Lifelong Recovery Lived

Social Media Addiction

Written by Stonewater Recovery | Nov 15, 2021 5:00:00 AM
Health experts associate sitting for too long with many health conditions, some of which can be fatal. What we do while sitting is equally concerning. Many of us mindlessly scroll through social media accounts, leading to what is known as social media addiction. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, etc. are becoming as addictive as alcohol, opioids, cocaine, marijuana, and other substances. If you're battling an addiction to social media, our adolescent treatment center can help. Contact Stonewater Adolescent Treatment Center today at 662.373.2828 to learn more about your treatment options.

Enhanced Anxiety

People with a dependency on drugs experience intense cravings and anxiety when their substance of choice is not available. Similarly, addiction to social media usually entails a compulsive urge to be online. Many people who develop a dependence on social media report feelings of anxiety when others prevent them from interacting online. They might also get irritated when visiting places that require them to switch off their internet devices. Some social media addicts always feel like smashing their gadgets when there is no secure WiFi connection.

Social Media Is of Utmost Importance

Some environments, such as workplaces and classrooms, have stringent internet and phone usage rules that bar people from accessing social media. Such regulations may not stop people with social media addictions from accessing their devices. In such cases, a person may take unnecessary bathroom breaks to update social media statuses or type chat messages under the desk. These actions can lead to an impediment to educational progress.

Obsession With Likes and Comments

Do you regularly refresh your Facebook page after uploading a post to see whether your likes and comments are accumulating? If so, you may be addicted to social media. Although we feel good when others like what we post, we need to strike a balance between assigned- and self-worth. Your opinion should matter more than what the internet bullies think.

Substance Use Disorder Signs

After examining earlier research on personality traits, mental characteristics, and social media interactions, experts say that social network users exhibit addictive behaviors similar to those in people suffering from substance use disorders. The study shows that social media use can lead to various addiction symptoms, such as:
  • Mood changing experiences
  • Neglect of personal life
  • Concealing the addictive behavior
  • Mental preoccupation
  • Tolerance
  • Escapism
The study also suggests that the inspiration for someone's excessive social media use varies depending on personality traits—loners and outgoing people use it for different motives, as do those with narcissistic tendencies.

Seek Treatment at Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center

Most people log into their social network accounts daily and spend substantial time online without experiencing severe physical or psychological problems. However, those suffering from addiction to social media are obsessive in their need to post and interact with their online friends. Fortunately, the disorder is curable, and the team at Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center has helped many people successfully regain control of their lives. Even if your social media use disorder is severe, you can overcome it with our specialized help. Depending on the severity of the problem and the reasons that led you to seek solace in the virtual world, our experts recommend various treatment options, including: If you or your loved ones find it hard to control internet use due to social media addiction, contact our adolescent treatment center for boys. We can create a faith-based, personalized treatment plan according to your requirements. Call Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center at 662.373.2828 today to get started on the recovery journey.