Many people think that every addiction involves alcohol or drug use. However, addiction can involve the compulsion to engage in pleasurable activities of any kind, including social media use. Although social media originated in the 1800s, online social networking emerged in the 1990s. With technology making it widely accessible to teens, some of them need a social media addiction treatment center.
An Overview of Social Media Addiction
Experts have an ongoing discussion about the disadvantages of social media on teen mental health. Social media websites create networks of people from around the world. As a result, they can share anything that they want to whoever they want. However, when does using these virtual communities become a problem?
According to research, teens who use technology too much suffer from physical and mental issues. They can develop trouble sleeping and maintaining a healthy weight. In addition, data suggest that their performance in school declines. At this point, using social media has become an addiction for which teens need a process addiction treatment program.
The addiction develops like most others. Engaging in the activity triggers a response in the brain that stimulates the release of dopamine. By repeating the activity, the brain adapts to the constantly higher levels of this chemical. Then, the brain associates the activity by maintaining those levels.
As a result, teen social media addiction involves a compulsive need to use social networks. Essentially, they lose the capacity to control this behavior. The only way that they can regain control is to seek professional treatment.
How a Social Media Addiction Treatment Center Can Help
Treatment for social media addiction often involves the same services as substance addiction treatments. The difference, however, is that the goal is to control social media use rather than stop it completely. In fact, it’s not reasonable to expect teens to abstain from using internet-enabled devices.
Despite that, social media addiction treatment can occur in a residential or outpatient setting. Residential treatment is ideal for very severe cases when teens need continuous monitoring and structure. Outpatient treatment is effective if they have a strong support system at home.
First, a social media addiction treatment center will likely use an adapted form of detox. Referred to as digital detox, it involves restricting social media use to only a couple of times per day. This limitation is rather significant considering that teens are on social networks for several hours total each day.
Next, private counseling is necessary to talk about why teens feel the need to be on social media constantly. It’s also a safe space where they can discuss their problems with a therapist. In addition, they’ll join group therapy sessions with peers.
A social media addiction treatment center for teens will also offer family therapy. Involving loved ones in the treatment process allows them to heal from the addiction as well. After all, addiction affects everyone who spends time with the teens who develop it. Some other treatment services that teens may receive include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Equine therapy
- Role-playing therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Music and dance therapy
Find Behavioral Addiction Treatment for Your Teen
Don’t let social media consume your teen’s life. Find a social media addiction treatment center that can meet his needs. Call a facility to learn more about its programs.