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Introduction:
Multiple platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, etc. allow you to stay connected with friends and family. Social media has immensely altered the way people communicate, as it has primarily impacted the world.
We surely cannot deny that there are many perks attached to it like improved communication, but we must not entirely ignore the dark side of social media and how it has negatively impacted people. The Suboxone clinic in New Bedford says that more people (especially teenagers) have been exposed to substance abuse due to social media.
The Statistics
Social media is used by teenagers universally. About 92% of teenagers are reported to be using social media sites more than a couple of times a day. A study conducted in 2011 at Columbia University found out that the teenagers who used social media regularly were more liable to use drugs, smoke, or consume alcohol than the folks who spent significantly less time on social media.
The Link Between Addiction And Social Media
Some of ways by which social media can contribute to addiction are mentioned below:
It Targets Teenagers
It does not come off as a bit of surprise that the substantial group of individuals who predominantly use social media belong to the age group of 13 to 17. According to Pew Research Center, nearly about 95% of teenagers own smartphones (have access to social media platforms), with 45% claiming that they stay online mostly.
Social media platforms shape the lives of teenagers and young adults these days. The medical professionals at the Suboxone treatment centers near me claim that many individuals find themselves exposed to some kind of peer pressure around substance use on social media. When adolescents see their peers engaging in risky behaviors that come across as “being cool,” it may persuade them to participate in the substance abuse culture in a way to “fit in.”
It’s Full Of Advertisements:
Being exposed to imagery can encourage underage drug abuse and drinking. Tobacco and alcohol manufacturers are using social media as their marketing platforms where they target the youth. According to the medical experts at Suboxone treatment centers in New Bedford, people who view these advertisements are more likely to engage in smoking and drinking, developing a habit.
It Provides Easy Access To Substances:
The ease with which specific drug dealers can sell substances to their customers is one way social media fuels addiction. Several location-based apps allow easy dealing of drugs, which is an attractive prospect for a teenager who does not want to deal face-to-face. Even though the social media platforms claim that they have strict rules for the sale of illegal items and try to prevent it, unfortunately, it becomes difficult to follow through.
How Can Social Media Aid In Recovery?
Sure, social media has a lot of drawbacks, but it has perks too. Let us take a look at various ways in which social media can help bolster your addiction recovery.
Using It As A Medium To Fight Back:
We know that a certain message may fuel substance abuse on social media, but there has been a shift in this practice in recent times. Various media that encourage the prevention of substance abuse are being used to counter such messages, and hence the Suboxone doctors in New Bedford are hopeful of a bright future.
In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention used social media platforms to spread addiction awareness to prescription drugs, launching the campaign “When the prescription becomes the problem.” With the use of multiple avenues, CDC successfully showed the life stories of individuals affected by their addiction.
The Suboxone doctors near me suggest that such campaigns initiated on social media can spread awareness and prevent substance abuse.
Using It To Strengthen Community Support:
Social media platforms were launched to build connections. The doctors at the Suboxone clinic near me say that an essential step of the addiction recovery process involves being a part of an active support group. Using social media can connect you with several people who are willing to recover and support you to stay on the coveted path of recovery. Being a part of the community not only motivates you but also allows you to inspire others to do the same.