What We Treat
Technology
Addiction
Online Teen Technology Addiction Treatment
Almost all U.S. teens (95%) have access to a smartphone, and about half (45%) of those teens say they are “almost constantly” on the internet. In this today’s digital age, it’s hard to find a teen that doesn’t use a smartphone daily.Â
Although technology allows for added convenience to message friends and research virtually anything on the internet in a matter of seconds, many people often neglect the dark side behind technology– technology is addictive. With the rise of social media, streaming services like Netflix, video games, and more, millions of teens are becoming addicted to their devices. Often, without even knowing it!
The teen years are a fundamental moment for them to grow and explore various interests to develop their sense of identity and confidence. However, with more and more time spent scrolling and playing games online, this can interfere with a teen’s physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being.
Yet, help is available. Teen technology addiction treatment is available to help adolescents struggling with technology addiction. At Thrive Teen, we offer a range of mental health disorder treatment options to help you overcome the chains of your mental illness so you can live a healthier, more balanced life.
Thrive Teen offers online teen therapy. Contact us today to learn more about how you can start your road to recovery at Thrive Teen.
More & More Teens Are Struggling With Technology Addiction
It’s rare today to find a teen in the U.S. that doesn’t have access to at least a smartphone. Let alone a variety of other devices, from gaming consoles to laptops, tablets, and more. Although technology, in some cases, can be useful and convenient, many teens today spend hours each day using a variety of technology devices.
A survey done by Common Sense Media in 2021 found that teens aged 13 to 18 spent nearly 8 hours and 39 minutes of daily screen time use. With more and more teens spending nearly half their day, each day, looking at a screen, this has a detrimental impact on a teen’s overall mental and physical health and well-being.
While not all teens who use technology are necessarily addicted, there’s no question that many teens today spend hours upon hours a day using various technological devices without even realizing it. Not to mention, many teens turn to technology to entertain themselves rather than exploring other hobbies and interests that can help them grow into their identity and form more authentic relationships with others.
Why Is Technology So Addictive?
Technology is addictive because it provides a quick, easy, and oftentimes free distraction and stimulation. So, whenever you are bored or simply looking for an easy solution to distract yourself, technology provides a (mostly) free and easy way to pass the time.
Technology addiction is similar to substance abuse in how it impacts the brain. When an individual uses technology, they experience dopamine releases, whether getting likes and followers on social media or scoring a high score on a video game. Because dopamine is a feel-good hormone, naturally, a teen will want to release more and more dopamine (i.e., use more technology) to continue experiencing the pleasurable effects.
Unfortunately, as with substance abuse, oftentimes, this takes more use of the substance, in this case technology, to experience the same pleasurable effects, and in time, one can become dependent on using technology.
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Signs of Technology Addiction
Unsure if your teen needs technology addiction therapy? Here are some common signs that may point to your teen struggling with technology addiction.
- Inability to control the amount of time they spend using technology. Or having trouble stopping technology use.
- Failing to complete certain school or home responsibilities due to technology.
- Missing out on spending time with friends and family.
- Experiencing negative physical symptoms like headaches or eyestrain.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like anxiety when not using technology.
- Spending lots of time on technology at the expense of their general health and well-being.
Although not all teens who use technology are addicted and need to seek teen technology addiction treatment, if your teen is unable to stop using technology or spends hours on end on their devices while neglecting other relationships and responsibilities, these are key signs to consider seeking help from our Burbank technology addiction treatment center.
Different Types of Technology Addiction
Technology addiction is when someone frequently and obsessively uses technology despite the negative consequences the individual experiences because of using technology. For example, a teen addicted to social media may choose to watch YouTube videos then spend time with friends. Because there are different types of technology, there are various forms of technology addiction.
Below are common forms of technology addiction:
- Gaming Addiction
- Social Media Addiction
- Online Gambling Addiction
- Online Shopping Addiction
Some teens may even struggle with multiple forms or combinations of technology addiction. If your teen is struggling with a form of technology addiction, it’s essential they receive professional teen technology addiction treatment to overcome their addiction. Our Burbank technology addiction treatment center helps teens overcome their technology addiction and improve their mental health and well-being so they can live a more balanced, healthy life.
How to Help Your Teen's
Technology Addiction
Like any addiction, technology addiction can be debilitating and very isolating for any teen. Many teens with a technology addiction fracture relationships with loved ones and experience a decline in school performance. However, if your teen is struggling with technology addiction, you shouldn’t feel like it’s your sole responsibility to help them overcome their addiction all on your own.
At Thrive Teen, we help treat a range of mental health disorders, including technology addiction and dependency, to help your teen lead a healthier, more balanced life. We offer a range of comprehensive treatment options from modern to more traditional therapies to help your teen not only overcome their technology addiction but learn key strategies to maintain a healthy relationship with technology in the future.
Our teen technology addiction treatment in Burbank offers clients the opportunity to regain control over their lives in a safe and secure environment while also helping them improve their general mental health and well-being to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Leading Virtual Technology
Addiction Treatment
If your teen is addicted to technology, it can be difficult to watch them fall victim and become glued to their devices. Technology addiction can significantly impair all aspects of a teen’s life, from their physical and mental health and well-being to their relationships with friends and family.
At Thrive Teen, we provide technology addiction treatment to help teens overcome their addiction and reclaim their lives to live happier, healthier lives. Our team of mental health professionals will help guide your teen to overcome their technology addiction and learn healthy ways to use technology without falling back into old habits of becoming dependent on technology.
Thrive Teen offers virtual mental health services for teens. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your teen overcome their addiction and regain control over their life.
