The use of technology, especially social media and gaming, can have negative consequences for the health and well-being of many people. It can cause long-term or permanent changes in the brain, which require medical and behavioral treatment to reverse.

In addition, research shows that digital addiction can co-occur with substance abuse. It is important to treat both disorders together.

Addiction is a disease

Addiction is a chronic disorder of the brain that involves a craving for a substance or behavior, loss of control over it, and continued involvement with it despite harmful consequences. It changes the brain by subverting normal reward circuits.

It also causes physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when you stop using. These symptoms may include nausea, sweating and shaking.

Many people develop addictions to substances like alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs. Others have addictions to behaviors such as gambling or overeating.

The medical community recognizes addiction as a primary disease because it is characterized by persistent, compulsive use of a mood-altering drug or other substance, despite negative consequences.

Treatment for addiction typically includes counseling, medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, therapy and rehabilitation (rehab). It can help you learn coping skills, improve relationships with others and build life skills. Recovery is a process that can be long-lasting. Rehab can also help you manage your mental health conditions or other co-occurring problems.

It’s not a mental health disorder

Many people think that addiction is a mental health disorder, but it’s not. Addiction is a medical illness that physically changes the brain, causing a person to lose control over their behavior.

Screen addiction and substance abuse are two separate things, but they often develop together. In some cases, they may also develop independently.

Unlike substance addiction, screen addiction is not dependent on chemicals like dopamine, which are released when you drink or use drugs. Instead, screens flood your brain with feel-good chemicals and a rush of pleasure that makes you want to keep using.

Screen addiction may also lead to depression and anxiety. These disorders can cause feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, making it easier to fall into a cycle of substance abuse.

It’s a problem

Addiction is a mental health disorder that can have serious consequences on a person’s physical and emotional well-being. It can also have negative effects on their relationships and career.

Screen addiction is a form of addiction that’s closely related to substance abuse. Like substances, screens can flood your brain with dopamine, triggering a feeling of intense pleasure.

People who are addicted to screens often want more and more of that dopamine rush, which can lead them to seek out other drugs or substances to chase that same high.

Signs of screen addiction include a lack of impulse control, withdrawal symptoms, interference with relationships and inability to focus on other activities.

If you or a loved one is showing these signs, it’s time to get them help. The sooner you do, the more likely it is that they’ll be able to overcome their addiction and begin to live a life of sobriety.

It’s treatable

Screen addiction is similar to substance use disorder in that it’s a disease that needs to be treated. There are a number of ways to do this, including medical detoxification and behavioral counseling.

Treatment should be focused on helping people learn healthier coping skills, repair relationships and establish sobriety. It may also include medication management and long-term follow up to prevent relapse.

Many people who get addicted to screens become so absorbed in them that they don’t have time for other things, such as socializing with friends or family. This can result in feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can lead to substance abuse as a way to escape those emotions.

There is evidence that long-term exposure to screens creates lasting brain changes in areas associated with emotional processing, executive attention and decision making. This can interfere with a person’s ability to function at work or school and cause them to feel irritable, depressed or anxious.