Today’s technology is eerily successful at helping anyone wanting to become fully immersed in their virtual reality at all times. There is always a screen to escape into, and we are still understanding the repercussions of such.Tech addiction treatment extends far beyond addressing the use of screens, and primarily focuses on the unhealthy emotional connection to the digital escape. It is startling to know that the average person in the United States spends approximately 10 hours and 39 minutes on technology devices each day. In comparison to our elders, that is a tremendous shift away from activities not involving technology. Is it a coincidence that depression and suicide rates are at an all time high? We think not. Which is why tech addiction treatment in Austin: breaking free from digital dependence should be considered of the utmost importance. Whether it is yourself, a loved one, a friend, or a co-worker you are concerned about- the time to act is Now in finding treatment.
What Can Be Classified As A Tech Addiction Today?
Addiction to technology is a relatively new phenomenon, but it is one of the fastest growing addictions that we have ever seen. Tech Addiction is an umbrella term that includes addictive behavior towards video gaming, social media, texting, gambling, eBay online auctioning, online shopping, online porn, cybersex, as well the overuse of smartphones. For someone to be classified as having a tech addiction, there are three criterias that need to be met: Compulsion, Inability, and Knowledge. The constant need, or compulsion, to use tech on an everyday basis and even during inappropriate times is the first criteria confirming tech addiction. When a person that uses technology knows the negative effects their tech use is having on their life, that is the second criteria. The inability to control a tech use compulsion, even after knowing the tech use is harmful is the third criteria needed to be met. Tech addiction left untreated can hurt relationships with others, negatively affect school and job performance, and take control over a person’s real life. Once classified, tech addiction treatment in Austin: breaking free from digital dependence is a must for anyone wanting to reclaim their life. Below are signs of tech addiction to watch out for, whether for yourself or a loved one.
Signs of Tech Addiction:
- Using technology immediately first thing upon waking up for the day.
- Anxious feelings if separated from a smart device or screen.
- Engaging with technology as a way to avoid conflict.
- Unable to control how much time is spent on smart devices that use technology.
- Lying about or hiding the extent of tech use.
- Spending more time interfacing with technology rather than pursuing other activities and responsibilities that were once enjoyed and necessary.
- Unacceptance that tech is anything more than a “lifestyle” choice.
- Continued problems over an extended period of time.
If you or someone you love is experiencing any or all of the tech addiction red-flags outlined above, seeking a professional opinion and/or diagnosis is necessary. At Omega Recovery, we also offer a Free Test to check whether any of the symptoms that are typical among persons with tech addiction are present. Our team at Omega Recovery know all too well the signs of tech addiction, and the repercussions of inaction in seeking treatment. Which is why we are more than happy to provide free tools for anyone wanting to find tech addiction treatment in Austin: breaking free from digital dependence.
The Different Forms Of Tech Addiction Treatment In Austin Used Today
While each tech addiction treatment in Austin facility will be different in their own right, most will provide the same forms of treatment for successful recovery. Conventional forms of treatment such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT, and Peer Recovery Coaching for example are commonly used for tech addiction. However, superior facilities such as Omega Recovery also provide holistic forms of tech addiction treatment such as Adventure Therapy, Nature Immersion, and Somatic Techniques. Knowing which forms or kinds of treatment a person struggling with overuse and obsession with their tech devices is key if success is to be had. For anyone that used to love activities and hobbies outdoors, a holistic facility will be best for treatment. However, if the person struggling with tech addiction does not enjoy being outside and rather enjoys creative activities indoors, a conventional treatment facility may be a better fit.
Tech Addiction Treatment In Austin: Breaking Free From Digital Dependence
Below are the different forms of tech addiction treatment that are offered and used at Omega Recovery in Austin, Texas. At Omega, we embrace treating the whole person rather than just the disorder. We believe that tech addiction treatment in Austin: breaking free from digital dependence is won by utilizing each and every resource and option possible. Just as each of us is different, so is the addiction and treatments necessary for life-long lasting success.
Motivational Interviewing – Based upon similar principles of experimental social psychology, MI practitioners see motivation as an interpersonal process as opposed to a personality trait. Essentially meaning motivation is a mindset that can be taught and encouraged. There are four key parts used with Motivational Interviewing:
- Engaging: Getting to know the client and establishing a trusting and respectful alliance.
- Focusing: Coming to a shared idea about the main focus of a client’s recovery.
- Evoking: Bringing out the client’s own arguments for change with their tech addiction.
- Planning:The client is willing and able to envision change and how they will manifest it.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy aims to change the maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from tech addiction into healthy and positive ones. CBT can provide step-by-step ways to stop compulsive behaviors and change perceptions about the tech devices and platforms someone is addicted to.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – Research has shown that DBT is effective in treating a wide range of disorders such as depression, PTSD, substance addiction, eating disorders, BPD, and tech addiction. DBT can help anyone seeking tech addiction treatment in Austin learn healthy coping mechanisms and improve emotional regulation. DBT can also help people reduce their use of interactive media by teaching them skills to identify high-risk situations and negative thoughts. Considered a transdiagnostic or modular treatment that primarily uses a skill-building approach that focuses on the development of four key skill modules.
- Mindfulness: Practices of being fully in the moment, full of awareness and appreciation. Putting aside judgment and attention to understand how others may feel during a situation. Or in other words, the practice of being fully aware and present in this one moment on all levels. This is especially important for anyone seeking tech addiction treatment in Austin: breaking free from digital dependence.
- Distress Tolerance: How to tolerate pain and find healthier ways during difficult situations that led to their unhealthy behaviors. Being able to successfully and effectively deal with short term and/or long term effects from tech addiction.
- Emotion Regulation: Identify unhealthy behaviors and implement coping mechanisms to help modify the negative emotions felt with tech addiction. Shifting decisions made from an emotional standpoint to a more mindful standpoint.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Ability to balance the wants and needs of a relationship while respecting boundaries and priorities. Such as how an individual asks for what they want and how they say no, while also maintaining self-respect and relationships with others.
Mindfulness Coaching – Mindfulness-based mental health education therapy effectively alleviates tech addiction and improves cognitive tendencies and mental health in people. Mindfulness coaching focuses on being present and aware in the moment, rather than just goals and outcomes. Mindfulness coaches help clients learn to be aware of their thoughts, emotions, and actions, and how to make choices about what they want from life.
Peer Recovery Coaching – In understanding options for tech addiction treatment in Austin, peer recovery coaching refers to a support system where individuals struggling with depression receive guidance and encouragement from a “peer”. Meaning a peer that is someone who has personally experienced and recovered from a disorder themselves. This allows the person to share their lived experience, coping strategies, and insights, to help others navigate their own recovery journey. In fact, at Omega Recovery we provide continuing care and support as clients transition throughout their tech addiciton journey with our Alumni program. Our dedicated alumni team reaches out to our former clients to keep in touch. From checking in regarding the status of their recovery, to inviting them to alumni events, or celebrating milestones in their journey. Our incredible community provides the genuine support and care a person may need with tech addiction treatment in Austin: breaking free from digital dependence.
Nature Immersion – A holistic approach that involves re-connecting a client with nature to boost overall mental and physical health, Nature Immersion is a powerful tool against tech addiction The premise focuses on people being outdoors and in the natural world. Nature Immersion can be powerful and transformative when the struggling person begins to understand the deeper significance of certain experiences without the use of their tech. Nature has been shown, in a multitude of studies, to be both beneficial and important for positive mental health. These studies have shown that as long as people feel safe, time spent in Nature is an antidote for stress. Nature Immersion can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. Nature Immersion can involve meditation, forest bathing, sound healing, and physical activities such as hiking.
Adventure Therapy – This type of therapy promotes rehabilitation, growth, development, and enhancement of an individual’s physical, social, and psychological well-being through the application of structured activities involving direct experience. Adventure therapy includes the use of activities supported by traditional therapy. Utilizing Adventure Therapy can improve a person’s mood, build confidence, and help the person form stronger relationships. This is especially supportive for anyone struggling with tech addiction, as oftentimes this form of addiction has made real person relationships very difficult and unfamiliar.
Outdoor Behavioral Health – There are three primary types of settings for receiving behavioral health treatment care or services- Hospital Inpatient, Residential, and Outpatient. Outdoor behavioral health therapy incorporates nature, no matter the setting or location. It often includes outdoor/nature based therapy with an emphasis on experiential techniques involving a sense of adventure, risk, and challenge. More often than not, adventure therapy takes place in group settings compared to 1:1, though both are common. Outdoor Behavioral Health treatment options are not often found in all tech addiction treatment centers in Austin. So it is imperative to research a potential facility as well as understand options they offer, from therapy to medication.
Yoga & Somatic Techniques – Yoga is a prime example of a somatic therapy that can be included as a holistic force with successful tech addiction treatment in Austin. Somatic therapy techniques help people develop a deeper understanding of their bodies and how their physical experiences relate to their emotions and psychology. Some techniques include breathwork, body-awareness, grounding, body-mind centering, and mindfulness. For anyone that understands and values the choice of both traditional and experimental forms of tech addiction treatment, a holistic facility may be the best choice.
Narrative Therapy & The Hero’s Journey – Also known as the ‘Hero’s Journey’, Narrative Therapy is a type of counseling approach that focuses on helping individuals understand and change their life stories. They can accomplish this by viewing problems as separate from themselves, allowing them to “reauthor” their narratives to highlight strengths and create a more positive self-image. A key technique used in narrative therapy is “externalization,” where the problem is given a name and separated from the person to gain perspective and empower change. The Hero’s Journey is a powerful form of tech addiction treatment in Austin; one that does not require technology what so-ever. The Hero’s Journey is an impactful form of tech addiction treatment in Austin: breaking free from digital dependence for good.
Receiving Tech Addiction Treatment In Austin From Omega Recovery
In the last 20 years, our society has radically shifted into the tech-immersed digital age. Technology can be a wonderful thing in some regards, and a very slippery slope in others. When a person becomes trapped in a life that revolves around their tech and smart devices- their psychological state deteriorates, interpersonal relationships evaporate, and suffering becomes the real reality. Many times a person who may already be struggling with underlying mental health issues may be more likely to escape into the warm seductive glow of their tech. At Omega Recovery, Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, one of the country’s foremost experts on treating tech addiction and the author of the best-selling book “Glow Kids”, has developed a comprehensive and immersive 8-week program. One designed to not only treat the tech addiction, but to also address any and all underlying issues that may be contributing to the tech addiction. For anyone seeking tech addiction treatment in Austin: breaking free from digital dependence, Omega Recovery is the place to be. We meaningfully engage our tech addicted 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). 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 reality of their digital escapism. For more information, visit our website https://omegarecovery.org/ or call us at (512) 601-5407.
