Internet and Gaming Addiction - Status: Online Addicted to Games

It's time to update the addictions and this time we enter the virtual world. Everyone known for a long time you could become addicted to World of Warcraft, Runescape, MapleStory, and basically any online game. Games aren't the only internet problem, there are also gambling, roleplaying, pornographic, and much other addictions to the internet itself. Until now, no one really understood what to believe when it came to computers "its just a stage" "its naturally for kids nowadays" and other excuses were created all in vain as it has become a full blown addiction status.

The reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery Program is specifically oriented towards launching tech dependent youth and adults back into the real world. Our individually tailored program is designed to assist participants with an Internet and/or computer based behavioral addiction to break the cycle of dependency. Our 45-day abstinence based recovery program exposes participants to a variety of activities and everyday life skills which are often avoided or underdeveloped as a result of excessive ongoing computer, video game play and internet use.

Dr. Hilarie Cash , author of Video Games & Your Kids: How Parents Stay in Control, has taken her studies to a level that she can start to treat people with the addiction. This is where reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery Program comes in.

reSTART is a 45 day ongoing recovery course to help break addiction. People who are administrated into the program aren't allowed to even see a computer during the time. It's almost like a hotel type fix where until your cured you stay. Located in Fall City, addiction to MMORPG's or the internet in general is cured. Studies shown 5-10% of all computer users are addicted to some level. These additions can make the person lose thousands of dollars, lose time of there life, break established relationships and friendships, and even may make you lose your life. The physical health concerns of people addicted to computers are: weight gain\loss, back aches, head aches, ear problems, carpal tunnel, and a few others. The risk of losing your life made this a real enough condition to find a solution to recovery.

What could you do with $1,000? Think in your head all the things possible, new tv or a vacation maybe? Could it be a down payment for a new car or maybe get the air conditioner in your car repaired. Well if you can't even think about losing $1,000 your in for a surprise, times it by 14.5 and you got your cost! Thats right...$14,500 PER PERSON!!!

That sounds insane to me! If a doctor ever told my father I was addicted to the internet he would though me out of the house and lock the door till nightfall. That is just an insane amount of money for what most anyone sees as something that doesn't need a cure.

reSTART offers a survey to take to see if your addicted or not. On one of there major pages there is a "ask yourself" list as follows:

Here is what to look for (3-4 yes responses suggest abuse; 5 or more suggest addiction)

• Increasing amounts of time spent on computer and internet activities

• Failed attempts to control behavior

• Heightened sense of euphoria while involved in computer and internet activities

• Craving more time on the computer and internet

• Neglecting friends and family

• Feeling restless when not engaged in the activity

• Being dishonest with others

• Computer use interfering with job/school performance

• Feeling guilty, ashamed, anxious, or depressed as a result of behavior

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Physical changes such as weight gain or loss, backaches, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome

• Withdrawing from other pleasurable activities

Developed by Dr. Hilarie Cash, PhD. of Internet and Computer Addiction Services.

reSTART Website

1001 290th Ave SE

Fall City, WA

98024-7403

USA

I am addicted to the internet. I know I am. I known ever since I pulled an All-Nighter. The only difference between my addiction and the general case taken at the program is I don't need the internet, I will want to be on it at sometime but I can still function and live. I am sure all but 2 of that list applies or have applied to me before.