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Compulsive TV/Video/Media Watching and Treatments: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Compulsive Social Media Use?
Watching tv and videos is a common pastime; however, access to streaming content on the internet allows for unprecedented access to content. This unfettered access has contributed to addictive behaviors for some people. Compulsive tv/video/media use is a chronic behavioral addiction characterized by an inability to control or stop engaging in media usage despite negative consequences, such as problems with health and in areas of typical life.
What are the Signs Compulsive Media Use?
Signs of disordered behavior include irritability when attempting to stop, loss of control, needing to spend more time watching media to achieve desired effects, hiding the behavior, using the behavior as a coping method, a mental preoccupation with using media, and continuing to engage despite harm to areas of life.
How is Compulsive Media Use Diagnosed?
Healthcare professionals typically use criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) for diagnosing addictive behaviors. Compulsive media use itself is not a mental health diagnosis as of yet; however, experts believe that compulsive behaviors share components of disordered impulse control and addiction. Criteria for identifying a problem includes signs and symptoms of disordered media use, including physical, psychological, and social behaviors.
What Causes Compulsive Media Use?
The development of compulsive media use is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. It is not a condition of character or about willpower.
Is Compulsive Media Use Treatable?
Yes, recovery is possible. Treatment often involves a combination of evidence-based therapies, medications when indicated, and support groups, including peer-support.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Treatment options include therapy, (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or “CBT”), other behavioral therapies, and support groups. There are also apps, like the Anonymous Health app, that allow you to learn and practice tools and techniques to support your recovery. These kinds of applications, when combined with one-to-one therapy (“computer assisted therapy”), can yield significantly improved success rates relative to therapy alone.
How Does Medication for Compulsive Media Use Work?
There are currently no FDA approved medications to help aid recovery from compulsive media use specifically. Some people with impulse control disorders also experience mental-health conditions that may complicate recovery. In these cases, they may work with medical professionals to treat these illnesses with medications such an anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, anti-psychotics, or anti-anxiety medications.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
The duration of treatment varies based on a person’s own needs. Some may require short-term interventions, while others may benefit from longer-term support.
What is Harm Reduction and How Does It Apply to Compulsive Media Use?
Harm reduction is the principle of reducing the harmful effects of addictive behaviors. These practices can be applied while one is attempting to change behaviors to help mitigate risks. Regarding compulsive media use, using safety practices like website blockers and other technology that can help self-restrict usage.
Can Compulsive Media Use Be Cured?
Medical professionals consider behavioral addictions to be chronic conditions, but recovery is possible. Many people can stop harmful behaviors with appropriate treatment and support. Relapse is often a normal part of the recovery journey and doesn’t indicate a lack of progress.
Can Family and Friends Help in the Recovery Process?
Involving family in therapy or peer-support groups can be beneficial, both to educate family and provide support.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Someone I Care About Has Compulsive Media Use?
Encourage them to seek professional help. Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding, expressing concern for their well-being.
What Can I Expect from Treatment?
Treatment is individualized based on the specific person’s needs, but you may expect a combination of the following during the treatment process: assessment and evaluation, medical monitoring, therapy, education and skills building, relapse prevention and preparedness planning, continued support, and aftercare planning.
How will I Pay for Treatment?
It's important to ask about payment options and verify insurance coverage before starting treatment. Many treatment programs have a navigator who can provide information on available options and help navigate the payment process. Some available options for payment may include: individual health insurance, Medicaid and Medicare, out-of-pocket payment, sliding scale fees, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), and payment plans.
How Often Can I Expect to Meet with My Therapist?
Sessions with your therapist and other members of your treatment team will typically happen more frequently in the beginning of your treatment, usually a few times a week. Then, as recovery progresses, you can expect to meet less, depending on the level of support you need. This will be an ongoing discussion between you and your team.
How Does the Anonymous Health App Work?
The Anonymous Health app complements the therapy and medical support you receive. It includes weekly exercises to teach you tools and techniques to not only help you overcome your addiction, but also to improve your life and some of the underlying stressors you may experience. Additionally, on a daily basis, you will be prompted to practice the tools and techniques that you learn. Our app is “gamified” and designed to be engaging, so we can do as much as possible to support your successful recovery.