Signs of a Phone Addiction
Smartphones and technology have become an important part of our lives, helping us communicate with others and also helping to support our everyday activities.
As of 2022, 97% of people in the United States own a cellphone, with 85% owning a smartphone. Many people would admit to using their phones too much, but when does using your phone become an addiction? For some people, being unable to control their phone use or checking their phone excessively can cause problems at work at school, and impact relationships.
If you’re worried that you or someone you know is suffering from a phone addiction, we’re here to help. Read more about the signs of phone addiction, and learn about the treatments available at Peaks Recovery.
What is a Phone Addiction?
Phone addiction is a condition where someone uses a phone excessively or obsessively, and may fear being left without their phone (also known as nomophobia). While an increasing dependency on phones is something that is a wider problem in society, for some people it can become an addiction, a form of process addiction that leaves someone unable to control their impulse of compulsion to use their phone.
If you’re suffering from a phone addiction, you may not even realize it, which is why it’s important to recognize some of the signs of symptoms so that you can help yourself and others overcome their addiction.
What are the Signs of Symptoms of a Phone Addiction?
Many of the signs of phone addiction are similar to other types of addictions, including gambling and to some extent, substances such as drugs or alcohol. This is because using a phone, especially for social interactions, can lead to a release of dopamine, a feel-good chemical that produces a type of high. Feeling the need to constantly check your phone to experience those positive social interactions can mean your phone use becomes excessive, to the point where it could start affecting your relationships, and other aspects of your life.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of a phone addiction include:
- Lying about your phone use.
- Neglecting your responsibilities, such as work or school, due to the time spent on your phone.
- Increasing the amount of time you use your phone, and becoming unaware of how much time has passed.
- Constantly checking your phone for notifications and updates.
- Putting yourself at risk when using your phone, such as while driving or out walking.
- Becoming withdrawn from others.
- Favoring online interactions versus those with friends and family.
- Feeling stressed or panic if your phone is out of range or is out of power.
- Finding it difficult to decrease your phone use.
- Friends and family have expressed concern over your phone use.
Everyone’s experiences of phone addiction will be different, but if you or someone you know become overly reliant on your phone, or it starts to lead to other conditions such as stress and anxiety, then seeking some help can ensure you get the support you need to bring your phone use under control.
How to Help Someone with a Phone Addiction
With phones being such a key part of our lives, it can be difficult to know when phone use has become a problem and when to seek help. If you have concerns about a loved one’s phone use, then you should talk to them about the problem, without placing blame, to demonstrate concern about their behavior. There may be some things you can do together to limit phone use and help dampen the impulse to constantly need to use a phone.
If this doesn’t work, then suggesting some help can be a positive way of addressing the issue, and ensuring that your loved one gets the professional support they need
Types of Treatment For a Phone Addiction
There are different types of treatment for phone addiction, tailored to the needs of the individual to help find the most successful way of moving forward. This can include individual or group therapy, designed to address the causes of phone addiction and how to manage the behavior more effectively in the future.
At Peaks Recovery, we provide a range of treatment options, helping people to overcome their phone addictions successfully.
Phone Addiction Treatment at Peaks Recovery
If you’re concerned that you or someone you know has a phone addiction, then Peaks Recovery can help. Our professional services can help provide a safe and effective route to recovery, allowing you to look ahead to a positive future. Take a look at our services for more information, or get in touch with our team to learn more about the services we offer.
Medical Disclaimer: Peaks Recovery Centers uses fact-based content about recovery treatment, addiction medicine, and behavioral health conditions to improve the quality of life for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction or mental health disorders. This information is not intended to replace professional medical guidance, diagnosis, care, or treatment. This information should not be used as a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider and/or your physician.