Internet Addiction Rehab Center
The first U.S. rehab center for Internet addiction has opened its doors last month near Seattle, Washington. The 45-day treatment, which includes a forced break from Internet use in addition to re-enforcing social skills and other interventions, costs 14,000 dollars.
The question is, do we really need such a center? Does Internet addiction exist?
While Internet Addiction Disorder is not currently included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), many argue that addictions to the Web do exist.
Addicts describe symptoms that are very similar to other addictions, such as an overwhelming impulse to use the Internet, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using it, continually increasing the amount of Internet use while withdrawing from other activities, denying the harmful effects of the behavior and continuing it despite those harmful effects.
In severe cases, Internet addiction can lead tothe loss of a job or marriage, to car accidents for those who can’t stop texting while driving, or even to death – some people have died after playing video games for days without a break because of a blood clot associated with being sedentary.
Researchers have been warning us for a long time now that obsessive internet use poses risk of isolation and depression, so even if excessive Internet use does not become an addiction, it could still be harmful.
It’s interesting to note that the Chinese government recognizes Internet addiction and treats it harshly. I’m sure the posh American rehab center is heaven compared with China’s treatment centers for Internet addiction, although the harsh Chinese methods might prove to be far more effective long-term than the gentle American methods.
What do you think? Do you think Internet Addiction exists? Do you know anyone in real life who might be suffering from it? Do you think milder forms of excessive Internet use (which most us professional bloggers are probably guilty of!) can be harmful as well?
Update: A new study says that Internet addiction does exist and is linked to ADHD and depression in teens.
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Mike Goad responds:
Posted: September 29th, 2009 at 10:43 am →
Internet obsession can be a problem, but I’d hesitate calling it an addiction.
It’s no more an addiction than the way that some people religiously watch soap operas, reality shows, or wrestling on TV.
Obsession, yes.
Addiction, no.
Carla responds:
Posted: September 29th, 2009 at 10:53 am →
Thats strange. I never heard of such a place for people with TV or video game addiction. I dont know anyone in real life who may be suffering from it though. I know some workaholics, but no one who is specifically addicted to the internet.
Betsy Wuebker responds:
Posted: September 29th, 2009 at 11:17 am →
When our sense of personal responsibility abandoned self-control, we got addiction out of it. Isn’t there an easier way to scam a vulnerable person out of $14K? Without the DSM blessing, it’s doubtful insurance providers pay for this. Or – if the justice system warrants commitment to this treatment program, what sort of crime would precipitate the sentence? In other words, how does this treatment center get paid? For $312/day couldn’t you just take a vacation?
I became acquainted with Internet addicts – people who were online 24/7 – almost 15 years ago. I mean, how else do you rack up $1700 monthly AOL bills at $4/hour? When AOL went monthly flat fee, it became an equal opportunity enabler. No longer did you have to (presumably) have a job to be online. The stories . . . but that was then. The line is totally blurred now because so many people are attempting and making a living in online pursuits. I am still amazed that there are people my age who aren’t wired in. It does change the way you live your life. What ever do they do without the Internet?
Davina responds:
Posted: September 29th, 2009 at 11:21 am →
I do believe the Internet can be an addiction. Absolutely. I’m there now… observing my Twitter us as a matter of fact. But after taking a week off and unplugging from the Internet, I realized that it’s not an addiction for me. I thought I’d miss it, but I didn’t. It was a smooth transition. So that tells me that I’m not addicted, but I do know I need to balance my time better.
What I am addicted to (if you can call that an addiction; I say appreciation) is having fun, and since I work from home my day can become pretty solitary. The Internet is a “way out” and it’s right at my fingertips. No scheduling a coffee meeting with a friend. It’s not the same as sitting down with a friend, but it offers me entertainment when I “need” it. I do still have the ability to make that choice.
Lori Hoeck responds:
Posted: September 29th, 2009 at 11:46 am →
We all obsess (as Mike writes) or self medicate in various ways to avoid the deeper, tougher issues of life. The internet is just another way to do this.
Emsxiety responds:
Posted: September 29th, 2009 at 12:31 pm →
I do believe internet addiction is possible. I do think treatment centers can help. Ive seen people become addicted and their lives fall down around them. Yes, I believe it.
Marelisa responds:
Posted: September 29th, 2009 at 12:41 pm →
I think that there are some people with obsessive tendencies who trade one obsession for another. The internet is relatively harmless, unless you’re missing school or work, are ruining your health by sitting still for too long, or are disregarding your real life relationships because of the internet.
Tina Kubala responds:
Posted: September 29th, 2009 at 1:08 pm →
I think checking into a center is a bit over the top.
An online class course would be much better, don’t you think?
The Stiletto Mom responds:
Posted: September 29th, 2009 at 1:57 pm →
Where am I going to find 14K? Because I think I may need to go there…
Memarie Lane responds:
Posted: September 29th, 2009 at 2:53 pm →
I definitely think it is valid. I have been there myself, and watched my husband go through it. I think the most difficult thing about it is that it is almost acceptable in our society. Can you imagine trying to quit drinking if alcoholism was the status quo? From what I understand, addicts usually have to stay away from their drug of choice 100% of the time, but that just isn’t possible where the internet is concerned.
Dr. J responds:
Posted: September 29th, 2009 at 2:59 pm →
Any behavior that interferes with your normal functioning in society is part of the definition of an addiction. Perhaps information that this center ascertains from it’s treatment attempts can be applied to more, shall we say, destructive addictions.
I am imagining the prices some of the Hollywood stars pay for their rehab makes 14K pale in comparison. That said, I would treat them for a lot less, but then who would read my blog?
Lovelyn responds:
Posted: September 29th, 2009 at 3:14 pm →
I heard a story about this on NPR recently. I don’t think the internet is really an addiction for most people.
Dominique responds:
Posted: September 29th, 2009 at 3:37 pm →
This is the first time I am hearing about such a camp for internet addiction. $14K is really costly and I wonder if it is really effective. I’m sure such an addiction does exist for most bloggers just the degree of addiction varies and how one is able to unplug and connect with the real world on a regular basis.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 29th, 2009 at 4:44 pm →
Thanks everyone for your comments.
Betsy, I enjoyed your point of view and can’t say that I completely disagree with this sentence: “Isn’t there an easier way to scam a vulnerable person out of $14K?”
Davina, it’s the same for me – when it’s available it’s hard to resist, but when I’m away, I don’t miss it at all.
Tina –
Memarie Lane – it’s true that you can’t stay away – I guess in this respect it can be similar to food addictions.
Patricia responds:
Posted: September 29th, 2009 at 5:40 pm →
Vered,
I hate to say it but when I was doing social work, lots of boyfriends, girlfriends, mothers and dads were so stuck to the internet they were doing horrible, horrible things to children in their lives….beating and starving them just begins the list…
I have a friend who’s son has been through alcohol and drug rehab. 8 times at a tremendous cost to the state and society….addictions are important to treat because they affect everyone around them….a woman at my church is addicted to TV….the shopping network and hoards….I think we need to go to the grassroots and figure out the “birth” of addictions and treat that…we are upset with the number of drug addicted babies born each year…..but not the number of fast food addicted children….
folks don’t seem to know how to LIVE – oh this is where I get depressed and have to go do something else…the Internet and Web just make it fast and faster to jump around and figure out how to stimulate pleasure centers and how to imitate someone else’s life…
Bunnygotblog.com responds:
Posted: September 29th, 2009 at 10:17 pm →
I think many of us who making a living on line or even have a computer in their home with access to their work can become more incline to utilize the computer more but the thing is what ever is the reason, it is not a substitute for real life.
Great article and I think the money could have been better spent after all if the reason is depression, there are already doctors for that. Depression is something that needs to be treated, it isn’t a bad habit needed to be changed.
Walter responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2009 at 12:29 am →
I believe that internet is an addiction. But I can put it on the level of watching tv or gaming. I can’t really categorize it like alcohol or drugs or smoking. Still, it needs to be controlled.
Tess The Bold Life responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2009 at 1:31 am →
Yes I think it’s an addiction and television as well. I would suggest everyone go to their family members and ask if their internet use is causeing problems in their life? My guess is they will tell you unless they’re addicted as well. It would be good to keep a record of how many hours you spend online daily. Then ask yourself is this how I want to spend my life?
I think $14,000 is hideous for the treatment center. But hey those who can afford it and want to get a life and communicate face to face will pay it.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2009 at 9:14 am →
Thank you again for your comments. I agree that the cost is a huge issue, although I guess most rehab clinics are very expensive. I also agree that a good way to find out if your Internet use is a problem is to ask your family.
LeAnn responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2009 at 10:04 am →
If I had the $14,000, I would send my husband. He is most definitely addicted.
Kim Woodbridge responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2009 at 12:43 pm →
I think we can become addicted to almost anything. There is, however, a difference between psychological addiction and physical (in my opinion). And some addictions are more socially acceptable, such as television. Both take a change in mind-set in order to overcome, although a physical one is more difficult. Part of the problem with certain addictions such as the internet or smoking is that they are legal so it is difficult or impossible to remove yourself from the temptation. An illegal one, such as heroin is not easier to overcome, but it much easier to change your life so it isn’t a part of it any more.
I joke that I am addicted to the internet and being connected and it does bother me for a day or so when I don’t have access but then I am fine – so, I can’t really be addicted.
I find $14,000 unconscionable.
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2009 at 2:11 pm →
Some year…people will actually take ownership of their own poor choices and realize the issues lie with THEM…and them alone.
Until then, there will be rehab for things like the Internet. Sigh.
The Lawyer Mom responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2009 at 3:17 pm →
I totally think excessive internetting exists. Not sure if it can be characterized as an “addiction” but it’s something, that’s for sure. At one blogger I’ve seen got so “addicted” to commenting (and including TMI in her own blog) that her marriage got in trouble.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2009 at 7:07 pm →
The Lawyer Mom, I can see how excessive blogging about your own life and sharing too much information can hurt your marriage.
Jannie Funster responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2009 at 7:15 pm →
I was all set to think I may need a soldier yelling at the foot of my bed in the morning too until I read Dr J’s words, “normal functioning in society.” I do loves my Internet but think I’m functioning pretty normally. (For now.)
RC - RC Rambling responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2009 at 9:46 pm →
I like the terms “obsession” or “compulsion” when it comes to a behavior like internet use, more than addiction. (Granted, I joke, sort-of, that I have an addiction.)
Do I think we need a treatment center? Not really. People can live productive lives without computer access. If someone has an issue, I’m in favor of just removing all access to the computer, or having a friend lock-down your ability to access the internet during certain hours, versus heading to a treatment center.
Kind-of like compulsive shopper freezing the credit card in a block of ice. By limiting access, you can treat yourself.
Barbara Swafford responds:
Posted: October 1st, 2009 at 12:25 am →
Hi Vered,
I’ve often written that I’m a blogoholic. As for an internet addiction, I see how it could happen.
You mentioned texting, as well. I saw a show on Dr. Phil and a young girl admitted she was addicted to texting. When her mother would take her phone away from her she would literally begin to have withdrawal symptoms.
Although I do enjoy being online, when life calls or I have other plans, I can drop it and not look back. That said though, if I couldn’t be online, I would certainly miss my cyberfriends.
Lance responds:
Posted: October 1st, 2009 at 2:09 am →
Sure, I think it could happen – just like with anything else.
It’s all about finding some harmony in life – as this could happen with so many things (like Tess mentioned).
Michelle @ Find Your Balance responds:
Posted: October 1st, 2009 at 8:48 am →
Really, I had no idea this had opened! I believe there probably (sadly) is a need for it. Their basic agenda I suppose is to tell you to “Get a life!” My generation has come into adulthood with the internet as a major interface to our lives – where decorating and maintaining a blog is akin to wearing makeup!
MommyNamedApril responds:
Posted: October 1st, 2009 at 9:28 am →
I think there probably IS a need for it, sadly. I’m pretty sure my brother-in-law could really benefit from something like this. That being said… a long vacation with no internet access would probably accomplish the same thing.
janice responds:
Posted: October 1st, 2009 at 12:11 pm →
I really enjoyed this post, Vered, and as always, the comments, too. I’m definitely an obsessive person by nature and I think the internet could become an addiction for some folk, as could blogging related activities. I don’t know much about the physiolgy of addiction, but I see it on on the same continuum as compulsion and obsession. Going away for a holiday and not missing the internet, for some folk is like the alcoholic who thinks they’re not an alcoholic when they’re not drinking. Alcoholics are always alcoholics. If folk who are obsessed with the internet return to the same habits after a break, who’s to say they’re not addicted? It’s when you manage to give it up for ever that you really know if you are or not, and I can’t see any of us participating in that experiment any time soon.
Cath Lawson responds:
Posted: October 1st, 2009 at 6:30 pm →
Well, when I started reading, I wasn’t so sure. Society puts labels on almost everything, so I’m sure we all have at least one type of illness that we’re unaware of. But if people are dying from playing games, or texting then that is scary.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 1st, 2009 at 10:00 pm →
Barbara, “Although I do enjoy being online, when life calls or I have other plans, I can drop it and not look back” – it’s the same for me.
Janice, I agree – it’s highly unlikely that anyone here would be willing to participate in this experiment.
Brad responds:
Posted: October 2nd, 2009 at 8:34 pm →
Lots of people are put off by the cost of the inpatient program in Washington state. We’re fortunate here in Canada. There’s an outpatient pilot program for youth 16-24 years old in Toronto that’s fully funded by our universal health care program.
Friar responds:
Posted: October 3rd, 2009 at 11:43 am →
This is a sure sign that as a civilization, we have peaked and we’re on the downward slope.
Just shows how much we (as a society) are spoiled and out of touch with the rest of the world. We invent things like this to worry about because we have way too much time on our hands and don’t know what to do with it.
Internet addiction re-hab?
For crying out loud.
Try explaining this to someone in the Thirld World. Who doesnt’ have $14000. Let alone the Internet.
Or electricity. Or food, for that matter.
Brad responds:
Posted: October 3rd, 2009 at 12:02 pm →
Yes, it is pretty sad. Like anorexia, it is rapidly evolving into a ‘culture bound syndrome.’
According to Wikipedia…
A culture-specific syndrome is characterized by:
1. categorization as a disease in the culture (i.e., not a voluntary behaviour or false claim);
2. widespread familiarity in the culture;
3. complete lack of familiarity of the condition to people in other cultures;
4. no objectively demonstrable biochemical or tissue abnormalities (symptoms);
5. the condition is usually recognized and treated by the folk medicine of the culture.
Any argument based on this definition?
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 3rd, 2009 at 2:17 pm →
Friar, I know what you mean, but this doesn’t make it any less real… yes, it’s a problem of a well-fed, spoiled society, but it is still a problem. I hear that depression is also rare in societies where people are busy putting food on the table, but depression is still a serious problem that requires treatment.
Brad, I have visited your blog and read with interest your take on the Internet addiction rehab center. You are a supporter – and I respect your opinion since you’ve been there.
Brad responds:
Posted: October 3rd, 2009 at 2:22 pm →
Thanks. Haven’t been there myself, but I know the dad of the young man whose story is featured. They got their son back, and you can’t put a price on that!
alaJoAnn responds:
Posted: October 3rd, 2009 at 8:16 pm →
Internet addiction rehab centers – sounds like a cleverly targeted niche market. Maybe someone should offer these services online!
Brad responds:
Posted: October 4th, 2009 at 5:57 pm →
I sense a tongue firmly planted in your cheek Jo Ann…
cb responds:
Posted: October 5th, 2009 at 11:18 am →
While the internet can have a powerful psychological pull and cost us marriages, jobs, or our life, it’s not a physical addiction like one would get from a chemical drug like cigarettes or meth or even caffeine. I am psychologically dependent upon and obsessed with the internet to the point that I’m getting up an hour early each day to have more time on it before work, but on the other hand if my power went off for a week I would not be in true withdrawal with physical pain and danger(although I’d be very, VERY unhappy)!
Brad responds:
Posted: October 5th, 2009 at 2:40 pm →
cb,
Are you familiar with process addictions like gambling? Same thing going on in the brain here.
Rowe responds:
Posted: October 9th, 2009 at 3:21 am →
Yes, Vered, I do think it is possible that addiction to the internet exists. With blogging and other social networking sites, dare I say there is a social narcissism attached to it.