Is Cell Phone Addiction Real?

In today’s society, it’s common to see everyone glued to their cell phones. Although it’s common, is it healthy? Many people struggle to let go of their cell phones and have fear or anxiety when they’re without it. There are many layers to cell phone addiction, often relating closely to other addictive behaviors or mental health disorders.

Is Cell Phone Addiction Real?

Yes, cell phone addiction is very real. Despite popular belief, addiction can extend well beyond just substance abuse. Psychological addiction and addictive behaviors are just as dangerous and can lead people to problems such as cell phone addiction.

The technical term for cell phone addiction is Nomophobia.

What Is Nomophobia?

For people with Nomophobia, living without a cell phone is extremely difficult. If a person with Nomophobia leaves their cell phone at home, they may feel irrational fear, anxiety, or restlessness. In these cases, people start emotionally and psychologically relying on their cell phones for comfort, similar to how alcoholics rely on alcohol for stress relief. People with a cell phone addiction may forego deep relationships with others, avoid social anxiety, or have difficulty performing in work or school.

In many cases, treating a cell phone addiction is mainly psychological. It requires getting to the root of the problem, which is typically a mental health disorder such as anxiety, and finding healthier coping mechanisms for the person to use.

Nomophobia Treatment at Morningside Recovery

Morningside Recovery is one of the only facilities in the U.S that offer treatment for “Nomophobia,” short for “no-mobile-phone phobia”. Cosmopolitan Magazine interviewed Allison, a 21-year-old from Orange County, California who received treatment at Morningside Recovery for phone related anxiety. A year after treatment, she has more meaningful relationships, less anxiety, and is fully present in her life. The article shares Allison’s recovery story and gives an in-depth look at the growing problem of technology addiction.

“One difference that separates Morningside from other rehab programs is that it doesn’t strip patients of their cell phones or laptops upon arrival. Patients focus on learning coping skills to keep themselves from obsessively checking their devices — such as running their hands under water when they feel a compulsion or engaging in a face-to-face conversation.” – Kira Peikoff from Cosmopolitan Magazine

If you’d like to learn more about Morningside Recovery’s dual diagnosis and mental health treatment programs, call us today at 855-631-2135. Let today be the last day you struggle with anxiety and a cell phone addiction.