When you encounter someone struggling with alcoholism, you often have a sense of what to expect. Here are some common symptoms associated with a drinking problem:

• Loss of control: The individual is unable to regulate their drinking habits.
• Compulsive urges: They experience persistent and overwhelming desires to drink, often to escape reality.
• Mental health issues: These can include temper tantrums, mood swings, impatience, difficulty concentrating, irrational thoughts, and feelings of hopelessness.
• Physical health problems: General weakness, reduced strength and flexibility, and various medical issues.
• Decline in work performance: Their ability to perform at work deteriorates, potentially leading to job loss.
• Social isolation: They gradually lose friends and family, becoming socially ostracized.

These symptoms are commonly associated with traditional addictions, which are widely recognized by society. However, many people fail to realize that newer forms of addiction, such as “techalcoholism,” exhibit similar symptoms. Consider someone you know who is addicted to their phone, social media, horror movies, pornography, or video games. Depending on the severity of their addiction, they may display many of the same negative psychological and social effects as those with more traditional addictions.

Society has established various institutions and support systems to help individuals with traditional addictions. Yet, there is a noticeable lack of similar resources for those suffering from techalcoholism. I would argue that techalcoholism is one of the most prevalent types of addiction today, and it deserves the same level of attention and support.