Technology is everywhere, a tool that for most people is integral to daily life. Different apps, platforms and devices control how you communicate with others, connect with them, and even go about your daily life, from simple things like choosing a restaurant to more complicated things like choosing a therapist.
It is important to be cognizant of the relationship between technology and addiction, as technology can be a potential hindrance to recovery, but it can also be a valuable tool depending on how it is used.
How Technology and Addiction Can Be Harmful
Navigating the digital age in recovery starts with understanding how technology and addiction can be harmful.
Addiction rewires the brain and changes your behaviors. In the early stages of recovery, you might still struggle with these behaviors. Unfortunately, there are ways that technology can inadvertently exacerbate these behaviors with things like:
- Online gaming
- Social media
- Anonymity
It is imperative that you approach technology cautiously, as unhindered connectivity to social media or smartphones can actually lead to additional stress and triggers.
How to Use Technology in Recovery
Navigating the digital age in recovery extends to understanding the way that you can positively use technology in addiction recovery.
Apps to Support Sobriety
For starters, there are many mobile apps that you can use to give you a support system during your sobriety, especially the early stages.
- Mindfulness: There are mindfulness apps that can give you mindfulness exercises that take no more than five or ten minutes per day but help you stay grounded in the present
- Positive Thinking: There are apps that send you daily affirmations, things that can help you remain positive
- Goal Tracking: There are apps that track your progress every day, sending reminders for activities like journaling or going to sleep at the same time
When used appropriately, these apps can give you the tools you need no matter where you are.
Online Communities
Similarly, technology can be a useful resource when it comes to virtual support groups. There are plenty of reasons why you might be unable to attend a support group in person but that doesn’t mean that you have to go without support.
New technology makes it possible to find:
- Virtual AA or NA groups
- Virtual SMART recovery group meetings
- Social media groups
- Forums
All of these can connect you with other people who are going through similar struggles, provide a sense of belonging and a place to seek advice or share your experiences.
Virtual Therapy
Tangentially, virtual therapy has grown in popularity as well. For those who are in recovery and might want a specific type of support or support for co-occurring mental health disorders, there may not be qualified professionals close by.
However, you can find therapeutic resources online with access to professionals who specialize in the areas you need. This makes it possible to get the resources and services that help you the most, no matter where you are located.
How to Use Technology in Recovery
That said, it’s important that you learn how to use technology safely, mitigating the risks of technology and addiction.
- Have Boundaries: Have personal boundaries for how you use technology and make sure to avoid overstimulation and detox from technology when it is not useful
- Be Selective: Be selective about how you engage and which communities you use, as not all communities may be led by a therapist or maybe designed to support you
- Be Mindful: Be mindful about how you use a device and selectively download apps that you know will support you in your recovery instead of those that might distract you
With The Differents, we provide guidance on how to use technology mindfully as a tool to empower you in your recovery. As part of our luxury drug rehab, we emphasize understanding positive versus negative uses of technology in recovery, moderating your habits so that technology and addiction don’t make one another worse. Our goal is to increase your awareness of technology, recognize potential triggers, be aware of screen time and what type of content you are consuming, and find ways to support your overall recovery journey.
Reach out to our team today to get started in your inpatient or outpatient treatment.
