Internet Addiction: What is it and what help is available?

Internet addiction. Is it a real thing? Does it actually exist? Is there any help for it? Treatment for internet addiction is an important topic for many people seeking answers.

While, currently, it is more of a concept than a proven fact, there is no denying that people, especially young people, can become so dependent on using their phone/laptop or computer that they lose total control of their behaviour.

At this time, whether the harm is caused, directly, by using devices or because normal everyday tasks are left aside has not been determined. Lack of sleep, not interacting with people, just a machine, is believed to be a very significant factor.

Treatment for Internet Addiction: What Is Internet Addiction?

That is a very good question!

At this time there is no definitive answer.

Is internet addiction an addiction in the true sense just like alcohol or heroin addiction?

With a typical addiction, such as cocaine, using it is a pleasurable experience at first but, in time, you will need to use more and more just to have the same effect as the amount you used when you first started.

This is known as tolerance and occurs due to a change in brain chemistry which happens when you regularly expose the brain to something that sits on receptors. Caffeine is a perfect example.

Is heavy internet use just passionate absorption in an activity or is it so utterly overpowering that someone can’t stop?

Unlike other activities that can become addictive such as exercise and sex, the internet is available nearly everywhere on the planet 24/7 on a phone. About the only place you can escape it is North Korea.

Waiting in line at the supermarket, queuing up to board a plane, flying on a plane or using the bathroom. Free WIFI in coffee shops, shopping centres. The internet is, literally everywhere. With the advent of mobile broadband on mobile phones, those who can afford it, don’t even need WIFI.

Treatment for Internet Addiction: Is Internet Addiction in Diagnostic Textbooks?

At this time? No.

However, this was because not enough is known about it and that further research is needed.

A survey by Common Sense Media found that 59% of parents have serious concerns that their children are addicted to using their devices while 27% of the parents had concerns over their own use.

Sixty nine percent of parents reported that they check their own phones ,at least, hourly. This goes up to 78% for their teenage children.

While society becomes more reliant on the internet to compete tasks such as checking in for air travel and buying concert tickets, these tasks take seconds. While much of social activity can be done online, it is clear that, for some, they immerse themselves far too much into life online.

Treatment for Internet Addiction: What are the signs of Internet Addiction?

Is it an addiction? Is it just compulsive use or over indulgence?

What you call it doesn’t change the effect it has.

Being glued to a screen reduces human interaction and damages the way people regulate their emotions.

Relationships suffer. Marriages break down. Families argue. Jobs are put at risk and studies suffer.

What is problematic internet use?

What is problematic internet use?

If you are a parent, ask yourself: Does my child get enough sleep? Eat properly? Get enough exercise? Meet friends at a coffee shop?

If the answer to some, or all of these questions is no, then there is a problem.

Your child is missing out on connections, opportunities and life experience.

What are the negative effects of internet overuse?

Children and young people, who spend too long using the internet, can damage their developing brain.

Their attention span will suffer and their focus diminish. Worse still, they will need more constant stimulation while they seek instant gratification.

If the internet goes down or they loose access to their device their anxiety levels will spike out of control. When this happens, they will become very impulsive and will struggle to recognise facial expressions and non verbal cues.

Internet Use and Mental Health

It is well known that excessive use of the internet can seriously impact on a persons mental health.

There is a plethora of evidence to show that excessive internet use can seriously impact someone’s emotional well being. It can also lead to diagnosable mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. It is also linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Current research shows that people use the internet as an emotional crutch to cope with negative emotions.

Is internet addiction a mental disorder?

The jury is still out on this one.

While it is not in the current recognised text books it is clearly a very negative behaviour.

For many, trying to reduce their time on line is a real, real struggle.

Addiction is a overarching term that explains all the behaviours associated with someone who is wholly preoccupied with internet use.

Not going out, not speaking to family members. Staying away from social gatherings. Missing work or study deadlines. Poor personal hygiene, eating while browsing.

This can lead to depression and anxiety.

Some people will try and self medicate for other problems by immersing themselves into an online life.

Treatment for Internet Addiction: What Help is Available?

As with any addiction there are four elements of recovery:

• Detox
• Therapy
• Relapse prevention
• Aftercare

Detox

While a digital detox doesn’t involve a reducing regime of medication like a heroin or alcohol detox, it will still be difficult.

Trying to do this at home simply won’t work. It has nothing to do with willpower but everything to do with science.

Without a detox your brain will not respond to therapy.

In severe cases, a short course of adjunctive medication can be given to help someone with the more distressing aspects of withdrawal from the internet: Extreme anxiety, rapid low mood, chronic fear of missing out on things, etc.

How does a digital detox work?

There are rehab centres where mobiles and laptops are allowed and those that do not allow them to be brought it or their use is seriously curtailed.

For those with internet compulsion, you will need a centre that excludes devices or where they can only be used under supervision. Obviously, when you leave rehab, you will have access to devices but you won’t respond to therapy while you are still immersed in online life.

Therapy

As soon as you are able to join in, you will be welcomed into the therapy groups and sessions.

Everyone in rehab is there for the same reason: To recover.

Others in the groups may have issues with alcohol, pain killers, cocaine or the internet. It really doesn’t matter. The trajectory of recovery is the same.

All rehabs, the world over, use a group therapy model as the cornerstone for recovery.

Why? Because it works! 12 STEP, SMART, eclectic: It really doesn’t matter which model is in use.

The aim of therapy is to explore why you felt more comfortable with life online than in the real world.

People drink to relieve stress and escape everyday issues. Online addiction is exactly the same.

There will be laughter, tears, difficult emotions and stories of resilience.

Adjunctive therapies

Group therapy forms the bedrock of the therapeutic aspects of recovery as it has for decades.

Additional, bolt on therapies are now enshrined in the timetable at many centres. Cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, family therapy, etc.

These can have a significantly positive impact on the trajectory of recovery.

Relapse Prevention

Rehab is a place of healing. A place of unconditional acceptance while ideas are challenged: constructively and safely.

There are staff on hand: 24/7.

At home, you will still have support (see aftercare, below) but it is not in front of you.

Relapse happens: FACT.

It isn’t failure but part of living with a chronic illness. There will be periods of remission and periods of crisis.

If you have a set of skills to deal with relapse you are in a better position to deal with it.

Unlike alcohol and drugs, you can’t avoid the internet and , indeed, may need to use it to complete everyday tasks but you can learn how not to fall back into addiction.

Aftercare

All centres offer a minimum of a years aftercare.

You will be invited to a weekly support group (which you can access remotely, if necessary) . There will also be regular telephone check in.

Should you find yourself struggling, there will be a number to call for help.

Treatment for Internet Addiction :Speak to An Experienced Addictions Clinician For Free Advice

You can get free, confidential and impartial advice from an experienced addictions clinician.

We work in rehab centres but are not tied to any particular one.

If you need a treatment referral we don’t charge for these.

We only signpost to legally registered centres.

Our service is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office.