Effects of Social Media on Drug Use

woman deals with the effects of social media and drug use

Social media has become fully ingrained into the fabric of everyday life. Whether it’s updating your Facebook status, tweeting jokes, lurking on Instagram to see what your circle of friends is doing, eating, and where they are traveling to, or watching viral TikTok videos, many people are spending hours a day scrolling through a variety of social media sites. On the surface, this may seem like harmless entertainment and a much-needed diversion from real life, but there may be a link between social media and drug use. If you are experiencing a link between social media and drug addiction in yourself or someone you care deeply about, reach out to Midwest Recovery online or call us at [Direct] today to learn about our different addiction recovery programs.

The Real Influence of Social Media

There is nothing unique about young people trying drugs and alcohol but social media and drug use depiction could be accelerating addictive behaviors because of the glamour associated with having drinks, getting high, and living a life of privilege most people do not have access to. Social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok have the ability to foster an environment where children, teens, and adults alike are repeatedly exposed to drug and alcohol use. And it is not only celebrities flaunting this risky behavior. So-called “influencers,” as well as everyday people, are posting content on social media, and drug use is prominently shown in these photos and videos. The real influence of social media on those on the other end of the screen could be the start of drug addiction.

Is Social Media Causing an Increase in Depression?

There’s mounting evidence of a concerning connection between depression and social media. Recent studies show that teenagers and young adults who are the most active on social media platforms are reporting cases of depression at a significantly higher rate than their peers who are not using Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok as frequently. While social media is likely not causing depression, online socializing and FOMO could be marginalizing already vulnerable people and creating a precarious vacuum of loneliness and despair. Sadly, some people may turn to drugs and alcohol as a way of coping with this feeling of missing out and isolation.

Drug Addiction and Social Media

The danger of drug use on social media is that addiction could become normalized and even glamorized in the palm of vulnerable social media users. This may lead to people you love and care about falling into the trap of illegal drugs, binge drinking, prescription drug abuse, and alcoholism. The good news is that you have dedicated, compassionate people in your corner to help you battle these kinds of addictions.

The addiction treatment staff at Midwest Recovery Center understands that there are many faces of addiction. Each team member brings a combination of education, training, professional certifications, and hands-on experience to the table and will be directly engaged in your recovery. The approach designed for your specific treatments will utilize a variety of disciplines to meet your unique needs.

Getting the Addiction Recovery Help You Deserve

Many of the Midwest Recovery addiction treatment staff are in long-term recovery themselves. We are real people who have and are still walking the path to recovery, and as such, we have a passion for helping others who are also suffering from addiction. Midwest Recovery is a safe, non-hospital setting facility in Toledo, Ohio offering many amenities like:

We offer these kinds of extras because we want to help you recover from the damaging effects of addiction and assist with your mental, physical and spiritual healing. Additionally, our skilled team will help connect you with outside organizations that will assist in securing your long-lasting sobriety.

Learn More at Midwest Recovery

If you or someone you love is struggling with drug addiction and social media’s enabling of these unhealthy behaviors, Midwest Recovery might be the addiction treatment and rehab center that’s best suited to help overcome drug, opioid, alcohol, or prescription painkiller addiction. Contact us using our secure online form or call us at [Direct] to start the journey toward recovery today.

*The stories shared in this blog are meant to illustrate personal experiences and offer hope. Unless otherwise stated, any first-person narratives are fictional or blended accounts of others’ personal experiences. Everyone’s journey is unique, and this post does not replace medical advice or guarantee outcomes. Please speak with a licensed provider for help.

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For those transitioning from a higher level of care or seeking ongoing support, our outpatient program offers continued therapy at a pace that fits your lifestyle. It’s a supportive bridge that helps you maintain recovery and stay connected to care.

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