Phone addiction leads some to seek therapy, survey shows.

A Deloitte survey of 1,000 adults found that 70% of respondents said they spend too much time on their phones. UK Addiction Treatment Centres reported that one in three clients treated for drug dependency also had a secondary phone dependency, up from one in ten in 2019.

Rainford Hall, a residential rehab centre in St Helens, Merseyside, has seen an increase in clients seeking help for phone dependency. Lead therapist Kelly Watson said the brain’s reward system releases dopamine when a message is received or a like is obtained, creating a feedback loop that can become compulsive for some individuals.

Marios, a personal trainer, said he spends more than 14 hours a day on his phone and described the urge as feeling like a substance in his pocket. He is undergoing a 12‑session private therapy program to reduce his usage.

James, a 48‑year‑old who sought treatment for alcohol addiction, said his phone use became uncontrolled after losing his job, leading him to scroll for hours and check social media at night.

Jenny, a member of Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous, said she lost sleep and appetite during the height of her addiction and relied on friends and family to secure her devices. She has been in recovery for five years.

Phone manufacturers have introduced screen‑time tracking and app‑restriction features to help users monitor and limit usage. Therapists at Rainford Hall encourage gradual reduction of screen time and exploration of underlying emotional triggers.

Marios said his therapy is helping him rediscover daily activities and improve his focus, and he remains hopeful that his commitment to change will lead to lasting improvement.