Addiction treatment centres across the UK are reporting a marked increase in individuals seeking help for what they describe as 'out-of-control' phone usage. This trend highlights a growing concern about digital dependency, even though 'phone addiction' is not yet formally recognised as a clinical condition. Treatment providers are observing a shift in the nature of addictions they address, with digital devices becoming a significant factor for many.
Marios, a personal trainer from North London, is currently undergoing a 12-session private therapy course to manage his compulsive phone use, which he attributes to loneliness. He describes the urge to check his phone as 'overpowering,' sometimes spending upwards of 14 hours a day on his screen, particularly on Instagram. His experience mirrors a broader sentiment, with a Deloitte survey of 1,000 adults indicating that 70% felt they spent too much time on their phones.
UK Addiction Treatment Centres (UKAT), an organisation supporting approximately 3,500 people annually, has seen a dramatic increase in secondary phone dependency. In the past year, one in three clients receiving treatment for drug dependency also presented with a significant phone dependency, a substantial rise from just one in 10 in 2019. Worryingly, some clients have even withdrawn from primary addiction treatment because they were unwilling to part with their devices upon entering a clinic.
Steps Together, another rehabilitation centre with facilities in locations such as St Helens and Leicester, is also witnessing a surge in clients struggling with an inability to disengage from their devices. Lead therapist Kelly Watson explains that the brain's reward system plays a crucial role. Each notification, social media 'like,' or new piece of information triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical messenger associated with pleasure and motivation. For some, the pursuit of this 'hit' can become overwhelming, leading to hours, or even days, being lost in the digital world.
James, 48, receiving treatment at a Steps Together centre, initially sought help for alcohol addiction but quickly realised his digital dependency was equally problematic. After losing his job, his days became consumed by endless scrolling through social media and news websites. He recounted feeling like the digital world held him 'hostage,' experiencing dread rather than enjoyment from his phone use, yet feeling powerless to stop. This anecdotal evidence from treatment centres underscores the practical implications of excessive digital engagement on individuals' lives and mental well-being.