To Better Understand How Addictions Affect Us Psychologicall

To better understand how addictions affect us psychologically please P

To better understand how addictions affect us psychologically please participate in the following activity. Pick one thing you are addicted to and abstain (give it up cold turkey) from it for three days (72 hours), this can be coffee, soda, candy, cigarettes, a favorite TV show, ice cream, your cell phone, social media, video games, Angry Birds, Farmville etc. The item you choose can be anything you want that you use as a source of stress relief or comfort. Please do not try to do this assignment by giving up something that is more like a bad habit, for example biting your nails, cussing, ect. If you relapse within the first 24 hours please start the project over and record your reactions.

Keep a journal of your physical, emotional, and psychological responses during the three days. For your assignment complete the following 5 sections: The total assignment should be approximately 4-5 pages, double spaced. 1. Introduction: Tell me what you picked and why you picked it. Any fears you have about giving it up and how you think you are going to respond. 2. Day one: reactions, problems, relapses ect. 3. Day two: reactions, problems, relapses ect. 4. Day three: reactions, problems, relapses ect. 5. Conclusion: Tell me your overall feelings about this experience

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of addiction and its psychological impact through personal experimentation offers valuable insights into how dependence shapes human behavior and emotional well-being. This paper documents my three-day abstinence from my chosen addictive item, reflecting on physical, emotional, and psychological responses, and analyzing the broader implications of addiction on mental health.

Introduction

For this assignment, I chose to abstain from social media, specifically my primary platform, Instagram. I selected this addiction because I use it extensively as a source of stress relief, entertainment, and social connection. My intention was to observe how my absence from social media would affect my daily functioning and emotional state. I feared that I might experience feelings of boredom, anxiety, or social disconnection, given my habitual use. I anticipated that I might initially feel restless and curious to check my accounts but hoped that I could endure without returning to it prematurely.

Day One

The first day was challenging; I experienced noticeable restlessness and an urge to check my phone frequently. As expected, I felt a sense of boredom during moments of downtime, which I typically filled with scrolling through Instagram. Emotional responses included mild frustration and a slight sense of social deprivation. Physically, I did not notice significant changes, but I was aware of a subtle tension in my hands from repeatedly reaching for my phone absentmindedly. By late afternoon, I felt a sense of accomplishment but also a craving to reconnect, which tested my resolve.

Day Two

By the second day, the initial urge had diminished somewhat, but I continued to experience mild anxiety when faced with routine triggers, such as notifications or seeing friends post online. I noticed an increase in focus on other activities, like reading and working, but also felt occasional irritability. Emotional fluctuations included feelings of loneliness and a desire for social affirmation that I would usually seek through social media. Physically, I felt occasionally fatigued and more aware of my environment, possibly due to reduced screen time. Relapse was unlikely, as I maintained my discipline, though the temptation persisted.

Day Three

On the third day, I felt a significant reduction in cravings and a sense of mental clarity. My mood stabilized, and I experienced fewer emotional upheavals than on previous days. I continued engaging in alternative activities and found satisfaction in offline interactions and tasks. I felt proud of my perseverance, and the experience helped me recognize the extent of my reliance on social media for stress relief and connection. The absence of the addiction allowed me to observe my emotional responses more objectively and appreciate other sources of fulfillment.

Conclusion

Overall, the three-day abstinence from social media revealed both the challenges and benefits of detachment from a psychologically addictive activity. I experienced initial discomfort and craving, which gradually subsided, leading to increased awareness of my emotional dependence and a renewed appreciation for alternative stress-relief methods. The experience underscored how habitual consumption of digital content can influence emotional stability and prompted me to consider more mindful engagement with technology. It confirmed that addiction often functions as a coping mechanism, but that stepping away can foster psychological resilience and self-awareness.

References

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