Screen addiction is an increasingly common issue. As parents, we are alarmed when our kids spend more and more time on their smartphones, computers and video games than they should.

This can lead to a wide range of problems, including poor sleep hygiene, erratic behavior, poor social skills and delayed speech. It can also affect their schoolwork.

Addiction is a compulsion

The terms addiction and compulsion are commonly used interchangeably to describe a person’s behavior. This can cause a lot of confusion for those who are trying to identify the difference between these two conditions and find treatment.

When it comes to screen addiction, the difference between a compulsion and an addiction is that a compulsion involves an irresistible urge to do something. Addiction on the other hand, is a need to do something to experience pleasure or remove discomfort.

A compulsion is usually associated with anxiety and fear, while an addiction is a need to do something to relieve those feelings. A compulsion can include hair pulling, obsessive thoughts or constant checking of door locks and stove burners.

In contrast, an addict will pursue an addictive behavior despite the negative consequences it may have on their life. They will do so to feel relief from the chemical euphoria they receive from their drug of choice. They will also have a tendency to deny their substance abuse and may have a hard time understanding the reasons behind their actions.

It’s not a mental health disorder

Screen addiction is the use of electronic devices, such as computers, mobile phones and TVs, to the point that it interferes with daily life. This can result in sleep problems, poor relationships with friends and family, and social isolation.

It can also have a negative impact on cognitive development, causing delays in schoolwork and critical emotional skills. Kids may become unfocused or lose interest in their studies, and can even forget their regular routines, like eating and sleeping.

The brains of people who are addicted to screens are changed in a way that makes it hard or impossible for them to stop using them without help. This type of addiction is called “process addiction” and is not different from the type of addiction that occurs when a person is abusing drugs or alcohol.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a mental illness that causes people to engage in the consumption of drugs or alcohol, even when they know it will cause serious problems. It’s a chronic disease that can require extensive behavioral and medical treatment to treat and manage.

It’s not a chemical addiction

Screen addiction is the use of digital devices (like smartphones, laptops and tablets) that can interfere with your health and relationships. Similar to drug addiction, it involves changing the brain’s reward and motivation systems.

People are biologically motivated to seek out experiences that make them feel good. For example, when you eat a healthy meal or spend time with family and friends, your body releases chemicals that trigger feelings of pleasure.

But screen addiction goes beyond the normal – it can cause permanent changes in your brain. This may require extensive medical and behavioral treatment to reverse.

Those who are considering going to a therapist should make an appointment with their doctor to undergo a thorough diagnosis to ensure they get the right kind of treatment. They may also need to take part in a psychological treatment plan to address any underlying issues that have caused their substance abuse. This will help them avoid relapse.

It’s a behavioral addiction

While many people think of addiction as a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol, it is also a behavioral disorder. When an individual becomes dependent on a certain behavior, they will crave it and participate in it at unhealthy levels.

Unlike substance abuse, most behavioral addictions do not have the same physical risks as drug or alcohol abuse, but they can still cause severe emotional and psychological withdrawal symptoms. This is why it’s important to identify a behavioral addiction as soon as possible.

Screen addiction is a type of behavioral addiction that involves excessive use of devices, such as smartphones and videogames. In the United States, screen addiction is not yet included as a diagnosis in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but it’s being recognized worldwide.

Symptoms of screen addiction can include emotional disturbances, aggression and social isolation. It can also affect a child’s ability to focus and pay attention.