Growing reliance on social media has raised worries about its possible negative effects on mental health and overall well-being, particularly social media addiction. There are concerns about how much time on social media can harm users. It’s crucial to recognize signs of social media addiction to help people access treatment and overcome this condition.
Understanding Social Media Addiction
Social media addiction is a form of behavioural addiction. As people turn to social media at various points in daily life, it can be difficult to distinguish addiction and normalcy. The former is marked by an excessive and compulsive use of social media platforms, often occurring despite the negative consequences on daily life and overall functioning. People who struggle with this condition often spend many hours scrolling through their feeds, checking notifications, creating or watching content, and replying to messages.
The repercussions of compulsive social media usage can affect various areas, including professional or academic performance, mental and physical health, personal relationships, and fulfilling responsibilities. In addition, those struggling with social media addiction often experience a loss of control over their usage and develop a reliance on this compulsive behaviour.
Social Media Addiction Treatment In Thailand
The treatment options for social media addiction can vary based on how serious the condition is. Some people may undergo therapies, while others may require medication. In severe cases, they may need inpatient care to provide support in a controlled setting. Mental health professionals, like licensed psychiatrists or psychologists who focus on behavioural addiction, typically handle social media addiction. The gold standard treatment for social media addiction remains to be Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps people manage harmful thoughts and feelings that affect their compulsive behaviours.
Holistic approaches can also support recovery, which may include meditation, mindfulness, and other physical activities that help them build life skills and create a structured routine to avoid reliance on social media use. In addition, for those people who have other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma that come along with social media addiction, a combination of therapy, a holistic approach, and medications are recommended.
Why Choose The Orchid For Social Media Addiction Treatment?
Although there are treatment centres available in your area, there are numerous reasons to consider social media addiction treatment at The Orchid in Thailand:
Luxurious But Affordable
We believe that outstanding care should be available at a reasonable cost. Our treatment centre is carefully designed to combine luxury with affordability, enabling our patients to focus on their recovery in a comfortable setting while alleviating financial worries.
Luxurious But Affordable
For those who value a calm environment for their treatment, The Orchid is an ideal option. Our facilities are situated in serene mountain locations, offering an optimal setting for recovery. We foster a structured and nurturing atmosphere, minimizing everyday distractions and triggers so that you can focus entirely on your recovery.
Privacy And Confidentiality
Seeking addiction treatment is a courageous step, and there is no reason to feel embarrassed about it. However, you might prefer to keep your recovery journey confidential. At The Orchid, we prioritize your privacy with robust security measures to ensure that you feel safe. In addition, our private rooms and accommodations are designed to offer confidentiality and anonymity.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Our approach includes evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). These therapies are designed to help you manage symptoms of social media addiction and cope with daily stressors and emotional triggers to prevent potential relapses.
Residential Care With Aftercare Services
We understand that effective treatment for social media addiction requires a comprehensive approach that transcends the usual inpatient treatment. Hence, we provide an aftercare initiative aimed at mitigating the risk of relapse.
Dual Diagnoses Treatment
At The Orchid, we acknowledge that mental health disorders often coexist with substance use problems. Our integrated dual-diagnosis treatment strategy is specifically tailored to tackle both of these conditions at the same time.
Substance Addiction Treatment
The Orchid also provides treatment for various substance addictions, such as:
Cocaine Addiction Treatment
Cocaine addiction treatment is typically treated with residential care. The treatment begins with detox and progresses into managing symptoms, handling cravings or triggers, and preventing potential relapse.
Meth Addiction Treatment
The treatment for meth addiction is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Typically, a successful treatment plan includes different methods, such as detox, inpatient rehab, and aftercare services.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment
The treatment for alcohol addiction involves various programs. These programs include group and individual counselling and therapy, educating the patient about alcohol addiction and its impacts, developing strategies to prevent relapse, and planning for life after treatment. Medications may also be included in the treatment.
Marijuana Addiction Treatment
The treatment depends on how long you have been using marijuana, the amount you typically consume, and the severity of the addiction. Usually, individuals with marijuana addiction receive care in residential or inpatient rehabilitation program
Signs And Symptoms Of Social Media Addiction
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of social media addiction is crucial for successful treatment outcomes and recovery. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is highly recommended that you seek professional help:
Excessive Social Media Use
Many people spend too much time on social media, ignoring other important tasks and activities. A key sign of social media addiction is when you find yourself on these platforms for long periods. Spending more than two hours a day is already too much, and if you do this not just during work or school but also in the evenings, it may be time to address your social media habits, as this can be an indication of social media addiction
Constant Thoughts Of Using Social Media Platforms
People who have social media addiction frequently find themselves preoccupied with social media, even in moments when they are not actively engaged with it. They experience a strong urge to check their accounts multiple times a day, often at unsuitable times, such as during work hours or social events. This fixation interferes with their ability to concentrate, hindering their focus on real-life responsibilities.
Loss Of Control Over Social Media Use
One prominent indicator of social media addiction is the inability to regulate one’s usage, which can lead individuals to spend significantly more time online than they originally planned. Although users may start with the intention of merely checking updates or replying to messages, they frequently find themselves engaged in prolonged scrolling sessions that can last for hours, often feeling powerless to stop. Over time, this pattern of behaviour can intensify, and efforts to reduce social media engagement may seem ineffective, which maintains a cycle of compulsive behaviour.
Neglecting Major Responsibilities
Similar to other forms of addiction, a reliance on social media often results in disregarding personal, academic, or professional obligations in favour of online engagement. This may involve prioritizing social media activities such as scrolling through images, posting updates, or checking messages. These negative effects of compulsive social media use can easily cause individuals to overlook major aspects of their lives, such as missed deadlines in professional or academic tasks, forgotten appointments, or a failure to fulfil responsibilities at home.
Negative Effects Of Getting Addicted To Social Media Use
Social media addiction is a complex condition that comes with many negative physical and mental health consequences.
Physical Health
Studies indicate that people engage with their mobile devices approximately 50 times daily. A significant number of people reportedly keep their phones beside them while sleeping, frequently checking notifications during the night, which contributes to a lack of restorative sleep.
In addition, excessive use of social media is associated with a more sedentary lifestyle. This reduction in activity can lead to weight gain or obesity and an elevated risk of health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Furthermore, the repetitive actions of scrolling and tapping can result in physical discomfort such as eye strain, headaches, muscle tension, and conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Mental Health
Using social media excessively can also significantly impact mental health. Research has shown that social media addiction is associated with depression and low self-worth because constantly comparing yourself to idealized online images can create unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy.
In addition, compulsive social media use can also cause anxiety problems. Considering that almost everyone uses social media platforms, the constant fear of missing out (FOMO) is often experienced as it fuels the urge to constantly check their social media to view notifications and respond immediately.
Begin Your Treatment For Social Media Addiction
Social media addiction presents a multifaceted challenge that requires a thorough treatment approach. It is essential to acknowledge that recovery is a journey, and seeking assistance is perfectly acceptable. By identifying the warning signs, understanding the negative effects of compulsive social media use, and taking proactive measures, individuals can reclaim control over their problem behaviour.
If you or someone you know has problematic social media use, remember that you can always connect with us for help.