MY WELLNESS CRUSADE SERIES
Episode 7: Are you addicted to your phone?
Cell phones have become such powerful and versatile tools that, for many people, they feel literally indispensable.
There’s some debate in the medical community as to whether phone overuse is an life-altering addiction or impulse control issue.
There are a lot of similarities between phone overuse and other behavioral addictions, like compulsive gambling.
The similarities include:
*loss of control over the behavior
*persistence, or having real difficulty limiting the behavior
*tolerance, the need to engage in the behavior more often to get the same feeling
*severe negative consequences stemming from the behavior
*withdrawal, or feelings of irritability and anxiety when the behavior isn’t practiced
*Relapse, or picking up the habit again after periods of avoidance.
There’s another similarity between behavioral addiction and cell phone overuse: the triggering of a chemical in the brain that reinforces the compulsive behavior.
Your brain contains several pathways that transmit a feel-good chemical called dopamine when you’re in rewarding situations. For many people, social interaction stimulates the release of dopamine.
Because so many people use their phones as tools of social interaction, they become accustomed to constantly checking them for that hit of dopamine that’s released when they connect with others on social media or some other app.
If your phone is affecting your family time, social life, or work, it is time to interrupt this unhealthy relationship.Look out for red flags and question yourself on the following issues:
-Loss of control. Do you feel a deep, persistent, and uncontrollable urge to check your phone, even when you’re not waiting for anything in particular?
-Dependence. Do you feel anxious or irritable when you have to turn off your phone?
-Emotional coping. Do you reflexively turn to your phone to cope with negative emotions like boredom, frustration, stress, or social anxiety?
-Negative emotions. Simply put, does being on your phone make you feel bad? Do you feel more stress, anxiety, or loneliness after using it?
Harmed social relationships. Does using your phone prevent you from listening to others? Do important people around you feel neglected because you’re focused on your phone instead of them?
Compromised performance. Does your phone distract you from getting important things done? Limit your ability to think clearly?
TIPS:
Phone addiction can be a real challenge in today’s digital age. Here are some tips:
-Digital Detox:take a Break: Consider a digital detox where you completely disconnect from your phone for a day, weekend, or even longer or go one detox retreat where you can get extra help.
-Seek Support:talk to Someone: Share your struggles with a friend, family member, or therapist.
