Spending too much time on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media is a problem many people face. Young people, in particular, find themselves captive to their social media, where much of their peer group interaction takes place. But this use can quickly become a problem. If your son shows signs of social media addiction, they need help with this condition. While the idea of a social media addiction treatment center may seem drastic, such a place can actually be quite useful for this condition. An adolescent process addiction treatment center might be the best next step for your loved one.
An addiction of any kind is time spent on an activity or substance to the point where this focus interferes with daily life. But an online life does not replace face-to-face human interaction. It actually leads to a breakdown of social skills. Help your young person build a brighter future of real-world fulfillment, beyond the limits of their Internet experience. To provide this, consider getting them help at a social media addiction treatment center.
At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery®, we’re committed to providing the best possible treatment to teen boys suffering from an addiction of any kind. We offer social media addiction treatment to our clients, giving them the tools they need to manage this challenging condition. To learn more about the services we provide, please reach out to Foothills at Red Oak today at 866.300.5275.
What Is Social Media Addiction?
Experts don’t classify social media addiction as a disease. However, behaviors associated with excessive online activity are behavioral disorders. Current research into this new addiction is creating a stir and drumming up much discussion. In the near future, more statistics and study results will undoubtedly provide an even clearer picture of the extent of social media-related behavioral problems.
Any addiction is made up of compulsive behavior leading to negative effects. As with other addictions, addiction to social media leads to people engaging in this activity so much that their habits harm them. Spending time online interferes with school, work, family time, and other relationships.
Social media connections lead to addictions in many ways, including:
- Social media feeds
- Commenting
- Vlogging or blogging
- Status updates
- Photo posts
- Sharing posts
- Messaging
Someone with an addiction to social media may find themselves compelled to use this media constantly. They spend far too much time reading Facebook feeds, checking out others’ profiles, or clicking through images. Maybe Twitter is their problem, with everyday life playing out through status updates. The same issues exist across YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, dating apps, eBay, Amazon, and anywhere people connect online. If your teen is experiencing the signs of social media addiction, please reach out to Foothills at Red Oak Recovery®. We can provide the treatment he needs to manage his condition.
When Is Social Media Activity an Addiction?
It’s difficult to know when your young person’s social media activity becomes an addiction. Many parents wonder if the addiction comes with defined rules, like a certain number of hours spent on the web each day.
Chicago University research concludes that addiction to social media is actually stronger than other types of dependency, including smoking or drinking. Cravings for social media activity show greater intensity than cravings for alcohol or cigarettes. At Harvard University, researchers found that MRIs show social media activity stimulating the brain in the same ways as other addictive behaviors, such as binge eating and sexual addictions.
With these addictions to social media come withdrawal effects. Not using their social media for a period of time causes psychological problems like anxiety and depression. MIT research shows using social media actually weakens your ties to other humans. This means you suffer greater loneliness from using your social media, instead of feeling more linked to others.
Realizing your loved one struggles with a problem with social media or smartphone addiction means you need to find social media addiction treatment. In fact, few quality rehab treatment facilities offer distinct treatment options. Fortunately, Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® is here to help. We offer a wide array of therapeutic options to address your teen’s condition, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – This evidence-based approach focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, helping individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – Originally designed for treating borderline personality disorder, DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies to enhance emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Experiential therapy – This therapeutic method encourages clients to engage in activities that promote emotional expression and self-discovery, using creative arts or role-playing to explore feelings and experiences.
- Equine-assisted therapy – In this unique form of therapy, clients interact with horses to improve emotional awareness, build trust, and develop skills such as responsibility and patience in a supportive environment.
- Animal caretaking therapy – This approach involves caring for and interacting with animals, which can foster empathy, reduce anxiety, and provide companionship, helping individuals improve their overall mental well-being.
For more information about the treatment options we provide, please reach out to Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® today.
Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery®
Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® in Ellenboro, NC is ready to help teens work through the problems that come with the condition. Through our adolescent treatment center in NC, your teen can start enjoying a fuller, more prosperous life of real human engagement beyond the online world.
Services of Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® include:
- Trauma treatment
- Co-occurring issues
- Substance abuse treatment
- Disordered eating treatment
- Family, individual, and group therapy
- Continued education
- Psychological testing
Getting help for your teen’s social media addiction is easy. Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® in Ellenboro, NC at 866.300.5275.
