Treatment of Internet Addiction is Shocking

Tue Feb 27, 2007 5:48AM EST

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You might remember my post on Internet addiction a few months ago that listed a few symptoms to watch, such as feeling a constant desire to be online, resorting to a virtual world to escape real world problems, and neglecting obligations to spend more time online. The list was derived from a self-assessment test over at Net Addiction, a center for Internet addiction recovery that says this is a real problem affecting millions of Americans. This subject is really gaining popularity, and with it comes revealing details of how Internet addicts are being "treated," at least overseas.

The Washington Post takes an look at the controversial treatment of Internet addicts living in China. As you know, the Chinese government already sets limits on what its citizens can or cannot access online. To reinforce these views, they have launched a campaign against Internet addiction to stamp out "a grave social problem" that threatens their nation with suicides, murder, and youths' failure to concentrate on their studies. But is shock therapy on a 12-year old really necessary?

Young patients between the ages of 12 and 24 are housed in a small clinic in Daxing, which is located on an army training base. Unlike other buildings, this one has metal gates and bars on every window. Parents pay over $1,300 a month so their children can be treated for an addiction they feel is affecting their child's life. The most shocking part of the story to me is how these young kids are treated with hypnosis, drugs ("to give them happiness so they no longer need to go on the Internet to be happy"), and even mild electric shocks. It's no wonder some of these patients have tried to escape, and one even attempted to commit suicide, yet those who run the school believe 70 percent of their patients will go home and lead normal lives.

It makes me wonder how Americans will treat Internet addiction, if or when someone decides it has become a crippling problem. And what about addiction to consumer electronics theft? We've all heard about kids hurting—even killing—others for their iPods and laptops. Will this require a 12-step program too? What do you think?

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  • 2 Posted by georgestraubing on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:08PM EDT Report Abuse

    Hi, Addiction is addiction. All addicted individuals experience similar symptoms. In the end these symptoms lead to institutions, jails, and death. Thus, one has to be very careful as to who the label of addiction is attached. An addict will sit in front of his/her computer going for days without food, face to face interactions, or self care of any kind. The effect on brain chemistry is identical to those affected with substance abuse. The feeling is so good that one is compelled to do it over and over again at the expense of anything else. A major test for addiction is compulsion. That is, every waking moment is spent thinking about and/or engaging in the behavior. And yes,research has proven that the 12-Steps are most successful at treating the disease of addiction. Any addiction. An abuser (as opposed to the addict), will continue the behavior despite negative consequences. It's the compulsion that separates the two. As far as China's treatment goes, I am not surprised. But, one must know that the same is true of a lot of treatment programs in the US. A lot of people would rather die than face their demons. Peace, George

  • 3 Posted by pei_dage on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:05PM EDT Report Abuse

    I agree with George. If the 70% sucess rate is accurate, they have perhaps found a good way to deal with the addiction. I can't imagine we have any program with that kind of sucess.

  • 4 Posted by thomasnmn@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:08PM EDT Report Abuse

    A NEW GLOBAL GENERATION / LANGUAGE / ADDICTION AN AMAZING NEW BOOK--FRESH OFF THE PRESS: "GENERATION MYSPACE" by Candice M. Kelsey. "Does it seem like your teen can't tear herself away from friends on the computer screen (except to text them on her cell phone)? That's because MySpace, Facebook and YouTube are your son or daughter's life, not just another passing diversion. All that energy and time spent online is affecting your teen's life in countless ways, from sexual pressure and privacy to social standing and self-esteem. Some schools are banning online networking sites, yet your child insists they're "no big deal." Who's right? Drawing on personal interviews with hundreds of teens, educator Candice M. Kelsey helps parents assess what they should--and shouldn't--be worried about when it comes to technology. A landmark book, Generation MySpace is the first guide to the new world of online adolescence, where you'll discover: * The Appeal of MySpace: How interaction becomes addictive, and how to stop it from taking control * Profiles, Adds, and Top 8 Popularity: How "friending" is redefining friendship * Baring It All: How kids as young as eleven are learning to market themselves--and why they're looking to celebrities and porn stars first * The Drug Connection: How social networking has made illicit substances easier for teens to get, and even easier to hide * From Predators to Cyber-Bullies: How to help your kids protect themselves."

  • 5 Posted by night_crawler_2006@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:38PM EDT Report Abuse

    I definitely agree with George, and it can happen to anyone teen or older. Specially if that person is going through hard times like being temporarily dissable, having realationship problems, or going through depression, can affect a person's feeling by hiding in close doors, and isolating themselves to hide their feelings. Is not a good thing to do, and specially to find something around like the computer, to make yourself believe that nothing is wrong, or to make yourself feel happier. At first you might not see it, but that person or persons can become addicted. Any addiction is bad and it can make you feel bad about it, but you don't see it when you are in it, only after. It can also make you forget things and not have the same memory you used to, have (making you feel you have Alzeimers), you can have nightmares or dreams about. It can take over your lives and relationships with others. Thats why one has to find help. Does any one know what are those 12-Steps to succesfully treating the disease addiction? Christian

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