I stumbled across this interesting new service today and I thought it might be of interest.
The nation’s first center dedicated to the treatment of internet addiction opened this week. There is huge irony, of course, if you are learning about it here. I assume you’d have to be a desperate case indeed if your internet addiction were so strong you’d rather read this blog than get on with your life.
reSTART is located outside of Seattle where many telecommunications and computing companies such as Microsoft are located. While in treatment, addicts spend 45 days in this residential detox center where they receive counseling and psychotherapy and go cold turkey from the all computing, internet, email, texting and electronic games.
The day I visited their website, yes, irony is abundant in this story, there were 65 other people visiting at the same time. They also have a presence on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Linkedin. Their website has a lot of information about their program.
Like most recovery programs, restart offers the tool below to help you determine if you might need their services. Good luck if you do need them. The fees are pretty steep. The 45 day residential treatment program is $14,500.
11 signs of Internet addiction
Signs of Internet addiction, according to Hilarie Cash, executive director of the reSTART center for Internet addiction near Seattle. Three of the following symptoms suggest abuse, five or more addiction:
_Increasing amounts of time spent on Internet
_Failed attempts to control behavior
_Heightened euphoria while on Internet
_Craving more time on Internet, restless when not there
_Neglecting family and friends
_Lying to others about use
_Internet interfering with job and school
_Feeling guilty or ashamed of behavior
_Changes in sleep patterns
_Weight changes, backaches, headaches, carpal tunnel
_Withdrawl from other activities











