Internet Gaming and Technology Addictions
Internet, Internet Gaming and
Technology Addictions
Almost anything can be accomplished online these days. Everything from remote employment to grocery shopping to traveling the galaxy for entertainment are now just a few easy clicks away. In many parts of the country, its now possible to live in such a way as to never leave home or even venture outside. We truly live in an Information Age. But for some, access to the world’s immense base of knowledge is like a drug. It can become a form of highly addictive self-medication for treating life-long socialization issues, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, and even as the only means of expressing yourself fully where talking with another person might otherwise fail.
When coupled with extreme attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and hyper-fixation, what began as “self-medication” can end in a compulsive, fatal addiction to the internet that can even include the inability to care for one’s own physical well-being. An example of the terrible intractability of Internet addiction is shown when by merely turning off the computer to try to break free from the addiction also means completely severing yourself from any social life or interpersonal interactions at all. The loneliness and confusion for a young person struggling with this disorder must be overwhelming. The frustration and fear of a parent struggling to help their child find answers and a direction towards treatment can be overwhelming too. The mission of our Foundation is to help kids and their parents connect with organizations and medical professionals who can provide those answers.
Like any other addiction, Internet addiction, addiction to Internet gaming and technology addiction are all treatable medical conditions. Here are some links to resources that may be able to help, including a link to a 12-Step type program specifically designed to address Internet and Technology addictions: