New Addiction Gives Birth to New Treatment Programs

Addiction has taken a new form, and it’s affecting a surprisingly broad range of people. Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) affects up to 8.2% of the population. It can cause isolation, depression, anxiety and physical complications from excessive computer activity. Much is still unknown about Internet Addiction Disorder, but researchers agree that it’s a huge problem for hundreds of millions of people and families.

Fortunately, new treatment options may offer hope. Read on to see how this new addiction is destroying lives and how recovery centers are working to fight it.

A Growing Problem

An estimated 1.5% to 8.2% of the population suffers from IAD, although 13.7% of internet users report having difficulty staying offline for more than a few days. IAD causes a compulsive need to blog, look at a device/screen, check email, scroll through social media, etc. Others feel the need to sift through informative websites or videos. The average IAD sufferer spends 30 hours each week feeding their online addiction. That’s 10 hours shy of a full-time job.

Unlike many other forms of addiction, IAD strikes a relatively high number of young children, and the lasting repercussions aren’t fully known. People who feel they lack emotional support, as well as those suffering from anxiety or depression, are most likely to fall into an internet addiction.

Physical and Mental Effects

IAD sufferers tend to become withdrawn, and they’re likely to attempt to hide the amount of time they spend online. Physical effects can include eye strain, carpal tunnel syndrome and postural issues like headaches, backaches, neck soreness, forward head posture (FHP), among other ailments that arise from being so sedentary. They may also develop disordered eating and sleeping habits, and some sufferers may neglect personal hygiene. Students’ grades often fall and professional lives can crumble.

Imaging studies have shown internet addiction can change the structure of the brain, creating abnormalities in the white matter. Others have shown IAD sufferers exhibit low dopamine levels similar to sufferers of other types of addictions. Attempts to quit using the internet can lead to anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings and other symptoms of withdrawal.

Treating This New Addiction

Recovery centers have begun to address IAD, with some sufferers finding their addictions too hard to break on their own. A standard of care is still being streamlined, but most treatment plans include a period away from computers and smartphones. During this time, therapists look at contributing factors, such as mental health issues, and help sufferers engage in real-life interactions. Treatment plans include slowly reintegrating online media with an emphasis on healthy, limited use. 

Online addiction is a real, but treatable condition. If someone you know is suffering, it’s time to reach out and have a conversation. Make no mistake, if someone is addicted to the internet, it is a real addiction. It might seem like a socially acceptable addiction, as compared to less acceptable devastating addictions like drugs and alcohol, but it's important to realize its effects. Addiction is strong, but the resources out there can be stronger.

~ Here’s to Your Health and Wellness