Home / Health / Rehab Centers Tackle Growing Phone Addiction Crisis
Rehab Centers Tackle Growing Phone Addiction Crisis
28 Jun
Summary
- Digital addiction impacts people from all backgrounds.
- Dopamine release from online rewards fuels dependency.
- Recovering addicts describe losing joy and feeling held hostage.
An unlikely venue for treating digital addiction is emerging: rehab centers. Facilities like Steps Together are seeing a growing number of people struggling to disconnect from their devices.
Lead therapist Kelly Watson notes that digital addiction can affect anyone, as our phones and brain circuitry are common. The brain's reward system, releasing dopamine with online interactions, can lead to an overwhelming need for digital hits, consuming hours or even days.
James, 48, undergoing treatment at a Steps Together center, shared his experience. Initially seeking help for alcohol addiction, his digital dependency became apparent when he lost his job and spent his days scrolling social media and checking news. He felt digitally held hostage, experiencing dread instead of enjoyment from his phone.
