A therapist that treats addictions on the phone says that the symptoms of attraction that people suffer are similar to those experienced by drug addicts.
Lee Fernandes, 48, is a subordinate specialist in Ukat, an organization that offers patient rehabilitation treatment for people who fight drug issues, alcoholism, and even ‘behavior’ addictions are games of Fate, games and the Internet.
Fernandes says that in the last five years he has seen a significant increase in phone addictions, technology and social media – with one of his latest customers spending between 15 and 17 hours a day on YouTube.
And, those who try to abandon can suffer from the withdrawal symptoms that are as serious as those experienced by drug users trying to abandon heroin – such as swinging, sweating and insomnia.
Fernandes, who lives in London, said: “We often see that narcotics dependent develops when an individual begins using a recreational drug – and then gradually becomes more and more dependent on it.
“The same can happen with phone supplements. One can start using social media for fun. And it’s an acceptable social habit – so it’s reliable that you can use Instagram to see what your friends are doing, or using Linked for work reasons.
“But then suddenly you are in the first thing in the morning and the last thing in the evening. Suddenly, what was supposed to be a quick 10 -minute look turns into hours of movement.
“It starts to affect your life. You’re late at a meeting because you lost move – or you’re not connecting with your partner because someone is on their phone too.
“It can be done something that people use to self-excitement. Maybe whenever a person is sad, or stressed, or even upset, they find themselves on their phone.
“And so it starts to get just a little before it suddenly is a real problem.
“A young man with whom I worked to enjoy YouTube. But at the time he came to me – he was in it for 15 to 17 hours a day. “
Fernandes says people who become addicted to their phones can undergo traction symptoms when trying to reduce their use – similar to drug addicts.
He said: “You see it with children when parents remove their phones. They become frustrated and angry, and their moods are generally low.
“But it might be worse. A colleague of mine was treating a game dependent and he came in for the rehabilitation of patients who meant that he was completely cut.
“The effects were great. He was sweating, shaking, unable to sleep.
“These are the same symptoms as a heroin attraction.”
According to Fernandes, people gravitate on their phones and social media for a fast dopamine hit – a hormone that enhances your mood.
However, he warns that making this can “burn” rewards centers in our brain – making it harder to enjoy other activities.
He said: “Dopamina activates the rewards center in our brains and that means doing through something that requires little effort.
“This may be to learn something – or do an activity. A hobby you like.
“Even hanging out with friends, as it requires thought and conversation.
“But using your phone produces instant dopamine without challenge – and that actually burns rewards centers in your brain.
“It makes it harder to enjoy everyday things.
“I think of this lot. In the tube, people were reading a book or moving through a newspaper.
“Now almost everyone is on their phone.
“Sometimes, it’s a good thing to get bored.”
For those who are looking to beat their dependence on the phone, Fernandes says you first need to understand what your “science” is.
He said: “Do you go to your phone when you are anxious in social situations?
“Do you use it when you feel sad or upset?
“Identify it and then try to find other behaviors that can replace this.
“Can you call a friend instead? Or maybe go for a walk or watch a movie.
“For some people, it’s to go to the cold turkey. Just delete social media apps from your phone.
“For others, it is about changing customs. Try not to go to your phone for the first or last hour of the day – and make sure you are getting dopamine from other sources.
“People have to remember that social media is not true. Your life is. ”
Fernandes says he would not necessarily defend for stopping social media – but called on parents to reconsider how much they allow their children to use it.
He said: “Technology and the Internet are of course here to stay. And they can be useful.
“But it is about managing it.
“I think Australia’s ban on social media for under 16 is a good idea. Let the brains of our young people develop without technology.
“We want them to have life out of their phones.
“I think we just have to remember that for decades they told us that smoking does not cause cancer.
“People after social media – they have a product to sell. They will trade it in a way to be positive.
“So we have to make our decisions about it.”
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