The Digital Drug: Understanding and Treating Mobile Phone Addiction

Internet addiction has been exacerbated by the proliferation of mobile technology. Users have moved beyond traditional notions of Internet addiction and new problems associated with mobile phone use have risen. This technology is needed for many functional reasons such as shopping, making airline reservations, and making hotel reservations. What happens when this becomes too much connectivity and health problems occur? This article looks at mobile phone addiction. Similar to Internet addiction, the symptoms associated with mobile phone addiction, the risk factors, and the overall impact on mental health and personal well-being are explored. Consequences and new strategies in dealing with mobile use and addiction at home and work are discussed. Most significantly, this article provides an inside look at the first US-based inpatient treatment center treating Internet and mobile phone addiction. Finally, new concerns raised by mobile technologies and their impact for addiction in next digital generation are explored.