Addiction can take on a variety of looks and types, all of which can be equally debilitating. Digital addiction and substance use disorder (SUD) may seem like they have nothing in common, but in reality, they can go hand in hand with the development of the other or other conditions. This article will discuss what makes digital addiction different from SUD and how they are similar. 

Digital Addiction

The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health published an article in June of 2022 that defines digital addiction as "the compulsive, habitual, and uncontrolled use of digital devices and an excessively repeated engagement in a particular online behavior." In other words, digital addiction is an uncontrollable desire to seek out sources to play a particular game, visit social media sites, shop online, research excessively, or use dating apps compulsively. Types of digital addiction include problematic gaming, social media disorder, and internet use disorders.

Problematic Gaming

Problematic gaming is the uncontrollable urge to seek out playing your desired game. This urge is all-consuming and can lead to losing your job, relationship problems, depression, and anxiety surrounding your need to play the game. These games can be online games, apps on your phone, and video games. 

Social Media Disorder

Social media disorder is the compulsive desire to be on and check social media sites and apps. This includes making posts and refreshing sites to be the most up-to-date on people's posts. 

Internet Use Disorders

Internet use disorders encompass the uncontrollable and habitual use of the internet for various reasons. This can include online shopping, conducting excessive research, or online dating. 

Substance Use Disorder 

SUD is the compulsive and excessive use of alcohol, nicotine, or other illicit drugs (cocaine, meth, LSD, opioids, etc.). The abuse of these drugs can have physical and mental repercussions on your body that can follow you for the rest of your life. SUD is a mental illness that can lead to other co-morbidities, such as mood and personality disorders.

The effects of SUD on your body can include memory impairment, stroke, cardiac complications, liver deterioration or cirrhosis, HIV, sepsis, weight loss, and even death. The effects and severity of these conditions depend on your body, the amount of the substance you use, how much time you spend using, and your choice of substance.

Alcohol Use Disorder 

A person can be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) when they have several criteria, including dependence on and alcohol addiction. Alcohol dependence can result from the excessive consumption of alcohol, which can lead to serious problems. Alcohol dependence is different from many other SUDs because your body becomes so dependent that it changes physiologically to accommodate consumption. This means a sudden major decrease, eliminating consumption, or quitting cold turkey can cause more damage.

Excessive alcohol consumption causes mood changes, coordination challenges, stroke, hypertension, fatty liver, cirrhosis, correlation with various types of cancers, and a decrease in your immune system function.

Nicotine

Nicotine addiction involves the habitual and compulsive urge to consume nicotine through multiple means. This can include tobacco use through cigarette smoking, chewing or dipping tobacco, or using e-cigarettes with a percentage of nicotine in the juice.  

Prolonged nicotine use can lead to various cancers, such as throat, mouth, gum, and lung cancer. It can also lead to cardiac problems, breathing and lung complications, and dental issues. 

Other Illicit Drugs

Other illicit drugs that people can abuse include substances such as methamphetamine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), cocaine, marijuana, heroin, opioids, and barbiturates. This drug use can cause severe repercussions from mental and physical body changes and serious changes to your life and lifestyle.

These drugs can be more costly than getting alcohol or nicotine and more dangerous to come by. Procuring these drugs can lead you down dark and not-so-friendly channels compared to nicotine and alcohol, which you can buy at your local corner store in most places. 

Similarities Between Substance Use Disorder and Digital Addiction

Numerous similarities can be identified between SUD and digital addiction.

• Both can wreak havoc throughout your life, from relationships and finances to your mental and physical health.

• SUD and digital disorders can both lead to other co-occurring conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.

• Digital disorder and SUD can both be viewed on a spectrum of severity.

• Both digital disorder and SUD can be treated at Next Level Recovery using a personalized plan that will best fit you and your needs.

• Withdrawal from SUD or digital disorders can cause increased anxiety, shakiness, depression, irritability, sweating, and sleep changes.

Differences

While there are similarities between SUD and digital addiction, there are also differences.

• SUD can take a greater toll on your organs and physical health than digital disorders.

• Digital disorders can be easier to continue than SUD because certain substances can be difficult, costly, and even dangerous to obtain.

• Digital disorder materials can be more abundant in your life than SUD substances.

• Digital disorders have less stigma around them than SUD.

Any form of addiction can be all-consuming and debilitating. It takes over every part of your life and can ruin it if it gets that far. There are differences in types of addiction and their potential impact, but there are also many similarities. One of the most significant similarities is that you do not have to go through it alone. There are people out there who want to help you. We at Next Level Recovery can provide a personalized experience to ensure you get the support you need to thrive in your recovery journey. We can provide individualized recovery companions trained to help you through this challenging time. For more information, email us at consult@nextlevelra.com.