What role does technology play in gambling addiction and treatment? The reality is, we live in a world where everyone has a smart phone. Landlines are ancient, and technological advances seem to bring us farther and farther away from actual connection. Technology isn’t the enemy, but there’s a reason why we don’t allow phones during your treatment stay on Vanguard.
When you enter treatment on Vanguard for gambling disorder, one of the first changes you will notice is access to some of the technological comforts you are normally used to. Your cell phone is locked away, and we limit use of TV between 5pm and 11pm on weekdays. You will have access to a landline, but we ask that you make phone calls between the hours of 5pm and 10pm on the weekdays as well. There’s no access to computers, email, laptops, or any other electronic device.
We aren’t trying to take away your joy. There’s a reason we do it this way.
One of the primary benefits of limiting technology is a brain reset. Specifically, your brain gets an artificial dopamine hit from many “normal” activities you might participate in on you cell phone. Games and social media are the biggest culprits. You’re also more likely to indulge your cravings when you have access to a phone. During the 30 days you’re in treatment, we replace your phone with actual connection with peers and education on your addiction. The hope is that when you get your phone back, you won’t think about it the same way you used to in your addiction.
FACT
Gambling on a smartphone can happen privately, almost anywhere and at any time. Research reviewed by the National Council on Problem Gambling found that people who wager using mobile devices show higher rates of problem gambling than those who do not use mobile platforms.
The first day without your phone might seem overwhelming. But think of it this way. Your mom and dad lived without cell phones. Your grandmother lived without cell phones. What would it be like to live a slower paced life for 30 days? What would it be like to focus on actual, in person connections with your peer group? We hope when you enter treatment at Vanguard you’ll embrace the structure we have created, including the technology detox we create for you while in treatment.
Relax, disconnect, and find peace in your recovery. We hope to see you soon!
FACT
For someone with gambling disorder, betting apps, sports scores, advertisements and notifications can become conditioned gambling cues. Studies have linked gambling-related cues with dopamine activity, craving and brain responses associated with attention, reward anticipation and motivation.
If you are struggling with gambling and help to stop chasing the loss, Vanguard can help. For more information, click below.
