Digital Addiction

Internet & Digital Addiction Doesn’t Define You

Addiction to technology is a relatively new phenomenon, but it is one of the fastest growing addictions that we have ever seen.  Do you get anxious if you don’t have your mobile device in your hand? Do you or does your child play games on their device or computer for hours on end? Do you have a tablet, smartphone, smart television, an iPod, a car with wifi, Bluetooth, and GPS? Do you have social accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other networks?

Technology can be very helpful in providing information, efficiencies, and providing enjoyment. But overuse and addiction to technology can cause serious issues to your relationships, your job and your health. You might feel that you can “quit anytime”, but the truth is the “rush” you experience from technology produces the same chemical reaction in your brain that stimulants like heroin produce. Dopamine, the pleasure chemical, is released when we have a pleasurable experience, and the body begins to crave that sensation. If we cause that release in excess over time – via prolonged heroin use, or prolonged technology use – our body becomes conditioned to that and will reduce its natural production of dopamine because it is being substituted by the unnatural production stimulated by the external sources.

Over time, you become addicted to the sensation that only the input can provide. For a drug addict, it can be heroin. For the digital addict, it can be the perceived need to interact with their digital devices gaming, texting or chatting on their social networks, or surfing pornography. Personal relationships suffer as you withdrawal from normal and healthy engagement with friends and family. Professional relationships suffer as work is often degraded because of distraction from digital devices, or fatigue from a lack of sleep while spending inordinate amounts of time online.

While digital addiction is often not the primary cause for seeking treatment, The Center sees it more and more as a strong secondary co-occurring or dual diagnosed issue. Its addictive hold can be powerful and treatment is required to help restore balance and happiness.

The good news treatment can be very effective. There is always hope, and it is within your reach. At The Center • A Place of HOPE, our focus is to help you break free from your addiction and help you restore your relationships, your focus and your mental and physical health..

Digital Addiction is not a mental condition that you can find impossible to “will” away.

Depression requires a whole-person approach to identify and treat more than just the symptoms of depression. At The Center • A Place of HOPE, your depression treatment program is personalized to your individual needs and you have a team of world-class, licensed and board-certified professionals assigned just to you. Your program begins with a comprehensive personal assessment.

During this assessment we evaluate a number of areas of your life, including:

• Chemical dependency issues
• Behavioral addiction issues
• Mental health issues
• Vocational & career needs
• Family issues
• Social relationships

Included in your initial assessment and treatment, you receive:

• Complete health and fitness assessment
• Complete psychological testing
• Complete medical and nutritional testing
• Healthy, nutritious weekday meals

“I came to The Center because my addiction to gaming and pornography was out of control. I would plan my day around being online. I lost my job because of it. I lost my girlfriend because of it. All the while, I was lying to myself, convincing myself that I had it under control. Finally my mom explained to me the damage being done to our family and to my future. For once, I listened to her, and I called The Center. After four weeks, I must say I feel like a new person. I feel in control and realize how silly it was to spend all my waking hours online. I have more perspective, balance and I’m truly happy. I never thought I could feel this way. Thank you so much”

Darrin, 24 – Male