Addictive behavior finds a new venue: our electronic gadgets!

We Americans are not alone in our zeal for the latest electronic gadgetry. People all over the world carry their electronic communication and music devices with them, literally everywhere. It's funny that we are so used to keeping in touch, 24/7, that many of us even take them on vacation! How is it possible to relax on that beautiful beach in the Florida Keys, with dingers, bells and buzzers are going off every ten minutes? This smacks of a new style of addictive behavior.

I talked with a woman recently who said that, before she goes to work, she goes for a swim at a community pool for her daily exercise. She brings both her cell phone and blackberry " just in case! I just can't stand to be out of touch! It's important that I be always accessible! To protect her gadgetry from chlorinated water, before plunging in to the pool, she slips them in plastic zipper bags.

Not wanting to be contentious, I said nothing. Silently, I wondered what might happen if a kid ran by. Two visuals popped up. One was a crunching sound as the kid's foot landed squarely on the instrument. The other had the kid slipping, pushing the gadget in to the pool. She'd laid the bags about four inches from the edge of the pool. I wondered how she would ever hear her gadgets crying out to be noticed. Might someone steal them? The addictive behavior aspect struck me immediately, because she didn't leave them locked in her car. Because they were useless while she was swimming her laps, this meant that she wanted to have access the very moment she exited the pool.

Sure, there are some people who, due to the nature or importance of their work, are required to be available. However, that teen over there, walking between classes, texting as she goes, probably isn't one of them.

Addictive behavior with electronic gadgets is so widespread, that some states have legislated use of, for example, cell phones. So many people were talking on cell phones as they drove down the freeways, there was a notable increase in traffic accidents.

One expert likens gadgetry addiction to alcohol addiction, pointing out that just as the alcoholic is unable to moderate their use, the gadget addict is in the same mindset.

If you find yourself unable to go anywhere without your electronic friends, understand that this is addictive behavior. You should take steps to rein in your obsession. Here are a few suggestions to help you get a handle on the problem.

If it's Saturday and you're going to the gym for your weekly workout, leave your electronics at home. If you need to make a call, there are phone booths " remember them? On Friday night, your work week is over. Every little thing is all wrapped up and you know your boss isn't going to be calling you at 10pm on a work issue. Remove the battery from your electronic pal and stick it in a drawer.

Another signature of electronic addictive behavior is the gal who checks every 30 seconds to see if she's missed something. Just as with the smoker trying to quit, wean yourself slowly away from this habit. Check every fifteen minutes. See if you can make it to half an hour.

Here's another helpful thought to ponder. All addictive behaviors have the element of a master-slave relationship. Now just who is going to be the boss here?