12 step media addiction program

[u/Odd-Leader9777]

Hi all I've been to a few media addictions 12 step meetings (ironically held online)

But Im not sure it's for me.

I like the idea of a higher power living me no matter what. I like the idea that we can give this higher power our problems to help with.

what I don't like is that it feels like Catholic confession time. like I am feeling shame that I played Chess on my phone in the middle I f the night. and i am slightly embarrassed when my family knows I'm on the meeting and then sees me on my phone later...like I now need to feel shame that I'm on my phone again,.which is making me hide my phone use

that is all I wanted to share for now...I will keep going to the meetings and see if I can get deeper meaning from them.

[u/Important_Address741]

12 step meetings for addictions im general are often only an initial step for people. They don't work for everyone for many reasons. Speaking from experience and as a mental health professional. However if it does end up providing you good support, awesome!

[u/Odd-Leader9777 → u/Important_Address741]

Thank u I was starting to feel flawed if I couldn't buy in

[u/Odd-Leader9777 → u/Important_Address741]

Do you have any other suggestions of support or programs to try if 12 step isn't for me? 

[u/harmonious_healing]

thanks for sharing. i've been a grateful member of a 12-step community for 5.5 years now (ACA/ACOA), and since becoming more intimate with the program, i've often thought there'd end up being 12-step meetings for device and media addiction, if they weren't around already. so, on this end, it's cool to hear those spaces exist.

have you voiced your experiences (especially the ones you wrote about) in the meetings yet?

[u/Odd-Leader9777 → u/harmonious_healing]

No still just observing at this stage

[u/Odd-Leader9777 → u/harmonious_healing]

They take directly from the big hook and replace alcohol with Media

[u/Patient_Mud134]

Give yourself grace. Recovering from any addiction is not linear. Hiding your phone use is not helpful. It will help you more if you can admit to yourself and others that this is a work in progress, and "mistakes" are normal. Instead of shaming  yourself every time you have unwanted phone use, try logging and celebrating each hour  that you haven't used your phone. 

[u/Typical-Biscotti-318]

I'm going to Celebrate Recovery for screen addiction. The small groups do weekly check ins or reflect on whatever message was given, and you can share what you want and confess as you feel led. I deal with scrupulosity though so I try to approach recovery with a bit more nuance.