Internet Addiction Treatment

The Internet has allowed us to connect with anyone, anytime, and anywhere across the globe. With computers, laptops, and tablets becoming more common, it is natural for us to wonder how much internet use is excessive and what leads to addiction.

Everyone uses the internet differently. Some depend on it for their jobs, while others use it to stay in touch with distant family and friends. However, If you have compulsive internet use that disrupts your work, daily activities, and personal relationships, you might be overdoing it. This results in an increased risk of developing internet addiction.

Internet addiction can manifest in various ways, including compulsive use of social media, online shopping, gambling, and pornography. Similar to substance addiction, frequent and excessive Internet use can lead to tolerance, which results in an urge to spend more time online to feel the same pleasure.

While internet addiction is a challenging condition, there are various treatment modalities available at PROMIS to help you manage the symptoms and achieve long-lasting recovery.

What Is Internet Addiction?

Internet addiction, often called cyber addiction, is a type of behavioural addiction that involves spending too much time online in a compulsive way.

People with this condition use the internet uncontrollably, which may lead to significant impairment in their daily functioning. They prioritise internet use over important responsibilities related to school, work, parenting, and social interactions.

Signs And Symptoms of Internet Addiction

If you worry about your use of the internet or someone else’s, these are some of the typical signs and symptoms that you can watch out for:

Preoccupation with the internet
Tolerance or increasing the amount of time you need to spend online to receive the same positive feeling
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop internet use
Difficulties in reducing Internet use
Using the Internet to deal with or reduce stress
Important areas of life such as school, work, and social are disrupted or impaired because of internet use

What Causes Internet Addiction

The exact cause of internet addiction remains unclear. However, data from research studies and clinical practices showed that multiple factors can put someone at risk of developing internet addiction. Environmental factors such as accessibility of the internet through smartphones and laptops could increase the frequency of internet use, which may lead to excessive usage.

In addition, those who have mental health issues such as anxiety and depression appear to be more prone to developing internet addiction because they often rely on internet use and spending time online to deal with negative thoughts and feelings.

What Is Internet Addiction?

Symptoms of internet addiction withdrawal are the responses of our brain and body that happen when you attempt to stop your heavy or excessive internet use.

Considering that your brain and body have become accustomed to the pleasure that internet use provides, trying to stop usage may result in various withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and depression.

Types of Internet Addiction Disorder

Internet addiction can manifest in various ways. Each form is characterised by excessive time spent on different online activities and frequent internet usage. Some of the most common types of internet addiction include:

Gaming Addiction

Gaming addiction, often known as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), is characterised by a series of problematic gaming behaviours. This includes excessive engagement in online gaming, a lack of control over gaming habits, and an excessive focus on gaming that dominates other interests and daily responsibilities. Such compulsive gaming behaviours can result in detrimental effects on crucial aspects of life, including personal relationships, family dynamics, educational pursuits, professional responsibilities, and social interactions.

Net Compulsion

Net compulsion is a type of internet addiction disorder characterised by engaging in virtual activities that go along with financial and social consequences. These activities encompass online gambling, compulsive trading in stocks, excessive online shopping, and gaming. Due to the significant financial stakes associated with these behaviours, individuals often face severe repercussions, such as financial instability, strained personal relationships, legal issues, and diminished work performance.

Cybersex Addiction

Cybersex addiction encompasses activities primarily on online pornography where people watch adult websites and explicit content. An excessive preoccupation with these platforms can negatively impact an individual’s capacity to establish genuine sexual, romantic, or intimate relationships in the real world.

Treatment for Internet Addiction

Internet addiction can be treated through various therapeutic methods. Here at PROMIS, our skilled mental health professionals employ an evidence-based strategy to help you manage your symptoms better and achieve lasting recovery. Some of the most effective treatments for internet addiction include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a brief and focused type of talk therapy that focuses on how our way of thinking affects our feelings and behaviours. CBT can help you learn ways to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviours into healthier ones. CBT usually involves psychoeducation, identifying cognitive distortions related to excessive internet use, and teaching you some strategies to cope with triggers.

Family Therapy

Family therapy includes family members in the treatment process to address family dynamics or interaction issues that may have led to the development of your internet addiction. This therapy is facilitated by a trained professional who will assist the entire family unit to enhance their communication, resolve conflicts, and create a supportive atmosphere.

Lifestyle Changes

Making changes to your lifestyle is important in dealing with internet addiction. You may create a daily structured schedule involving specific time allotted for important activities and internet use.

Generally, people with internet addiction are also advised to engage in new activities or hobbies where they can have fun and obtain a sense of fulfilment instead of relying on the pleasure that internet use could provide.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Although there is no approved medication specifically for treating internet addiction, antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be used to help manage symptoms of other conditions, such as anxiety and depression, that may be comorbid with internet addiction.

Residential Treatment

Residential or Inpatient care for internet addiction is usually preferred when you want a focused environment to overcome your addiction without outside distractions. While residing in a treatment facility, you will be restricted from internet access, which could eventually help lessen the urge to go online. It is important to note that the duration of your stay in the facility is highly dependent on the severity of your condition and your response to treatment.

Begin Your Internet Addiction Treatment At PROMIS

If you are using the internet and you do not know how many hours you have spent online per day each week, it might be helpful to monitor it. Using the internet occasionally does not cause any problems, but excessive usage may lead to addiction.

When you notice any signs and symptoms of internet addiction, it is highly recommended to seek professional help. Here at PROMIS Treatment Centre, we provide a comprehensive treatment plan to help you achieve recovery.

Reach out to us today to learn more about help for internet addiction.