Internet addiction
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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.
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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.
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. Mobile broadband just makes it worse.
Internet addiction
Is it a recognised condition?
At this time? No.
However, this is 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.
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.
Internet addiction
Effects on children
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.
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Long term effects on children
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 addiction
Effects on 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.
Internet addiction 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.
Internet addiction
Formal recognition of the problem
Will internet addiction make it into diagnostic manuals?
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.
Internet addiction
What about home treatment for internet addiction?
Depending on the severity of the problem it may be possible to arrange outpatient treatment or even treatment in the home.
Call for free, independent and confidential advice from an experienced addictions clinician.
Therapy
All centers who provide treatment for addiction provide a fully immersive therapy programme, either along a 12 step approach or a SMART based recovery model. These run seven days a week and , those in treatment, are obliged to attend all sessions if physically well enough to do so. For new admissions, it can be 24-48 hours , on occasion, before someone is able to take part.
Sitting alongside this programme, many centers also offer adjunctive treatments and therapies such as:
Yoga
Mindfulness
Art therapy
Gentle exercise and group walks
Music therapy
Individual sessions (for those staying more than a week)
Clients, before leaving, are linked in with support groups in their local community, be they voluntary or statutory. A psychological tool kit is built up so that clients have a selection of techniques to employ.
If you need treatment for addiction, call and speak to us. We can provide free , independent and confidential advice on any aspect of addiction help on 0333 041 9922.