Television Addiction - Treatment, Symptoms and Causes

Television addiction is a can be seen as an addiction model which is associated with compulsive behavior, associated with watching any television programming. Television addiction is extremely difficult to control in many cases and has parallels to various other forms of behavioral addiction such as gambling or drugs. In order to understand the television addiction model in depth, we first need to understand each of the above scientific terms used. Addiction is a brain disorder which is characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences. Behavioral addiction is a form of addiction. The person indulges in a rewarding non-drug related behavior, though it might negatively affect the person's mental, physical, social or financial well-being. Television addiction can be with respect to any television program, or series. Further, television addiction is not a diagnosable condition of DSM- 4. Further, mild hypnotism can also be deducted in a television addict.

All researchers do not agree on a particular definition for television addiction. Thus, there are various reasons as to why people become addicted to watching television. Some them can be categorized by the following points:-

• TO KILL TIME: It always starts small. A person can go on to become a tv addict by continuously watching television in his leisure periods. Compared to other leisure activities like sports or reading a novel, they feel tired or exhausted and unable to concentrate after watching television.
• RELEIF FROM DISTRESS: When people watch television to get relieved from stress, it only adds on to the negative behavior. Yoga, can instead come to help here.
• EMOTIONALLY CONNECTING TO A PARTICULAR T.V. SERIES: Also, when a person gets emotionally connected with a particular tv series, far from that a normal person would do, he is highly likely to become a television addict.
• ESCAPE MECHANISM: People who turn towards television to forget their worries, stress or hardships of their life, they tend to become addicted.

• LONG PERIODS OF TIME SPENT: If you are continuously glued to the television for long hours, it is a symptom of Television Addiction
• WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS: Withdrawal symptoms can be observed when the person is restricted from doing whatever he is addicted to. With respect to television addiction, withdrawal symptoms can be observed when he is prevented from watching television. His mental and physical activities or intentions need to be observed carefully. Following are a few further symptoms that an addict would display on withdrawal:-
• DERESSION: The person might succumb to depression. This also includes mild depression.
• IRRITABILITY: The person would appear highly irritated. He might be frantic all the time or be fidgeting with things.
• ANY OTHER EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCES: It can also be any other emotional disturbances he might suffer from .

It requires immense effect and care from the addicted person, as well as from the parents, guardians or spouse of that person. Television addiction needs to be treated in a systematic, methodological and consistent manner. Following are a few remedies which can help solve the problem:-

• INSPIRATION AND VISION: One needs to take inspiration from their fellow partners and implement the same. It is highly effective, if the role model chosen is his co-worker or spouse and the like, with whom he can relate to.
• MONITOR THE TIME SPENT ON TELEVISION: It is important to know the extra hours wasted in front of television.
• REALIZATION: The person must be made to understand tenderly, that he is wasting his energy on television. One can instead work towards the purpose of life, his goals and well-utilize his time.
• FIND ALTERNATIVES: One can ponder into his own hobbies, passion and interests. Be it painting, reading novels, sports activities or any other extra- curricular activities which gives joy.
• EXERCISE OR PRACTICE YOGA: There is probably nothing in this world as powerful as what yoga can do to uplift your energy and body.

It is crucial to check for any withdrawal symptoms in the person. These are the unpleasant or rather uncomfortable physical reactions which occurs when a person 'withdraws' from his addiction. He may display any of the following symptoms :-