Are you a gizmo addict?

Has your cell phone ear piece become a permanent part of your wardrobe? If yes, it's time that you realise that your hottest technological gadget has turned you into its slave.

Though the question whether one can become addicted to technology is itself debatable, John O'Neill, director of addictions services for The Menninger Clinic in Houston, says he sees parallels with the overuse of technology to dependency on substances such as alcohol or drugs.

However, warning signs can help indicate whether you need to re-evaluate your use of technological devices.

"We have become so accustomed to the luxuries of technology that we may be forgetting how to play, have personal connections and use coping skills in face-to-face interactions," says O'Neill.

"We can become overloaded by technology and suffer consequences in our relationships," he says.

The following warning signs may indicate that you need to re-evaluate your use of technological devices.

• You'd rather text than talk face-to-face. You spend less time participating in personal activities or limit your time with friends and family to attend to your e-mail or return phone calls.
• You frequently miss appointments or are late because you got caught up on the Internet, checking e-ma il or talking on your cell phone. You use text messages, email and voice mail when a face-to face interaction would be more appropriate.
• You can't leave home without it. You can't take a vacation without bringing four different charging devices for all your gadgets and gizmos.
• You can't seem to relax without constantly checking your e-mail, text messages or using your cell phone.
• Your family or friends ask you to stop, but you can't.
• You find you spend more time communicating on the phone or via e-mail than you do in person, for example, sending e-mail to your spouse while in the same home.
• The Internet becomes a more powerful draw than spending time with family or friends or other favorite activities.
•  You become irritated when others complain about your use of technology.
• You miss important life moments. You pay more attention to your gadgets than what's happening in real life.
• Even after experiencing consequences you continue your behaviour. Getting in a car accident while on the cell phone or family members complaining about the lack of attention does not change your behaviour.

"Observing people on a daily basis, it is easy to recognise how lost we have become in our own worlds," O' Neill says.

"We can learn to healthily use increasing technological advances if we set limits, develop rules and attend to our relationships. Ultimately, being present in relationships with family and friends should include both body and mind."