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Social media allows users to share, connect, and discover instant news; however, there are dangers associated with the constant consumption of social media platforms on a daily basis. Teenagers can feel pressure when they see others posting photos of drinking or partying, and this can lead to unhealthy behaviors. Addiction is a disease that knows no discrimination and can affect so many individuals. There are many factors that come into play before an addiction has formed, and social media is one factor that can have an influence on our decision to abuse drugs and alcohol. Our drug rehab center in Illinois provides dual diagnosis treatment for those struggling with addiction and mental health disorders. We also explain the connection between social media and addiction.
70% of teens say that they use social media multiple times a day. [1] This heavy usage can have impacts on the user’s mental health and perception of drugs and alcohol. Photos that are posted on Instagram or Facebook can normalize binge drinking behaviors for teens. It’s common for photos containing alcohol or marijuana to be circulated around Snapchat or other platforms. If teens see their friends engaging in these behaviors, they can easily be persuaded to try drugs and alcohol for the first time. Substance abuse in young adults can very easily come from the social pressures surrounding them and this can be the start of a serious addiction.
Social media alone does not cause addiction; however, the link between social media usage and high risk addictive behaviors should not be ignored. There is already evidence suggesting the negative impact that social media can have on our mental health and self-esteem and our behaviors can easily be influenced by our peers and what they are doing on social media.
[1] Common Sense Media Social Media, Social Life: How Teens View Their Digital Lives
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