The first Internet addiction treatment program has found a home at The Bradford Regional Medical Center in Pennsylvania. Those who seek help will pay a hefty price: $14,000. The bad news? It’s not covered by your insurance. That kind of money may seem like change to a select few but, for most of us, it’s a hefty price to pay to kick an Internet habit. Like any addiction, there are signs, symptoms and real complications that come with the illness.
1. INTERNET Addiction Disorder (IAD):
Internet addiction disorder encompasses a variety of impulse-control problems. These include information overload, computer addiction, net compulsions, cyber-relationship addiction, and cybersex addiction. Think of it like this: If it’s available on the Internet and you can’t stop doing it, you may have IAD.
2. Signs and Symptoms of IAD:
There are a variety of symptoms associated with IAD. If you find that you lose track of time when you’re online, if you have trouble completing chores or tasks because you are too absorbed with the Internet, or if you isolate yourself from family and friends, you may be using the Internet in an unhealthy manner.
There are also physical symptoms that may occur with IAD. You may find yourself with carpal tunnel syndrome, back aches, neck aches, dry eyes, the inability to sleep well, and dramatic fluctuations in weight.
3. Emotions and IAD:
Like any addiction, IAD can make you feel guilty, defensive and euphoric, all in conjunction with one another. You may feel like your partner is on your back for no good reason when it comes to your computer time, you may hide your use of the Internet from friends and family, or you may utilize the Internet as a stress reliever, for sexual gratification, or for relaxation. No matter what you are using the Internet for, using it as a tool to control or relieve your emotions points to addiction.
4. Breaking the Addiction:
Before you spend thousands of dollars trying to find a cure for your addiction, take steps to break the cycle on your own. Understand that you have a problem; stop denying it to yourself and others. If you are using the Internet as a coping mechanism, find healthier alternatives to handle the stress or sadness in your life. Modify your Internet use slowly. For example, set a timer and allow only a certain amount of time for surfing. Turn your devices off at the same time each night. Replace your Internet habit with things like exercise, conversation with living people, or volunteer activities.
5.Therapy:
If you can’t break your habit on your own and you can’t afford a hospital stay, consider therapy as a way to be cured of IAD. Traditional therapists and counselors experienced in addictive behaviors can assist you in overcoming your addiction. A therapist can give you the tools that you need to break yourself of your addiction at a pace that is healthy. Surrounding yourself with people who use the Internet “normally” can also be of assistance.
You may think it sounds humorous, but IAD is a very real disorder. Like any addiction, IAD can affect not only your life, but the lives of those close to you. If you think that you may dedicate just a bit too much time to your computer or mobile device, it may be time to seek help.
