Addictions We Don't Talk About

Addiction isn't just about alcohol or drugs and the visible ruin of so many lives. There's another form of addiction quietly claiming millions, especially our young people: technology.

From smartphones to the endless scrolling on social media, these modern conveniences are rewiring brains in ways that eerily resemble the effects of substance addiction

Dopamine is a very strong chemical in our brain, often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter. When we participate in activities that our brain perceives as rewarding, dopamine is released, making us feel pleasure. Traditional drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine hit the brain with dopamine, creating intense pleasure but very quickly leading to dependency as the brain begins to crave more. Sometimes, almost immediately. 

The scary part? Technology does the very same thing.

Studies show that every "like" or affirmation on social media or new notifications trigger a small release of dopamine. This constant stream of dopamine causes feelings of pleasure and, in a short time, conditions our brains to keep seeking more of what makes them “feel” good. This leads to compulsive or obsessive behaviors similar to those seen in drug addicts. The brain's reward system, which is designed to encourage behaviors necessary for living, is hijacked by this technological stimuli, making it very difficult to focus, resist, or even enjoy other activities. Does any of this seem like something you have seen?

Try taking your child's phone and computer access away for 6 hours. How do they respond?

A study published in NeuroRegulation found that over-using digital devices can result in symptoms very much like drug addiction, including withdrawal, tolerance, and total preoccupation with obtaining that next digital "hit." This is very concerning for young people whose brains are still developing and are more likely to be seriously affected by these changes.

Our children are growing up in a world where screens are nearly everywhere. From educational apps to YouTube videos, the intent may be harmless, but the impact can be complete destruction.

The earlier children are introduced to screentime, the more likely they are to develop addictive behavior later in life.

The brain, during its early years, is particularly sensitive to the constant dopamine stimulation provided by screens, making it difficult, if not impossible, for kids to develop impulse control and focus. Sound familiar yet?

Moreover, children addicted to screens often show signs of anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. They struggle with face-to-face interactions, find it hard to deal with boredom, and are much more susceptible to developing attention disorders. It's not just about the time spent on screens; it's very much about the content they're consuming, the lack of any real physical activity, and the lack of human interactions that are crucial and necessary for healthy development.

The parallels between technology addiction and drug addiction are striking.

Both create a cycle of dependency, where the user feels helplessly compelled to use the substance or technology even with the negative consequences. Both lead to changes in brain chemistry that make it difficult to break free without intervention by people trained in addiction recovery. And both result in significant harm to physical and mental health.

Why is it that society readily accepts the dangers of drug addiction, but technology addiction is usually dismissed, downplayed, or worse, even encouraged. The normalizing of constant screen time and lack of in-person human interaction completely blinds us to the serious dangers lurking just beneath the surface.

Overcoming technology addiction, like any addiction, requires honest awareness, true discipline, and healthy reliable support. Here are some practical steps:

1. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish clear rules around screen time and do not stray from them. For children, this means limiting daily use and setting times when devices are off-limits, such as during meals or at bedtime.

2. Encourage Real-World Activities: Promote activities that don't involve screens, like sports, reading, or outdoor play time. These activities build social skills, creativity, and physical health, none of which access to the internet truly gives.

3. Model Healthy Behavior: Parents need to lead by example. If children see their parents constantly on their phones, they'll mimic that behavior. Demonstrate the importance of disconnecting by engaging in screen-free activities as a family. 

4. Teach Mindfulness: Encourage mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, which help improve focus and reduce the compulsion to check devices. Addiction is a real thing and so hard to overcome. 

5. Monitor Content: Be aware of what your children are doing online. Use parental controls and discuss the importance of healthy internet habits. Our young people need us to keep them healthy and safe. We must check up on their browsing history.

6. Seek Help If Needed: If you or your child struggles with technology addiction, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Therapists and counselors will provide strategies and support to manage and overcome this addiction.

Supervision isn't just about setting rules; it's about understanding the risks and helping children choose healthier habits. The brain is still developing well into the early 20s, making young people highly vulnerable to the effects of screen addiction. By allowing unrestricted access to technology, we're exposing them to risks that could have long-term consequences on their mental and physical health.

Starting kids on screens at a young age can set the stage for a lifetime of dependency. It's so important to introduce technology gradually, ensuring it's balanced with plenty of offline activities that contribute to normal, healthy development. Remember, the goal isn't to eliminate technology—it's to create a balanced relationship with it.

Our world is tech-driven and not in a good way. It's easy to overlook the addictive nature of our devices. But the stakes are really high, especially for our young people. If we are willing to recognize the similarities between technology addiction and drug addiction, we can take action to protect our children and ourselves. Isn't it time to have the conversation about the addictions we aren't talking about and take action before it's too late?