Video Game Addiction Treatment

1. Repetitive use of Internet-based games, often with other players, leads to significant issues with functioning.  Five of the following criteria must be met within one year:
2. Preoccupation or obsession with Internet games.
3. Withdrawal symptoms when not playing Internet games.
4. A build-up of tolerance–more time needs to be spent playing the games.
5. The person has tried to stop or curb playing Internet games but has failed to do so.
6. The person has had a loss of interest in other life activities, such as hobbies.
7. A person has had continued overuse of Internet games even with the knowledge of how much they impact a person’s life.
8. The person lied to others about his or her Internet game usage.
9. The person uses Internet games to relieve anxiety or guilt–it’s a way to escape.
10. The person has lost or put at risk an opportunity or relationship because of Internet games.

FUN, POSITIVE APPROACH.

First and foremost, Summerland at Camp Pocono Trails (CPT) is fun!  We truly meet campers where they are.  We have fun and build rapport so they will trust and respect their counselor and bunkmates.  We don’t call internet gaming disorder or social media overuse an “addiction” with campers. Instead, we use a habit formation approach that frames the issue in a way where campers feel that change is quite possible.  “Addiction” on the other hand feels overwhelming like you are powerless to change.

We also don’t call our mental health professionals (LCSW’s, psychologists, or masters level counselors) “therapists.” Instead, we call them “behavior coaches.” Every therapist at camp goes by “coach.” We see the growth process as a coaching relationship, and our campers are like athletes in training learning practical strategies to set goals, change daily routines, and self-regulate their screen time. The overall tone is camp is positive and fun.

GOAL SETTING FOCUS.

Summerland at CPT campers are introduced to the concept of “self-regulation” and how top performers, from Olympic athletes to Fortune 500 executives, utilize self-regulation techniques to control their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to reach targeted goals. Campers keep a Behavior Planning Journal (BPJ) and track their goals and daily routine. Campers learn to embrace structure at camp and learn new ways to meet social needs, combat boredom, and develop interests outside of gaming.

Summerland at CPT campers receive 3 groups per week on average; two tech-focused groups and one self-esteem group. During group, we develop strategies to self-regulate behaviors within a certain set of parameters to achieve their desired goal.

OUR MISSION

Summerland at CPT was created to help families find balance with the technology overuse problem and co-occurring issues that plague today’s youth.  While screen time overuse is undeniably a major health concern for adolescents and teens, families and treatment professionals alike know little about solutions to this epidemic.

Left unchecked, screen time overuse can lead to social withdrawal, depression, and defiance.  Parents often report that trying to limit screen time behaviors results in anger and frustration on the part of the child and parents often have a sense of hopelessness about the child’s future and ability to succeed independently.

Our groups are designed to build insight into how excessive screen time can impact school, extra-curricular, or social learning and teach coping skills to limit the harm screens can potentially cause.  Parents who contact Summerland at CPT realize that without intervention, their child succeeding independently without intervention is unlikely.

CAMP COMPONENTS:

• We provide a technology detox/reset in a fun summer camp environment. On 350 acres packed with activities and sports facilities, we introduce campers to a range of sports and hobbies to increase non-technology healthy interests. From archery to zip lines, we have it all!
• Summerland at CPT campers attend focus groups to question thinking, develop insight, and count the costs of technology overuse. We separate groups by age and gender. Campers receive an insight-building workbook about tech habits, a book on presenting yourself in a positive light online, and a behavior planning journal (BPJ). Each item is utilized in group.
• Meeting with a behavior coach and groups to develop intrinsic motivation to manage technology use and create a lifestyle change
• Training on how to self-monitor and use a behavior planning journal (BPJ).
• Parental component including a parent guide, online family workshop, and regular updates/communication.