UNHEALTHY INTERNET USE IN TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS
Never before has the Internet been more pervasive. We are surrounded, even submerged, with connectivity.
The combination of cutting-edge smartphones, 4G, 5G Wi-Fi connectivity, brand name aps and push notifications keep us online more than most care to admit. With this unprecedented connectivity, teenagers and young adults often struggle with an unhealthy need to be on the internet, gaming, posting photos and responding to comments.
This behaviour can get in the way of daily life, causing negative and emotional changes, even to the point of spiralling out of control.
GAMING ADDICTION SYMPTOMS
It might be time to seek professional help if, despite your best attempts, your son is unable to cut back on the amount of time he spends online or gaming.
There are a number of signs that the time spent on his smartphone, computer or involved in gaming could have become unhealthy.
The Common signs of Gaming Addiction include:
- Your son has lied to you about how often or the amount of time he spends online or gaming
- He is irritable, restless or anxious when denied the chance to be online or game
- You have been unsuccessful at limiting your son’s time online or gaming
- Your son disappears or leaves the house when you turn the router off at home
- His weight has fluctuated, his nutrition is poor or he skips meals at usual times
- He stays up past 11pm gaming or is unable to get up in the morning
- He spends an increasing amount of time alone, or with online friends, rather than connecting with others in real life
- He neglects homework to play games
- He is losing or has lost interest in subjects/activities he once enjoyed or did well in
- He disregards his personal hygiene
- He lacks personal social interaction
- He tends to live in a fantasy rather than the real world
- He makes promises to you about changing tomorrow or next week
- He makes excuses or claims how all his friends are gaming
- He asks you why you nag him so much
WHAT TREATMENT IS AVAILABLE?
At The Edge, we provide holistic treatment on-site at our relaxing, resort-like residential centre.
This means offering cognitive behavioural therapy, individual and group therapy, and specific physical activities designed to build confidence, strength and focus. Our professionally accredited counsellors tutor and train participants as they pinpoint and practice new coping mechanisms to help manage their condition. Additionally, your son will be assessed for co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression, in order to get at the deeper reasons for his excessive reliance on his smartphone, computer or gaming console.
We also use a variety of physical training exercises of which Muay Thai boxing and triathlon training are required activities throughout each programme at The Edge. Physical activity is one of the most effective ways of addressing compulsive internet use and gaming. Among the many benefits, it helps to kick-start the production of feel-good endorphins in the brain.
TOGETHER, WE CAN DETERMINE THE BEST WAY TO MOVE FORWARD IN HELPING YOUR SON BECOME A GAME CHANGER.
If your son has a gaming addiction or suffers from compulsive internet use and would like to learn more about how The Edge can help, call us today.
WHAT MAKES TREATMENT AT THE EDGE UNIQUE?
Our purpose at The Edge is to break the participant’s dependency on gaming and help him develop a healthy relationship with technology.
We have developed a highly-specialised 90-day treatment for video game addicts programme that deals with the root of the addiction using clinically-proven procedures to turn your son’s life around.
The Edge Game Addiction Treatment Methods Works:
- Uses a gamer-centric approach to treatment for video game addicts
- Exposes the psychological barriers that keep your son gaming
- Precisely teaches the three types of activities to avoid boredom
- Teaches the key mindsets to be successful in a tech-based world
- Gives practical advice and guidance to overcome common obstacles, beat urges and avoid relapse
- Offers continual video game addiction treatment care through community support of recovering gamers as well as specially developed resources to assist your son as he integrates back into our tech-based world
DIGITAL DETOX: BREAKING BAD RELATIONSHIP
The first half of the programme will put your son through an effective digital detox in which he will not have access to any type of digital device—no smartphones, no computers.
The 45-day digital detox enables us to focus your son’s undivided attention on treatment, filling his time with designed physical activities, individual and group counselling, mind mapping, meditation and excursions. As your son progresses through the detox, he will learn and experience that life is not as bad as he imagined and no longer needs to escape from it.
RENEWED RELATIONSHIP WITH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
This second half of the programme is where your son will learn to use technology with a purpose.
The programme then moves on to establishing a healthy relationship with digital technology. For 45 days, he will be given carefully monitored and incremental access to the internet.
All sessions will be mindful and purposeful, with meditation before and after each session. Experiences and issues are journaled and participants will be able to share their experiences with others in group sessions, building new relationships with peers facing similar challenges and finding camaraderie as they move forward toward greater personal growth and sustained behavioural change.
CHANGE THE GAME AND KEEP IT CHANGED
Our Programme will give your son everything he needs to change his game.
The real challenge, however, comes when he leaves The Edge and faces the triggers that come from reintegrating with life at home, school and work. No matter where that is for your son, he will not go through this on his own. Having completed The Edge’s Gaming Addiction Programme, your son will have exclusive help through our Continuing Care programme.
Our cutting-edge Gaming Addiction Programme will give your son everything he needs to change his game. Our Continuing Care programme will give him access to support and assist him 24/7. He will also have access to specially developed recovery resources including videos and workbooks; as well as lifetime access to The Cabin’s online weekly group therapy sessions.
become a game changer
If your son has a gaming addiction or suffers from compulsive internet use and would like to learn more about how The Edge can help,
call us today on +66 20 385 469
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ADDICTION
Internet And Gaming Addiction Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS ADDICTION?
Addiction is a disorder in which the brain’s reward circuits do not function properly. Up to 60% of addicts are likely to have inherited the disorder genetically (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). In addition, the reward system can be damaged by overconsumption. Those affected by this disorder will continue to reinforce their dulled reward system with substances (drugs, alcohol) or processes (gambling, sex, food ) to increase feelings of pleasure – but only temporarily. Once this happens, people with a genetic susceptibility to this disorder will have knock-on effects or chemical cascades in other parts of the brain that affect things like judgement and impulse control. This is why ‘addicts’ or alcoholics cannot control their consumption. Addiction is a chronic disorder (American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2011), which means it lingers, and symptoms will return if it is not treated.
WHAT IS GAMING ADDICTION?
How to help someone with a gaming addiction?
Learn about gaming addiction: Educate yourself on what gaming addiction is and how it can affect a person’s mental and physical health. This knowledge will help you support them better.
Help them reflect: Encourage them to think about the negative consequences of their gaming addiction, like how it affects their relationships or work. Support them in recognizing the impact it has on their life.
Set limits: Discuss and agree on specific boundaries for gaming, such as time limits or designated game-free areas. Gradually reduce their gaming time together.
Suggest new activities: Encourage them to try other hobbies or activities they enjoy, which can help them spend less time gaming and find fulfillment in other areas.
Support from others: Encourage them to connect with friends, family, or support groups who understand what they’re going through. This can provide valuable encouragement and guidance.
Seek professional help: If the addiction persists or becomes severe, consider seeking help from a therapist or addiction specialist who can provide expert guidance and treatment options.
Remember, everyone’s journey to recovery is unique. Be patient, supportive, and understanding as they work towards overcoming their gaming addiction.
READY TO CHANGE?
You don't have to recover alone. Take the first step in regaining control of your life by getting in touch with us and finding out what you can become.