Treatment of Internet Addiction is Shocking

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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