About audible

Audible is an audio entertainment service offering digital audiobooks, radio, TV, and more. It allows users to listen to content on a variety of devices.

Addiction to audible, a “real” addiction?

Officially an addiction?

First, let’s have a look to the DSM-5,the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Does it includes audible addiction?

No, audible addiction is not listed in the DSM-5. The DSM-5 only lists diagnosable mental health disorders, and audible addiction does not meet the criteria for a disorder.

So what means “audible addiction”?

Audible addiction is a term used to describe an individual’s obsession with audio content, such as podcasts, audiobooks, and music. People with audible addiction often listen to audio content for hours at a time, and may neglect other activities or responsibilities in order to do so.

What is considered audible addiction?

• 1. Difficulty controlling the amount of time spent listening to audio.
• 2. Preoccupation with audio content, such as playing it constantly or discussing it excessively.
• 3. Experiencing cravings to listen to audio when not doing so.
• 4. Withdrawal symptoms when not listening to audio, such as feeling irritable or restless.
• 5. Inability to focus on other tasks or activities due to audio consumption.
• 6. Continuing to listen to audio despite negative consequences, such as losing sleep or neglecting other responsibilities.
• 7. Increasing the amount of audio listened to over time to achieve the same level of satisfaction.
• 8. Spending an excessive amount of money on audio-related materials.
• 9. Experiencing physical or psychological distress when not listening to audio.

How much audible is too much?

There is no set amount of time that can be considered too much when it comes to listening to audiobooks on Audible. Everyone has different listening habits and time constraints, so it’s up to each individual to decide how much time they want to dedicate to using the service.

Some Technology addiction facts & statistics

Technology addiction is a growing concern in today’s world. Here are some statistics related to technology addiction:

• 1. According to a 2019 survey by Common Sense Media, 50% of teens feel addicted to their mobile devices.
• 2. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 28% of adults in the US feel they are constantly online.
• 3. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that 43% of Americans are constantly checking their electronic devices for email, texts, or social media updates.
• 4. A survey conducted by the Royal Society of Public Health in the UK found that social media is the most addictive technology, with 63% of respondents reporting that they check their social media accounts at least once a day.
• 5. In a study conducted by the University of Maryland, students were asked to give up all technology for 24 hours. Many of the participants experienced withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and even physical symptoms such as headaches.
• 6. A study conducted by the University of Gothenburg in Sweden found that excessive use of mobile phones can lead to sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety.
• 7. According to the World Health Organization, internet addiction disorder (IAD) is a real condition that can have serious negative consequences on an individual’s mental and physical health.

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Is the audible addiction widespread?

It is possible that some individuals may develop an addiction to using the service, but this would depend on a variety of factors such as personal habits, self-control, and the severity of the addiction. It is always important to use any service or product in moderation and seek help if necessary.

Why is audible so addictive?

Audible is addictive because it allows people to listen to books, podcasts, and other audio content in a convenient and enjoyable way. The app’s user-friendly interface, wide selection of titles, and personalized recommendations make it easy and fun to explore new stories and topics.

Additionally, the flexibility of being able to listen to content on the go and at any time of day makes Audible a great choice for those looking to fit reading or listening into their busy lives.

Possible causes of audible dependency

• 1. Stress: Many people use auditory stimulation to distract themselves from stressful situations or to calm their nerves.
• 2. Reward: Listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks can be rewarding and provide a sense of pleasure and satisfaction.
• 3. Socialization: Listening to audio can also be a way to connect with others and engage in dialogue.
• 4. Curiosity: Audio can be a source of information and knowledge, allowing people to explore and learn new topics.
• 5. Identity: People may identify with certain types of audio, such as a particular type of music or podcast.
• 6. Escapism: Audio can provide an escape from reality, allowing people to find comfort in the sound of a familiar voice or song.
• 7. Availability: With the prevalence of smartphones and portable audio devices, audio is now more accessible than ever.
• 8. Habitual behaviour: Listening to audio can become a habit, which can lead to increased usage and eventually dependence.

Signs & Symptoms of audible addiction

Now let’s see if you have the audible addiction problem.

• 1. You have more than 10 books in your library.
• 2. You find yourself listening to audiobooks when you have free time.
• 3. You have a hard time going to sleep at night without listening to an audiobook.
• 4. You have recommended books to friends and family based on what you’re listening to.
• 5. You’ve become a member of an online audiobook community.
• 6. You find yourself searching for new audiobook releases.
• 7. You have more audiobooks than physical books in your home.

What are some benefits of audible

1. Convenience: Audible offers a wide selection of audio books that you can access from a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. This makes it easy to listen to your favorite books wherever you go.

2. Variety: With Audible you can find books in almost any genre, from classics to bestsellers and even exclusive content. You can even find audio versions of magazines and newspapers.

3. Speed: Audible allows you to download books quickly so you can start listening right away. This is perfect for when you are short on time and need to get through a book quickly.

4. Affordability: Audible offers a variety of plans to fit almost any budget. You can choose to pay per book, monthly, or yearly, allowing you to save money in the long run.

5. Quality: Audible books are recorded by professional narrators and sound engineers which makes for a high-quality listening experience.

6. Member Benefits: Audible offers a number of exclusive benefits for members, including discounts on books, exclusive previews, and access to special events.But at the opposite, what can be some audible addiction problems addicts suffer from?

general health problems

• 1. Improved Concentration: Listening to audio books or music can help you stay focused and improve your concentration.
• 2. Stress Relief: Listening to certain types of music can have a calming effect that can help reduce stress.
• 3. Improved Memory: Listening to audio books or music can help improve your memory by encoding information into long-term memory.
• 4. Improved Mood: Music has been shown to have a positive effect on mood and can help reduce anxiety and depression.
• 5. Increased Creativity: Listening to music has been shown to improve creativity by stimulating the brain.
• 6. Improved Sleep: Listening to certain types of music can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night.

audible and sleep disorder

There is no evidence to suggest that using Audible can directly cause sleep disorders or sleep problems. However, listening to audiobooks or any type of audio content before bed may affect sleep quality if it is too stimulating or engaging, making it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. It is important to find a balance between enjoying audiobooks and maintaining healthy sleep habits. It may be helpful to limit listening time before bed and choose calming or relaxing content to promote better sleep.

audible affecting your brain & mental health: bad for brain and mental health?

Some effects of audible on your brain

• 1. Increased Stress and Anxiety: Listening to audio books or other audio content for extended periods of time can lead to increased stress and anxiety, as the mind focuses on the content and becomes more emotionally invested.
• 2. Memory Retention Issues: Over-consumption of audio content can lead to difficulty in remembering what was heard.
• 3. Distraction from Tasks: Audible can be a distraction from tasks and activities that require focus and concentration.
• 4. Sleep Deprivation: Listening to audio books or other audio content late at night can lead to sleep deprivation due to the mind staying active and alert.
• 5. Impaired Cognitive Function: Excessive listening to audible content can lead to impaired cognitive function as the brain is over-stimulated and distracted.

Some effects of audible on your mental health

• 1. Overstimulation: Listening to audible for extended periods of time can overstimulate your brain and lead to feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and agitation.
• 2. Fatigue: Listening to audible for too long can lead to fatigue and exhaustion, which can affect your mental health.
• 3. Poor Concentration: Listening to audible can cause poor concentration due to the distraction of the audio. This can lead to difficulty focusing on tasks and can lead to mental health issues.
• 4. Distraction: Listening to audible can be very distracting and can lead to difficulty focusing on the task at hand. This can lead to issues with productivity and can lead to mental health issues.
• 5. Stress: Listening to audible can cause stress due to the constant stimulation and overload of information. This can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and can affect your mental health.

Does audible cause stress and anxiety?

Listening to audiobooks or other content on Audible is generally not known to cause stress or anxiety. In fact, many people find listening to audiobooks to be a relaxing and enjoyable way to pass the time. However, if a particular audiobook or type of content is causing stress or anxiety for an individual, it may be best to switch to something else or take a break. It is also important to practice good self-care and manage stress levels in healthy ways, such as exercise, meditation, or talking to a mental health professional if needed.

Can audible addiction lead to sadness and depression?

Yes, it is possible for audible addiction to lead to sadness and depression. Listening to audiobooks can be a form of escapism, and excessive use may indicate a desire to avoid reality or difficult emotions.

Additionally, spending excessive time listening to audiobooks may lead to social isolation and a lack of engagement with the world around us, which can contribute to feelings of sadness and depression. It is important to maintain balance in all aspects of life and seek help if you feel that your use of audiobooks is negatively impacting your mental health.

Dopamine and audible

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. When we experience something pleasurable, our brain releases dopamine, which makes us feel good. Audible, which is an audiobook platform, can be a source of pleasure for some people, especially those who enjoy listening to books or learning new things through audio. When someone listens to an audiobook and enjoys it, their brain may release dopamine, which can make them feel happy and satisfied. This can create a positive association between audiobooks and pleasure, leading to an increased desire to listen to them in the future.

audible effects on Focus, productivity, attention span, academic performance…

Audible can have both positive and negative effects on focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance, depending on how it is used.

Positive effects:

• 1. Improved focus: Listening to audiobooks or podcasts can help some individuals focus better on their work, especially if the content is related to their field of study or interests.
• 2. Increased productivity: Audiobooks and podcasts can be a great way to multitask, allowing individuals to learn or be entertained while performing other tasks, such as exercising or doing household chores.
• 3. Expanded attention span: Listening to audiobooks or podcasts can help individuals develop a longer attention span and improve their ability to concentrate.
• 4. Enhanced academic performance: Listening to audiobooks or podcasts related to academic subjects can help students better understand and retain information.

Negative effects:

• 1. Distraction: If the content of the audiobook or podcast is not related to the task at hand, it can be a distraction and reduce productivity.
• 2. Reduced comprehension: Some individuals may have a harder time retaining information from audiobooks compared to reading, which can impact academic performance.
• 3. Addiction: Listening to audiobooks or podcasts for extended periods of time can become addictive and interfere with other important tasks.

Overall, whether audible has positive or negative effects on focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance depends on how it is used and the individual’s preferences and learning style.

A word about ADHD and audible

People with ADHD may interact with Audible (an audiobook platform) differently than those without ADHD. Some potential differences in interaction may include:

• 1. Increased difficulty with sustained attention: People with ADHD may have difficulty maintaining focus for extended periods of time, which could make it challenging to listen to audiobooks for extended periods.
• 2. Increased distractibility: People with ADHD may be more susceptible to distractions, including noises in their environment, which could interrupt their listening experience.
• 3. Greater flexibility: On the other hand, people with ADHD may appreciate the flexibility of audiobooks, which allow them to listen while engaging in other activities (such as exercising or doing household chores), rather than requiring them to sit still and read.
• 4. Increased engagement: Some people with ADHD may find that audiobooks are more engaging than traditional reading, as they provide a more immersive experience that can hold their attention better.

Overall, the way that people with ADHD interact with Audible may vary depending on their individual symptoms and preferences.

affecting your relationships

audible and self-esteem

Audible can have a positive impact on self-esteem by providing access to knowledge and entertainment that can boost confidence and self-worth. Listening to audiobooks, podcasts, or motivational talks can help individuals learn new skills, gain knowledge, and feel empowered.

Additionally, listening to the voices of successful and inspiring individuals can help boost self-esteem and motivation. However, it is important to note that if listening to Audible causes comparison or negative self-talk, it may have a negative impact on self-esteem. It is important to practice self-awareness and use Audible in a way that promotes positive self-talk and self-growth.

audible addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?

Yes, an addiction to audible or any other form of media consumption can potentially lead to isolation and loneliness. When someone becomes addicted to audible, they may spend excessive amounts of time listening to audiobooks, podcasts or other types of audio content, which can lead to neglecting important social relationships and activities. This can result in feelings of loneliness and isolation as the individual’s social interactions decrease.

Additionally, if the addiction becomes severe, the individual may also experience anxiety or depression when they are unable to listen to their preferred audio content, which can further contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. It is important to maintain a healthy balance between media consumption and social interactions to avoid negative consequences such as addiction, loneliness, and isolation.

Effects of audible on your relationship

Positive effects:

• 1. Improved Communication: Audible can help couples improve communication by providing them with a shared interest and topic of conversation.
• 2. Shared Experience: Listening to audiobooks together can create a shared experience and help couples bond over a common interest.
• 3. Increased Empathy: Listening to audiobooks about different perspectives and experiences can help couples develop empathy and understanding for each other.
• 4. Reduced Stress: Listening to audiobooks can be a relaxing and stress-reducing activity that couples can enjoy together.

Negative effects:

• 1. Distraction: Listening to audiobooks can be a distraction from spending quality time with each other and engaging in meaningful conversation.
• 2. Disagreements: Couples may have different tastes in audiobooks, leading to disagreements and potential conflict.
• 3. Isolation: If one partner becomes too absorbed in audiobooks, it can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection in the relationship.
• 4. Dependence: If one partner becomes too dependent on audiobooks for entertainment, it can lead to a lack of motivation to engage in other activities together.

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Finally you think you are addicted to audible and you are wondering how to quit it? How to break and overcome your cravings for audible?

Here are the best solutions, steps, supports, resources and help you can get to treat your audible addiction.

Main steps and solutions to break the audible addiction

• 1. Identify the root cause of your addiction: Take some time to reflect on why you are addicted to audible content. Is it due to boredom, stress, or something else? Identifying the root cause can help you come up with a plan to break the cycle.
• 2. Create an alternate plan: Come up with a plan of action that you can use to fill the time you would normally spend listening to audio. This could include activities such as reading a book, going for a walk, or engaging in a hobby.
• 3. Set limits: Make a conscious effort to limit your audible content consumption. This could involve setting a timer for how long you can listen to content each day, or only allowing yourself to listen to content during certain times of the day.
• 4. Seek help: If you feel like you cannot break the cycle on your own, there is no shame in seeking help. Talking to a trusted friend or professional can help you gain insight into your addiction and provide strategies to help you get back on track.

Actually, that’s what most documentation out there is about… However, quitting a digital addiction can be a bit trickier than that.

So our team, after testing many ways, designed a bulletproof way to overcome them. Here are some clear and practical steps that are very powerful to quit a digital addiction, including audible:

1. Purge temptations: Get rid of audible

First, cleaning your life from temptations is much easier than resisting to them. Disable or delete your audible accounts, change the password and hide it somewhere you can’t access easily, keep your phone / computer far away… Out of sight out of mind.

Here is a video from our course the The Digital Purge. on how to add resistance to your temptations, so you become so lazy to engage with them that you give them up:

More of the Digital Purge