No matter where you look, someone is on their phone. Social media is an integral part of the modern world. While these platforms offer unlimited connections, those in recovery may notice some pitfalls related to using them. The social media world is neither good nor bad, but it can be cause for concern during recovery. While social media can be a tool in recovery, it can also present a challenge for those who are currently struggling.
This article will delve into the impacts of social media and how recovery can be affected. Additionally, this blog post will explore how The Guest House can help with social media addiction.
Living in a Social Media World During Recovery
Most people think of social media as a harmless tool that helps people in various ways. One day you can be scrolling and see a high school friend and the next day you may see puppies. The social media world you live in can be uplifting, filled with helpful stories, quotes, and ideas for living the best life possible. On the other hand, this world can remind you of unhealthy ways you once lived and cause distress.
Social media and addiction can fuel each other. According to a study published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, a significant correlation exists between substance use and social media for young adults. This study noted that spending more time on social media every day increased substance use among young adults, particularly among women.
This does not mean that there are no benefits to living in a social media world. However, it does mean that it is important to recognize when social media may be hurting your recovery.
What Are the Benefits of Living in a Social Media World?
Social media can create a blend of excitement, expectations, and perceptions. These platforms can provide a way for you to connect with those who are struggling with similar issues. The social media world can fill you with hope for living your best life. For example, you may join an online recovery meeting or connect with others who live in different parts of the world.
At the same time, for the majority of people, social media takes up a lot of time. You may find yourself avoiding chores, tasks, and other obligations because you are absorbed in scrolling on your phone. It tends to be easier to distract yourself than to face issues head-on. This type of avoidance can become difficult to address during recovery.
Are There Risks of Using Social Media in Recovery?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), studies have found an association between time spent on social media, the number of social media platforms used, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Most people have a profound desire to connect with others. While social media appears to have the ability to provide connection, it may leave you with a sense of loneliness or feelings of rejection.
During treatment, you learned to build genuine and healthy connections with others. That sort of connection takes time, patience, and perseverance to build. At times, social media can mimic what you have worked so hard to build, but with surface-level connections and often unrealistic portrayals.
According to the journal Helion, a well-known social media platform, Facebook, has been found to cause loneliness by encouraging comparison of oneself to others. Furthermore, spending endless minutes on social media can make you glamourize the past and trigger the desire to use addictive substances. Recovery is a difficult but rewarding journey. It is important to pay attention to your feelings while engaging in social media as the past is just one click away,
Healthy Strategies for Being a Part of a Social Media World
A healthy and balanced approach to social media is unlikely to happen automatically. Instead, you have to make choices that reflect how you want to grow in recovery. Sometimes, living in a social media world can mean that balance is hard to create. Only you can make those choices that work for you. Below are several suggestions for finding balance while living in a social media world:
- Give yourself a time limit for being on social media each day.
- Understand your “why” for posting or commenting.
- Pay attention to your feelings.
- Practice healthy coping skills.
- Leave your phone at home or in your vehicle.
- Have a no-phone day.
- Take a break from social media.
No matter where you find yourself on the social media journey, The Guest House will always meet you where you are. Everyone is in different places with social media and with recovery. Exploring what makes your recovery work is our main goal. We are here to help you make positive changes, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that you do so.
Living in a social media world can have an immense impact on your sobriety. More often then not, social media allows your brain to wander and encourages you to compare yourself to others. With the support of those at The Guest House, you can learn healthy ways to navigate social media during your short- and long-term recovery. We understand that this may be all new to you and that sometimes you need real-life connections. Let us be a place of connection during recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with social media use or their recovery, please do not hesitate for one moment longer. Give us a call at (855) 483-7800 today.