Compare Treatment Options for Technology Addiction
Getting Started With Summerland
Which Option Is Right for My Child?
In general, we recommend a face-to-face intervention first. This option will provide a screen detox experience along with fun experiences and socialization opportunities with peers facing the same challenges. Deciding between the Adventure Trip or Summer Camp option simply depends on the time of the year.
The Adventure Trips run from November through April during common school breaks. The Summer Camp runs from June through August.
Apart from these time periods, we recommend starting with the Behavior Coaching option. This is an in-home solution conducted via Zoom. Parents can choose between 1-3 sessions per week for their child or young adult.
Follow Up and Ensuring Success
As a step-down, we recommend every participant transition back home with a therapist in place or with the behavior coaching option. This ensures that the interventions set in place during the adventure trip or at camp continue. Additionally, a Summerland Behavior Coach can work with the family setting up the behavior contract and problem solving when issues arise. If your child already has a relationship with a therapist back home, we can relay progress and our clinical recommendations for a smooth handoff.
Family Involvement
Involving families is necessary for success. Parents at all in-person options participate in an online Family Workshop conducted via Zoom. It is our experience that families who are best prepared for the transition back home report the highest levels of success. This means having parental controls in place, having a rough idea for a behavior contract and potential rewards/consequences to utilize, and preparing the entire family (including parents and siblings) to adopt changes that best prepare the participant for the transition back home. Changes the family can make pre-discharge can also include establishing screen-free zones in the home and utilization of the Behavior Planning Journal (BPJ) by immediate family members. All of these topics and much more are covered in-depth during the Family Workshop.
The Need for Technology Addiction Treatment in Teenagers and Young Adults
Teenagers and young adults are among the most vulnerable groups when it comes to technology addiction, making the need for treatment in this demographic particularly pressing. Here are several reasons why addressing technology addiction in teenagers and young adults is essential:
Developmental Vulnerability: Adolescence and young adulthood are critical periods of development. During this time, individuals are forming their identities, building relationships, and developing important life skills. Excessive technology use, especially when it involves social media and online gaming, can interfere with these processes.
Academic Impact: Technology addiction can significantly affect academic performance. Young people who spend excessive time online or on their devices often struggle with time management and concentration, leading to lower grades and compromised educational outcomes. Treatment can provide them with the tools they need to prioritize their studies and excel in their academic pursuits.
Mental Health Concerns: Adolescence and young adulthood are also peak periods for the onset of mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Technology addiction can exacerbate these conditions.
Social Skills and Relationships: Healthy relationships and social skills are vital for personal growth and future success. Excessive technology use can lead to isolation, reduced face-to-face interaction, and difficulty in building and maintaining meaningful relationships.
Prevention of Escalation: Addressing technology addiction in young people is crucial to prevent it from escalating into more severe forms of addiction later in life. Early intervention can help break the cycle of dependency and reduce the long-term negative consequences.
Family and Societal Impact: Technology addiction can strain family relationships and negatively impact young adults’ ability to contribute to society. Addressing addiction through treatment not only benefits the individuals but also alleviates stress on their families.
The need for technology addiction treatment in teenagers and young adults is undeniable. It is essential for their healthy development, academic success, mental well-being, and the prevention of more severe addiction issues down the road. By providing targeted support and guidance, treatment can empower young individuals to manage their technology use responsibly and lead fulfilling lives in the digital age.
Device Addiction Survey
Take our free device addiction survey to see if treatment is needed for your child.
Have additional questions? Give us a call at (800) 867-2090 to discuss your child and the options available. A technology addiction treatment expert can help guide you toward the best treatment options for your child.
We help with:
- Cell phone addiction treatment
- Social media overuse/problematic use
- Video game addiction (internet gaming disorder)
- Screen overuse issues