Unstoppable: Delving into the 12-Step Program for Internet Addiction

 

Unstoppable: Delving into the 12-Step Program for Internet Addiction

In recent years, a global community known as Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous (ITAA) has emerged to provide vital support for individuals grappling with compulsive internet and technology use. Modeled after the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), ITAA has grown rapidly since its inception in 2017, boasting thousands of members across the world and conducting over 100 meetings in various languages.

The ITAA meetings take place in virtual spaces, such as Zoom, where attendees from diverse locations like Oregon, India, and Namibia come together to share their experiences and seek support in dealing with their technology-related addictions. These addictions encompass a wide range of issues, including compulsive social media scrolling, online shopping, video gaming, and binge-watching television shows.

The ITAA program encourages participants to establish healthy boundaries around their technology usage rather than striving for complete abstinence. This approach acknowledges the ubiquity of technology in our lives while emphasizing the importance of moderation and self-control.

One member, Aubrey, highlighted how her excessive social media use was interfering with her daily life. She would spend over 12 hours a day on various social media apps, repeatedly checking for updates, and found it challenging to break this cycle. However, through ITAA, she has managed to regain control of her internet usage, allowing her to hold down a full-time job while still utilizing social media for work-related purposes.

Despite the absence of formal recognition of internet and technology addiction in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), research suggests that it shares similarities with well-established substance addictions. Studies have shown structural brain changes in individuals with mobile phone dependence similar to those seen in substance addiction. Furthermore, the dopamine cycle initiated by social media use mirrors the reward patterns observed in drug users. Behavioral addictions like internet and gaming dependence, though distinct, activate the brain's reward center similarly to chemical addictions.

Unlike traditional abstinence-based programs like AA, ITAA takes a more individualized approach. Members define their own "sobriety" criteria, with some considering specific internet behaviors as their "bottom lines" – behaviors that, if violated, signify a relapse. For instance, checking likes on social media or scrolling through feeds might be defined as "bottom lines," while work-related internet use could be considered acceptable. This flexibility allows members to adapt the program to their unique needs.

In the realm of addiction recovery, it's increasingly recognized that different individuals may require different resources, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. While programs like AA remain effective for abstinence-based recovery, alternatives such as ITAA, Smart Recovery, Recovery Dharma, and Celebrate Recovery are gaining popularity. These programs offer structured paths to sustained recovery, combat shame and stigma, and provide a sense of community for those dealing with addictive behaviors.

One of the key advantages of ITAA and similar programs is their accessibility – they are entirely free. This stands in contrast to the high costs associated with in-patient treatment for drug and alcohol addiction or digital detox camps, making them an attractive option for individuals facing technology addiction.

Steven, a founding member of ITAA, points out that society tends to downplay the harmful nature of technology addiction due to its pervasive nature. The addiction, often driven by the dopamine rewards system, can be as detrimental as substance abuse. Steven, an atheist, initially hesitated to join a 12-step program like ITAA due to its emphasis on a "higher power," but he found that it strengthened his connection to atheism and provided him with much-needed support.

In a world where screens are omnipresent, defining what constitutes healthy technology use becomes challenging. ITAA offers individuals the tools and support needed to establish a balanced and responsible relationship with the internet and technology, promoting recovery while acknowledging the benefits of these innovations. As Steven aptly puts it, "It's not about cutting out technology; it's about learning what is healthy and unhealthy for us personally. It's definitely possible to get sober from the internet on the internet."