Technology simplifies our lives. People have easy access to the internet, social media apps, games, and texting, to name a few. Smartphones and other digital devices conveniently connect us to family, friends, and information. Some people use these devices for work, getting directions to a different location, and sharing photos. While there are many advantages to having technology, there is a dark side to the use of technology. Some people are becoming addicted to using their devices.
The Fort Behavioral Health team is ready to help. We can ease your dependence on technology and improve your quality of life.
Addictive Behavior
As with addiction to drugs and alcohol, addictive behavior changes normal brain activity. The addictive behavior triggers a release of dopamine to promote the pleasurable experience activating this chemical release. Over time, more and more of the activity is required to induce the same pleasurable response, creating a dependency. (Christina Gregory, Ph.D., PSYCOM, 2019). The most commonly identified categories of technology addiction include gaming, social networking, email, blogging, online shopping, and inappropriate Internet pornography use.
Although digital technology connects everyone to everything, it disconnects us from the real world. People are losing in-person human connections and real-life relationships due to the excessive use of technology. Addictive behavior interferes with important relationships and the way a person interacts with others.
Technology and Social Media
Addiction to screen time and technology can lead to problems with productivity. Addiction affects a person’s job performance and can result in job loss. Many people are not allowed to use any personal device at work. But, a person with an addiction to using technology or a smartphone will find ways to check social media updates despite restrictions.
Sean Parker, the founding president of Facebook, talked about what Facebook might be doing to children’s brains. He stated, “The thought process that went into building these applications, Facebook being the first of them, … was all about: ‘How do we consume as much of your time and conscious attention as possible?'” He then explained, “And that means that we need to sort of give you a little dopamine hit every once in a while because someone liked or commented on a photo or a post or whatever.” (Mike Allen, Axios, 2017).
Just like other addictions, people with technology addiction will feel discomfort when weaning themselves from addictive behavior. Technology contributes to continuous partial attention, limiting an individual’s ability to focus, and distracting people from reality.
Treatment Is Available
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or addictive behavior, you are not alone. Addiction is isolating, but treatment is available, and there is hope in recovery. Take the first step to a healthy and fulfilling life and get help today.
Fort Behavioral Health can provide medically supervised detox, as well as residential programs for men and women alike. Our programs are abstinence-based and combine a 12-step approach with a strong mental health component, integrating cutting-edge techniques such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- EMDR therapy program
- Somatic experiencing program
- Motivational interviewing program
Get Help for Your Technology Addiction Today with Fort Behavioral Health
When used properly, technology can be convenient and helpful. However, indulging in too much screen time or never putting down your smartphone can be a powerful addiction to overcome, especially on your own. That’s where the outstanding team at Fort Behavioral Health can help. We understand that any form of addiction can disrupt your life, and we have the tools to help you end your overuse of technology.
For more information about our addiction treatment programs or to start your healing journey, call 844.332.1807 or fill out a contact request form. One of our recovery experts will connect with you shortly.
