Electronic devices keep us more connected and more productive than ever. Many of us know the rush of anxiety when we think we’ve misplaced our phone and would be hard pressed to go a whole day without it, given how much we rely on them for communication, entertainment, and information. We are surrounded by ever-advancing technology, and you might be surprised to learn that people—especially young people—can develop a reliance on these technologies to the point of electronic addiction. Keep reading to learn more about electronic addiction and the benefits of electronic addiction treatment.
Do you know a child or teenager who may be living with electronic addiction? Is their attachment to their device getting in the way of their interactions with others or with the real world? Venture Academy can help! With two scenic campuses in Red Deer, AB, and Barrie, ON, Venture Academy has a proven track record of helping teens overcome their electronic addiction. Call Venture Academy at 866.762.2211 or fill out our short, secure contact form; our team is ready to discuss our programme options with you and get your teen the help they need.
The Signs of Electronic Addiction
What’s the difference between normal electronic use and electronic addiction? Could you just be overreacting when you think about your teen’s absorption in online games and social media or about their seemingly excessive screen time? Electronic addiction displays a variety of tell-tale behaviours that indicate a person’s technology use has become a problem. Like other addictions, electronic addiction alters brain chemistry and can develop the same types of neural pathways seen in drug or alcohol dependence. In this way, electronic addiction creates the same physical reliance on devices that a person confronting substance abuse may feel on drugs or alcohol. Problems with appetite or sleep may arise, especially if someone stays up late on their phone or computer. Young people suffering from electronic addiction might not be able to take control of their screen time and may feel anxious or depressed when they can’t access their devices, games, or social media platforms. They may lose interest in their relationships, their responsibilities, or the other activities they previously enjoyed. Like drugs or alcohol, simply taking away the source of a person’s addiction could be harmful, and withdrawal and recovery should be managed with care and thoughtfulness. By enrolling in a proven electronic addiction treatment programme, a client will reap the benefits of recovery for years to come.
Unexpected Benefits of Electronic Addiction Treatment
As with substance or alcohol abuse, electronic addiction can offer an escape from the pressures of everyday life, often at the expense of physical and mental health. But, by learning to break these habits and manage their relationship with technology, a person can enjoy benefits of recovery that extend well beyond their physical and mental well-being.
#1: Managing Electronic Addiction Withdrawal Under Supervision
A person may suffer withdrawal when the internet, games, or electronic devices are inaccessible. As with substance abuse and addiction, withdrawal can be difficult to confront alone. Symptoms may be similar to the psychological symptoms common to withdrawal from drugs or alcohol, including depression, agitation, abrupt or violent mood swings, and a compulsion to seek out stimuli from electronics. Through therapy, clients can navigate the challenges of withdrawal with guidance on managing their emotions and impulses, giving them a stronger foundation for long-term recovery.
#2: Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders
In many cases, electronic addiction is accompanied (or exacerbated) by other disorders, including substance abuse, mental illness, or eating disorders. In a dual-diagnosis context, these multiple problems are addressed concurrently so that a client may learn to manage these multifactorial disorders.
#3: Restoration of Physical Health
Electronic addiction does not just take a toll psychologically. Electronic addiction has many physical ramifications, including but not limited to insomnia, vision problems, back or neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, poor hygiene, or significant weight loss or weight gain due to poor nutrition. By addressing electronic addiction and the stressors that exacerbate it, people will regain control over their physical health.
#4: Regaining Healthy Relationships
Electronic addiction can take a toll on a person’s finances and relationships. A person may self-isolate further and further as their dependence grows. They may use deception to try to hide how much time and energy they spend feeding their addiction. Accordingly, these habits can have a negative impact on their personal or professional life. Electronic addiction treatment can be an avenue for people to repair these relationships and find renewed meaning in them.
#5: Balanced and Responsible Use of Electronics and Technology
When in recovery from substance abuse and addiction, the assumption often is that a person will no longer use drugs or alcohol as a major strategy for avoiding a relapse. But, in our profoundly connected world, this is not a realistic outcome. Instead, electronic addiction treatment will give a person tools for managing their electronic use responsibly and recognising the stressors that contribute to their sense of dependence on these devices.
Check Out Venture Academy’s Treatment Programmes for Electronic Addiction Today
Consider if you or someone you love is exhibiting tell-tale signs of electronic addiction. If you are concerned about their physical or mental health, isolation, or reliance on their device, they may benefit from an electronic addiction treatment programme.
Venture Academy is uniquely equipped to help young people contend with electronic addiction, as well as a host of co-occurring disorders like substance abuse or behavioural disorders. With our proven record and scenic campuses in Red Deer and Barrie, we have treated teens from across Canada. Call Venture Academy at 866.762.2211 to learn more about our programmes, or reach out at any time on the web.
