Technology addiction is common, but it’s not talked about enough. It can take different forms. Some people with tech addiction struggle with excessive social media use. Others battle excessive gaming, online shopping, virtual gambling, or problematic use of online pornography. No matter what form it takes, recognizing that you have a problem is something to be proud of. If you’re wondering how to break tech addiction, Northstar Recovery Center can help.
Summary: Tech addiction is a behavioral addiction. It can take different forms and seriously affect your quality of life. Therapy can help you break free from tech addiction.
How to Break Tech Addiction
Therapy is an ideal solution for individuals and families wondering how to break tech addiction. Treatment for tech addiction can involve a number of different approaches. Often, these include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you recognize and change thought patterns and associated behaviors that feed into technology addiction. For example, a therapist using CBT may help you challenge urges to use social media and make gradual, manageable behavioral changes to reduce your tech use (e.g., not using technology during certain times of the day).
- Motivational therapy. Motivational therapies help people find motivation to overcome tech addiction. For example, a therapist using motivational interviewing may guide you through activities that help you identify your values and reflect on how they do not align with your current patterns of technology use.
- Mindfulness techniques. Mindfulness-based interventions and strategies can serve as coping skills and help you overcome urges to use technology.
It takes sustained effort and time to break tech addiction. Having support and guidance from treatment professionals matters.
Breaking Tech Addiction – How Northstar Helps
Breaking tech addiction is possible. As for how Northstar helps, we are proud to offer:
Addiction Treatment In Massachusetts
Northstar Recovery Center provides effective addiction treatment in Massachusetts. We offer flexible outpatient programs, ranging from options that meet six days per week for most of the day (day treatment) to our intensive outpatient program, which meets three hours per treatment day, to ongoing aftercare and outpatient support. Programs generally include groups, at least once-weekly individual therapy, and, if possible, family therapy sessions.
Our team uses the most evidence-based treatments for addiction (including tech addiction). This includes behavioral therapies, motivational therapies, 12-step, mindfulness, niche recovery groups, and supportive treatments. While we do treat substance use disorders, we are also equipped to help you or your loved one break tech addiction. We can help you:
- Create and strengthen new, healthy routines.
- Learn coping skills for technology withdrawal, triggers, and daily life stressors.
- Find motivation to overcome technology addiction.
- Improve interpersonal skills and relationships.
- Address concerns like low self-esteem.
Everyone comes to treatment with different goals. We’ll help you set and work toward yours. All Northstar Recovery Center clients receive personalized care plans designed to meet their unique, comprehensive needs.
Mental Health Treatment In Massachusetts
Many people with tech addiction have one or more additional co-occurring mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression. Notably, tech addiction can make conditions like anxiety and depression worse. Treatment for co-occurring mental health concerns (if applicable) is strongly recommended for people with tech addiction.
Northstar Recovery Center provides mental health treatment in Massachusetts. We use a personalized, integrated approach that addresses each client’s full spectrum of mental health needs simultaneously to support the best treatment outcomes.
Whether you’re looking for treatment for tech addiction only, have a co-occurring mental health concern or substance use disorder, or suspect that you might be struggling with addiction or mental health, the Northstar Recovery Center team is here to help.
Call Northstar to Learn More About How to Break Tech Addiction
Northstar Recovery Center is a mental health and addiction treatment provider in Massachusetts. We have two in-person locations: one in West Springfield and the other in Southborough. Online and hybrid treatment options are also available. We take a compassionate, personable, and trauma-informed approach to treating tech addiction and other concerns. Call Northstar to learn more about how to break tech addiction today at (833) 853-8153.
FAQs
What are the signs and symptoms of tech addiction?
The signs and symptoms of tech addiction can vary from person to person. Common signs and symptoms of tech addiction include:
- Emotional withdrawal symptoms (e.g., irritability, anxiety, or sadness) when unable to use technology
- Needing to use technology more than before to achieve the same satisfaction
- Spending a great deal of time thinking about or engaging with technology
- Neglecting responsibilities, relationships, or self-care due to technology use
- Physical symptoms (e.g., headaches, disturbed sleep, eye strain)
- Lying about how much or how often you use technology
- Inability to cut down on technology use
Some signs may differ based on the form of tech addiction. For example, social media addiction often comes with excessive checking of apps or devices. Tech addiction is not synonymous with excessive tech use, though this can be part of it. It comes with additional symptoms.
Is tech addiction treatment covered by insurance?
Yes. Your insurance plan should help you cover tech addiction treatment. Northstar Recovery Center takes most forms of insurance. You can verify your benefits for tech addiction treatment at Northstar online or by phone.
Are there support groups for people with tech addiction?
Yes, 12-step groups (such as Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous) and alternatives like SMART Recovery are free support group options that may be suitable for people affected by tech addiction.
What causes tech addiction?
Largely, tech addiction is attributed to a combination of psychological, social, and environmental factors. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Social isolation, loneliness, or lack of in-person social interaction.
- Preexisting mental or behavioral health concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
- Accessibility (constant or near-constant access to technology).
- Peer pressure.
Technology is largely designed to trigger the release of dopamine. For example, getting likes on a social media app can cause feel-good chemicals to be released, as can online bidding or gambling. This creates reward-seeking behavior, similar to substances.
How many people have tech addiction?
It’s estimated that about 6 percent of people are addicted to the internet.
Who develops tech addiction?
Anyone can develop tech addiction. However, some people, such as adolescents and people with underlying mental health conditions, are at a greater risk.
Resources
https://mhanational.org/resources/risky-business-internet-addiction/
