Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, an expert in technology addictions and screen addiction symptoms, makes the argument that technology has had a significant negative impact on our brains. Recent brain imaging research shows that glowing screens are as dopaminergic (dopamine activating) to the brain’s pleasure center as sex. Furthermore, a growing body of clinical evidence links screen technology to illnesses such as ADHD, addiction, anxiety, depression, increased aggressiveness, and even psychosis.
“Unfortunately, it seems that we, as a society, have entered into a Faustian deal. Yes, we have these amazing handheld marvels of the digital age – tablets and smartphones – miraculous glowing devices that connect people throughout the globe and can literally access the sum of all human knowledge in the palm of our hand. But what is the price of all this future tech? The psyche and soul of an entire generation. The sad truth is that for the oh-so-satisfying ease, comfort, and titillation of these jewels of the modern age, we’ve unwittingly thrown an entire generation under the virtual bus.” says Dr. Kardaras.
Are you noticing the signs and symptoms of screen addiction right in front of you?
Have you noticed that when you are at the coffee shop, or the store that it is much quieter? Ever stopped to wonder why? Maybe you have been to a restaurant lately and seen teenagers and adults starring hypnotically into their digital screens? These are the common symptoms of screen addiction seen throughout the nation.
The answer is simple: according to centerforparentingeducation.org, people between the ages of 8 and 28 are spending about 44.5 hours each week in front of digital screens. This means that people are less interested in having those face-to-face interactions because their eyes are glued, and their brains plugged into the screens in front of them.
While we must acknowledge that there have been amazing advancements in technology, we must also admit that we now have 61% of all internet user’s dependent on the screens and losing the communication and interaction skills that they once held.
Screen addiction treatment is not something to be taken lightly, the results are amazing and have shown to decrease the amount of mental health and behavioral problems that people can develop when they are trapped behind the glowing screen of technology.
Does Screen Time create destruction?
While screen addiction symptoms and signs can differ by individual, there is one thing that has been found throughout everyone who does not receive screen addiction treatment, destruction.
Internal destruction occurs when the individual does not receive proper treatment and can no longer seem to function without screens. The need for the screens has become astronomical and they no longer see a way to function without it. This can cause depression, anxiety, and they may even start to threaten those around them with suicide.
External destruction occurs when the individual is not receiving what they feel they need from the screen. Nothing will have changed in their routine, but they will feel like they always need more. Yelling, throwing things, and even breaking things can occur as behavioral problems are prone to those who do not receive any treatment or address the issues that screen addiction treatment does.
According to common sense media, children ages 2 to 8 are on average looking at a screen for an hour a day. When it comes to tweens and teens, two-thirds of parents believe that their child needs screen addiction help. The hard truth is that screen addiction does not discriminate against anyone. Experts believe that 210 million individuals worldwide are addicted to the internet.
What is the process for screen addiction help?
The first step in a screen addiction treatment program is for the individual to not only realize that they are struggling with an addiction but to admit it. Unhooking themselves from the hold of the glowing device is going to come from no other place than taking off the “love goggles” that they have for the screen and seeing it for what it honestly has become- an unhealthy and uncontrolled habit. The second step is to be willingness to change the way that they have become accustomed to living their life. The want to change must be present to successfully walk the path to recovery.
Dr. Nicholas Kardaras designed the Omega Recovery screen addiction therapy and treatment program, which is a thorough and intensive 8-week program.
Dr. Nicholas Kardaras is one of the country’s leading experts when it comes to screen addiction. He knows the effects that it has on the individual and their family and has taken into consideration all the underlying conditions that could have contributed to this addiction as well. He has been active in advocating that screen addiction be recognized as a clinical disorder akin to substance addiction and has developed the most comprehensive treatment protocols to treat this emerging global problem.
A digital detox will play a big role in the recovery process. Many people start to see their device as a “safety blanket” and have forgotten how to complete daily tasks without-it.
Our certified counselors work with the individual to dig deep and figure out the underlying causes of the addiction. So we can better understand the thoughts and feelings of the individual. To come up with a treatment plan we must be able to understand why this happened in the first place.
Get Help Today
Here at Omega Recovery, we help the individual engage in a community that promotes healing, kindness, and positivity. We include physical exercise and nature immersion into the screen addiction treatment program so clients can experience overall healing.
We believe in providing the individual and their family the answers that they have been searching for. Helping to implement coping mechanisms to help break the negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are now in their lives.
It is never too late to get help and be on the lookout for screen addiction symptoms.
Screen addiction treatment in Austin, TX can start as soon as you decide the glow is no longer for you. Take the leap of faith in yourself and contact us today. We can be reached by phone at (512) 601-5407 or feel free to send an e-mail at: intake@omegarecovery.org.
Want to read more before contacting us? Visit our screen addiction treatment page here: Screen Addiction Treatment
