Social media has slowly (and yes, we said slowly) become one of the most powerful ways for people to communicate, advertise, and connect in today’s world. Believe or not, the first ever ‘social media’ platform started was SixDegrees, launched in 1997. SixDegrees laid the groundwork for future social media platforms by introducing the concept of online social networking and personal sharing. However, ironically it was shut down in 2001 due to financial difficulties from a lack of traction. Fast-forward to 2024, and social media success couldn’t be farther from SixDegrees fate. Not only is social media a staple in some peoples everyday life, it has become a concern of obsession for many people struggling with addiction from it. What can start as something to find enjoyment and connection, can sometimes lead to over-use and addiction if left out of balance. Social media addiction treatments: getting started with professional help is the best choice you can make for yourself or a loved one once addiction concerns arise. With time being of the essence.
When social media use has progressed to a point where it is affecting a person’s sleep, appetite, work, personal life, and health, then seeking professional help is imperative. In fact, a primary care doctor or healthcare provider will almost always have their patient start with therapy to start. While it may be more obvious to those close to a person struggling with social media addiction, a professional opinion and diagnosis is best practices. This is especially true for anyone that would prefer to have social media addiction treatments costs covered by their insurance plans and policies. (If applicable, be sure to investigate which social media addiction treatments and facilities would be covered by your insurance.) Treatment for social media addiction may include inpatient or outpatient therapy programs that focus on both behavioral addiction and mental health. These treatments most often involve cognitive behavioral therapy to address the issues underlying the addiction and can include group therapy to provide social support. Professionals with experience and expertise in addiction are the best choice for anyone needing serious help and successful treatment.
What Exactly Is Social Media Addiction?
Over the last decade, using social media has become increasingly common practice by people of all ages. While the majority of people’s use of social media is unproblematic, a small percentage of users become addicted to them and use them in an unhealthy or compulsive manner. In fact, some experts estimate up to 10 percent of people in the United States require social media addiction treatment. However, due to how common social media use is in general, the number of those who have social media addiction may be even higher. Social media addiction is defined as compulsive and excessive use of social media platforms. The most common platforms abused include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Tumblr, and Snapchat for example. The list of other platforms goes on, and there inevitably will be even more as this era of online dominance grows even wider and therefore stronger. Social Media Addictions are the use of such platforms when real life and relationships are being impacted and severed in a negative way. It is advised that social media addiction treatments are necessary for anyone showing these troubling signs of potential addiction:
Signs of Social Media Addiction:
- Checking social media account(s) first thing in the morning.
- Constantly checking social media during the work day both on and off the clock.
- Feelings of anxiety arise when unable to check a social media account.
- Obsessive checking of how any posts perform on social media platforms.
- Increasing amount of time overthinking and planning out posts, comments, videos, shares, and interactions online.
- Feelings of depression and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. This is especially true for activities and interests found offline, or without the involvement of social media.
While the above signs can indicate that there is a potential for addiction to social media apps, the signs are not limited to what is stated above. Each person is unique, and so are their personal habits, personality, and interests in life. For anyone that is struggling with finding joy in their life, taking a deeper look into their daily habits can give insight if social media use is impacting their mental health. For anyone concerned about a loved one that is potentially struggling with social media addiction, paying attention closely to their behaviors can help determine if intervention is needed. Social media addiction treatments: getting started with professional help is absolutely needed for anyone finding a loss of joy and purpose in life without their tech.
Our experienced and professional team at Omega Recovery know all too well the indicating signs of serious social media addiction. At Omega Recovery, Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, one of the country’s foremost experts on treating social media addiction. He is the author of the best-selling book “Glow Kids” and has developed a comprehensive and immersive 8-week program designed to not only treat social media addiction, but to also address any and all underlying issues that may be contributing to the addiction. Many social media addicts struggle with self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, substance use, low resilience, shame, trauma…oftentimes they struggle to find real purpose and meaning in their lives. Omega Recovery provides the support and clarity needed for anyone addressing social media addictions in their life.
Why Getting Started With Professional Help Is The Best Course Of Action
Professional help is crucial for addiction because it provides a structured and supportive environment with specialized expertise to address the complex psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction. Professional support can include helping addicted individuals identify triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and increase their chances of successful recovery that is long-term. Recovery from addiction is often a tall order for anyone to achieve alone, and is one of the hardest but most rewarding journeys. Which is why seeking social media addiction treatments: getting started with professional help is a great start in the right direction. Professionals have the knowledge and experience to guide individuals through the emotional challenges of recovery, and create a comprehensive treatment plan that works. Below are the benefits that come with choosing professional help for social media addiction.
Professionals Understand Addiction Complexity: Addiction specialists and professionals have in-depth knowledge of brain chemistry, psychological factors, and social influences that contribute to addiction. This understanding allows professionals to suggest social media addiction treatments that are tailored specifically to the individual and their addiction. Having professional help through the journey of recovery from addiction is undoubtedly a huge advantage, no matter the type of addiction.
Correctly Addressing Co-Occuring Disorders: Social media addiction often co-occurs with other mental health conditions like anxiety, low self-esteem, or depression. Utilizing social media addiction treatments: getting started with professional help can allow someone to address other conditions simultaneously through therapy. Of course, a person can self diagnose which disorders seem tied to the addiction themselves or whomever they are concerned about. However, addressing underlying mental health issues is best to be left to a professional who has studied such areas and has expertise. This allows the best treatment possible for a person, and encourages a better recovery outcome when diagnosed correctly.
Properly Identifying Triggers: Professional therapists can help individuals identify situations, emotions, and people that trigger their addictive behaviors. Triggers are not foreign territory to any therapist that works in social media addiction treatments. Triggers that support the unhealthy addiction are often unseen by the person who responds to them unknowingly. Having a strong professional support team can give light to areas of behavior that need attention.
Providing Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Professional therapists can help individuals develop healthy coping strategies to manage any triggers and unhealthy habits they find their clients to have. Replacing unhealthy coping mechanisms (such as doom scrolling when feeling depressed) with healthy ones (such as going outside for a walk, or journaling) is an example. Professionals have an extensive knowledge of how to form health coping mechanisms to replace any that instigated the social media addiction in the first place.
Structured Social Media Addiction Treatments: Professional social media addiction centers provide a structured environment that is supportive to successful recovery. Whether it be with therapy sessions, support groups, or medication management- structured therapy often provides a better flow for patients. Structured social media addiction treatments help individuals stay focused on their recovery path, leaving less room to become distracted or overwhelmed.
Successful Family Involvement: While social media addiction can gravely affect an individual’s life, it is not the person struggling that is solely affected. Addiction impacts family relationships and dynamics, with sometimes the family members being the triggers. For someone struggling with addiction, bringing family members in the recovery process can be difficult to navigate. Having a professional therapist can provide a bridge for family counseling to support loved ones and improve communication.
Strategies For Relapse Prevention: Relapse after social media addiction treatments is not uncommon. Our society has drastically changed into one found online, that regularly uses social media platforms to communicate. Having professional help can teach relapse prevention techniques, including identifying warning signs, developing crisis plans, and managing online cravings is a strong advantage. One that can be the difference between relapse and successful recovery that is ongoing.
Better Long-Term Success: Studies show that individuals who seek professional help for addiction have a significantly higher chance of achieving lasting recovery compared to those who try to heal on their own. And it makes sense. Professionals that treat addiction often come from a passion and deep place within to help others. The tremendous amount of research, schooling, and experience dedication are a gift to be had by anyone seeking real recovery. Utilizing social media addiction treatments: getting started with professional help gives someone a much better chance at long-term success in kicking social media abuse to the curb for good.
Utilizing Social Media Addiction Treatments: Getting Started With Professional Help
Whether for yourself or someone you love, taking charge of an unhealthy addiction with professional help is the best choice you could make. By utilizing social media addiction treatments alongside the aid of professional support, you combine the best of both worlds for successful recovery. Getting started with professional help means researching and seeking the best qualified support to help you or a loved one on their journey of recovery. Professional therapists have the background, knowledge, and experience to correctly identify and treat social media addiction. It is especially true in today’s world that you get what you pay for. And in this case, you get what you seek. Omega Recovery in Austin Texas is one of the best options a person can choose in kicking social media addiction offline for good. Our founder, Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, is one of the country’s foremost experts on treating social media addiction. He is the author of the best-selling book “Glow Kids” and has developed a comprehensive and immersive 8-week program designed uniquely. One that not only treats social media addiction, but also will address any and all underlying issues that may be contributing to the addiction.
Omega Recovery’s Approach
At Omega Recovery, we make receiving social media addiction treatments: getting started with professional help a powerful journey. One that has the capacity to bring joy back into a person’s life without the need of any social media platforms. We meaningfully engage our social media addiction clients and connect them to caring, well-trained masters-level therapists trained by Dr. Kardaras and certified by the NIDHW (National Institute for Digital Health and Wellness). Yes, there is a digital detox period, but during that digital detox, the real work of self-discovery and long-term recovery can occur. In fact, our Digital Detox is a transformative program designed to help individuals break free from the grip of digital overuse and addiction. By combining therapy, mindfulness practices, and outdoor activities we provide a unique holistic approach. One where participants are guided towards regaining control over their digital habits, improving mental health, and rediscovering the joy of living in the moment. Clients begin to do the underlying psychodynamic work so that they can build a stronger and more empowered sense of their own identity—without the counterfeit social connection of “social” media. Our team is dedicated to each of our clients, every step of the way. For more information visit our website https://omegarecovery.org/ or call us at
