Social media has a considerable influence on today’s cultural environment. More people, young and old, turn to social media to stay connected with friends and family, keep up with world events, and stay current with their interests. However, social media has had a devastating impact on drug and alcohol addiction. People choose how, where, and what they will drink or consume based on what they see on their online platform’s newsfeed.
There are several ways that social media influences addiction. One of the most significant ways that it impacts addiction is through the social connection that people make with drinking or taking drugs. Social media sites are also platforms where companies can advertise their products to target demographics. Furthermore, becoming obsessed with social can lead to anxiety or depression, which, if left untreated, can result in addiction. A person who has an addiction can seek help at an addiction treatment center in Maryland.
Social Media and Mental Disorders
The relationship between social media and addiction often comes through mental health conditions. Someone may become addicted to social media. Their addiction often triggers anxiety or trauma-based on what they see online. For instance, a person going through family conflict, school problems, or a recent breakup may check in on social media every five minutes to see how everyone is handling the situation. They may try to get the latest gossip or even stalk the people they conflict with.
However, social media does not resolve the problems or ease the tension. In most cases, it makes it worse. Instead of dealing with anxiety that comes from social media, a person may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the problem. The more they look at social media, the more addicted they drink or take drugs. Fortunately, substance abuse treatment programs offer professional care for both addictions and mental disorders through dual diagnosis.
Drug and Alcohol Marketing on Social Media
Marketing companies have had two decades to refine their marketing strategies and sell their products online. Some social media platforms allow alcohol and pharmaceutical companies to promote their products to the mass audience. Using complex algorithms, these same companies can target their products to a specific demographic, influencing their purchasing decisions.
While advertising has always contributed to drug and alcohol use, companies can reach a much larger audience using multiple platforms across unlimited areas. Many of their advertisements are directed toward adolescents and young adults.
Social Media and Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is bad enough at school, work, or social gatherings. However, there was a time when peer pressure was something that a person could walk away from. Social media creates a new level of peer pressure through the virtual social attraction. An example of this is a person who views their friends’ photos at a party or social event and wishing they were there.
When people see their friends drinking or taking drugs online, they are more tempted to do the same. It creates a dangerous relationship between social media and addiction, where harmful behaviors are normalized through repetitive social media posts. Humans are social creatures. Social media plays on that desire to connect with people through drinking or taking drugs.
Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Available
Addiction treatment is available for both social media addiction and substance abuse. A drug and alcohol rehab center can offer a variety of therapies and programs for addiction, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Support groups and community houses
- Drug and alcohol detox
Regardless of the nature or severity of the addiction, a person can get help for their condition. A treatment specialist can develop a plan that helps clients with their addiction and mental disorder to have a lasting recovery.
Get Help for Addiction at TruHealing Centers
While social media can have an impact on addiction, it is possible to recover from both. TruHealing Centers offers comprehensive addiction treatment therapies at our addiction treatment center in Maryland. Call TruHealing Centers at [Direct] to find out more about your treatment options.