they start completely neglecting their life’s responsibilities, not taking care of their body and mind: using technology or digital entertainment to escape all their problems they haven’t been facing for a long time. This usually happens very gradually overtime and if the individual is addicted to technology long enough, they may be in need of a technology treatment program provided by trained technology addiction treatment professionals. Just like with any other addiction; technology addiction can lead to serious problems in one’s life, both mentally and physically.
You might be addicted to technology if you engage in the following behaviors:
- Using technology immediately when waking up
- Engaging with technology as a way to avoid conflict
- Inability to control how much time is spent on tech devices
- neglecting responsibilities while spending more time on technology
If you suspect you or a loved one is addicted to technology you can take a technology addiction quiz designed by our licensed technology addiction treatment specialists at Omega Recovery in Austin Texas.
Omega Recovery Offers Various Technology Addiction Treatments!
At Omega Recovery in Austin, Texas we’ve been helping people recover with various addictions for years, and many more to come. Our fully licensed technology addiction treatment program in Austin Texas is well established, and our highly trained staff are passionate about helping people recover from various technology addictions. We offer a variety of specialized technology treatment options:
- Phone Addiction Treatment
- Online Gambling Addiction Treatment
- Online Pornography Addiction Treatment
- Screen Addiction Treatment
- Social Media Addiction Treatment
- Video Game Addiction Treatment
Omega Recovery’s technology addiction treatment program in Austin is unique because we offer a combination of traditional and holistic approaches to helping people recover. Our highly trained staff use experience and knowledge to provide the best possible care for our clients. We understand that each person is unique and requires a unique approach to recovery. Dr. Kardaras at Omega Recovery believes in treating the underlying cause of addiction that may have lead you or someone you know to addiction. We have already paved the way to recovery with many patients who once suffered from technology addiction.
Why Choose Omega Recovery In Austin For Technology Addiction Treatment?
Omega Recovery in Austin offers various outpatient programs, inpatient programs and even partial hospitalizations for various addictions. Dr. Nicholas Kardaras has helped thousands over the course of at least 20 years with their mental health problems that originally lead them to addiction. Our technology addiction treatment in Austin is unparalleled! It’s no coincidence that Omega Recovery’s technology addiction program is fully licensed in the United States by the National Institute for Digital Health and Wellness. Our certified technology addiction program in Austin may assist you or a loved one getting back to their life as it once was at a time before addiction. If you require a living situation we also offer housing for our patients.
Contact Us Today to Learn More!
If you or a loved one may be suffering from technology addiction: don’t hesitate any longer to reach out. At Omega Recovery we offer the best certified technology addiction treatment program in Austin. If you or a loved one doesn’t live in or near Austin you are more than welcome to ask us about our inpatient living accommodation.
Phone: (512) 601-5407
Email: intake@omegarecovery.org
