Internet Addiction

There is debate over whether a computer, cell phone, or online addiction is the cause or consequence of such mental health issues.

Though it is often harder to detect than more apparent addictions like alcohol and drugs, Internet addiction is common and becoming more widespread. Currently, an estimated 420 million people – 6 percent of the world’s population – suffer from Internet addiction. With the rise of social media and advances in addictive gaming technology and other platforms designed to keep people on-screen, it’s no surprise that this trend is only continuing to grow.

Compulsively engaging in online behaviours is different than simply using the Internet. For some, the inability to go online causes withdrawal symptoms like irritability, mood swings –including rage, and obsessive thoughts. People might use the Internet to cope with mental health issues like anxiety and depression, forming a negative pattern that thwarts emotional development.

If the above sounds familiar to you, it may be time to ask yourself whether your Internet use is becoming a problem. If it is, Reclaim Health can help. We have extensive experience in successfully treating Internet addiction, and offer a comprehensive treatment programme designed to help you regain the ability to use the Internet in a healthy way.

Signs and Symptoms of Internet Addiction

Internet addiction disorder can be displayed in both emotional and physical symptoms, though these may differ from person to person.

Emotional symptoms of computer addiction include:

Anxiety
Agitation
Avoiding responsibilities
Dishonesty
Defensiveness
Depression
Euphoric feelings when using the Internet
Feeling guilty
Isolation
Losing sense of time

Physical repercussions of excessive computer use include:

Backaches
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Headaches
Sleep issues
Strained or blurred vision
Weight fluctuations

Consequences of Internet Addiction

Internet addiction affects multiple aspects of your life, including school and work. Relationships often suffer as your social skills and ability to connect with others in real life diminish. Short-term effects of Internet addiction include neglected responsibilities and uncompleted tasks, while long-term effects are more obvious and manifest as physical symptoms, as well as sexual and partnership issues. Internet addiction can also result in bankruptcy, especially if online activities are focused on gambling, gaming or shopping. Many people also start to isolate themselves because they feel more comfortable communicating with others via the Internet rather than in person.

TYPES OF INTERNET ADDICTION

COMPUTER ADDICTION

Excessive use of the computer, for online and offline activities, could indicate a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

CYBER RELATIONSHIP ADDICTION

Cyber relationship addictions occur when someone forms online relationships that aren’t necessarily sexual, but can still have negative impacts on their life. Some people reach a point at which their social connections via the Internet become more important than their real-life family and friends.

CYBERSEX ADDICTION

Cybersex addiction involves adult websites or pornography, often including webcams and chat rooms. These behaviours become an issue when they affect a person’s really romantic and sexual relationships, or when they are overly used to the point of interference with daily life.

INFORMATIONAL ADDICTION

Informational addiction occurs when someone compulsively browses the web to look up information. They eventually notice a decline in productivity at work or school and have less interaction with their family and friends.

COMPULSIVE WEB SURFING

Compulsive web surfing describes excessive amounts of time spent on Internet-based activities like shopping, gambling, auctions and trading stocks. People with this form of compulsion have a hard time resisting the urge to place a bet or buy something online and usually end up with work-related and overspending issues.

Struggling With Internet Addiction?

Get A Recovery Plan Thats Made for you.

Struggling With Internet Addiction?

Get A Recovery Plan Thats Made for you.

Why Reclaim Health is Your Best Choice for Internet Addiction Rehab in Uganda

Here in our intimate recovery community, we limit our number of clients to 20 at any given time. This means we have lower turnover, so you’ll experience more continuity in the relationships you form and minimal disruption to your environment. Unlike bigger rehabs, whose crowded and chaotic feel can compound social anxiety, here at Reclaim Health you’ll have the opportunity to form lasting friendships with those you meet in treatment and enjoy a more relaxing rehab experience overall.

Why Inpatient Internet Rehab Centres are the Best Choice

In outpatient treatment, you are still immersed in an environment where you’re likely to indulge your Internet-based compulsions, whereas in inpatient rehab you’ll have little to distract you from your treatment goals. Widely considered the most effective form of treatment, residential rehab offers the opportunity for you to remove yourself from domestic and work-related issues and receive 24/7 support from addiction professionals who want to see you succeed.

How Our Internet Addiction Treatment Works

Internet addiction is different from many other forms of addiction because Internet use is often necessary for our daily life. In this case, the goal of treatment isn’t to completely abstain from it but to learn to use it appropriately so it doesn’t interfere with your life. To achieve this, we use a combination of addiction counselling and holistic treatments to tackle your addiction from all angles.

BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY FOR INTERNET ADDICTION

We use a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy (MCBT) and 12-Step framework to give you the tools and skills you need to overcome your compulsions. Your treatment plan will include:

Individual therapy
Group therapy
Family therapy
A relapse prevention plan
Aftercare support

SUPPORTING HOLISTIC WELLNESS THERAPY

Your treatment plan will also include an array of alternative therapies to support your work in counselling. These include:

Mindfulness meditation
Spa and massage therapy
Fitness exercise
Yoga
Travel
Art therapy

FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP YOU AND GET STARTED ON THE PATH TO A BETTER LIFE.

Reclaim Health Limited is a leading addiction treatment company providing personalised treatments and rehab throughout Uganda, offering a wide range of help and guidance for all types of addictions.