Compulsive smartphone use mimics substance abuse addiction
According to a study published in NeuroRegulation, the dependence university students place on their smartphone devices correlates to experiences of depression and isolation.
In an article in Forbes, San Francisco State researchers stated the use of smartphones cause a similar type of addiction seen in individuals with diagnosed substance abuse. The study, which evaluated 135 university students, analyzed the convenience of smartphones for students. Researchers found that the more students used their smartphone, the more likely they were to develop feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness and isolation.
"The behavioral addiction of smartphone use begins forming neurological connections in the brain in ways similar to how opioid addiction is experienced by people taking Oxycontin for pain relief— gradually," explained Erik Peper, professor of health education at San Francisco State.
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Cara joined TriMed Media in 2016 and is currently a Senior Writer for Clinical Innovation & Technology. Originating from Detroit, Michigan, she holds a Bachelors in Health Communications from Grand Valley State University.