Internet and technology addiction has pushed some to the brink, but a new 12-step program known as Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous (ITAA) offers a path to recovery and helps members regain control of their lives in a constantly connected world.
Article contents:
- Introduction: The hidden addiction in the digital age
- Lauren’s story: From Nintendo 64 to the brink
- The nature of technology addiction: “Like heroin to me”
- Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous (ITAA): A beacon of hope
- Defining “bottom lines”: A realistic approach to recovery
- Expert opinion: “The phone is the needle”
- The road to recovery
- Frequently asked questions
Introduction: The hidden addiction in the digital age
In our constantly connected society, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. But for some, internet and digital device usage goes beyond limits to become a compulsive addiction with severe consequences. This addiction is often misunderstood or ignored, but the stories of those who have suffered from it reveal a real and devastating struggle.
Lauren’s story: From Nintendo 64 to the brink
It started innocently enough for Lauren when she was eight years old with a Nintendo 64. Heedless gaming quickly became a priority over making friends or doing schoolwork. Then it moved to the family computer. Her technology use continued to take over her life, and she barely graduated from high school.
Lauren says: «I was so confused because I knew I was a driven person. I knew I had ambitions and goals in my life. So, I was very confused why I seemed to be ignoring the things that were important to me».
At the height of her addiction, Lauren would browse the internet for hours on end. She neglected herself and her apartment, stopping regular eating, drinking, and bathroom habits. She couldn’t sleep, and she couldn’t get out of bed. Life, she says, felt unbearable, eventually driving her to consider suicide.
The nature of technology addiction: “Like heroin to me”
One of the biggest challenges Lauren faced was acknowledging that her internet use was primarily an addiction. She thought she might be suffering from an anxiety disorder or depression, but neither explained her compulsive behavior.
Tom, another member of the support group, shares a similar experience. For him, video games, YouTube, and smartphones were the poison. During his worst periods, he would use technology for up to 20 hours straight. Like Lauren, he says his addiction made him contemplate suicide.
Tom says: «It doesn’t really act like a behavioral addiction. It acts much more like a substance addiction. So it’s a drug of sorts. It’s (like) heroin to me».
Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous (ITAA): A beacon of hope
Lauren and Tom found a path to recovery thanks to a new and relatively unknown 12-step program called Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous (ITAA). Started in 2017, the program borrows principles from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), hosting regular meetings and encouraging members to follow the 12 steps to achieve sobriety. Like AA members, ITAA members maintain anonymity when speaking about the group.
Defining “bottom lines”: A realistic approach to recovery
The goal of ITAA is not to completely abstain from the internet or technology—in today’s society, that is not realistic. Instead, members identify their own “bottom lines”—specific websites or devices that drive them to addiction—and exclude them.
For Lauren, Reddit, YouTube, and social media were the triggers. For Tom, it was video games and smartphones. By identifying these triggers and committing to avoid them, members can begin to regain control of their lives.
Expert opinion: “The phone is the needle”
Dr. Timothy Fong, an addiction psychiatrist at the University of California, Los Angeles, says it is unclear how widespread internet and technology addiction actually is. This is partly because these addictions are often overshadowed by other types of addiction, such as online gambling or porn addiction.
However, Fong says it is clear that for some, the internet can be highly addictive—as if “the phone is the needle”.
Fong says it is important to evaluate your internet and technology usage. Does it affect your sleep? Your relationships? What about your mental health?
The road to recovery
Before ITAA, Lauren took drastic steps to curb her addiction to no avail. She tried locking her devices away and wrote notes to herself begging to stop.
Since finding ITAA, she says she is three years into recovery and has finally achieved sobriety.
Lauren says: «Now, in recovery, I understand that I can use my computer and I can use the internet and technology in a way that truly serves my life and my recovery from addiction. There is no reason to avoid computers. I am able to use them in a way that supports my life».
Frequently asked questions
Q1: What is internet and technology addiction?
A1: It is compulsive use of the internet and digital devices that negatively impacts an individual’s daily life, including health, relationships, work, or study.
Q2: What is the ITAA program?
A2: It is a 12-step support program, similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, designed to help people suffering from internet and technology addiction achieve recovery.
Q3: What are “bottom lines” in ITAA?
A3: They are specific websites, apps, devices, or behaviors that members identify as triggers for their addiction and commit to avoiding, rather than trying to abstain from technology entirely.
Q4: How do I know if I have a technology addiction?
A4: If your technology use negatively affects your sleep, relationships, or mental health, or if you are unable to control the amount of time you spend online despite negative consequences, you may be experiencing an addiction.
