Internet Addiction
in Lexington, Richmond & Frankfort KY
What is Internet Addiction?
Internet addiction is defined as any online-related, compulsive behavior that interferes with normal living and causes severe stress on family, friends, loved ones, and one’s work environment. For people suffering from Internet addiction, the Internet becomes the organizing principle of addict’s life, providing a high and causing the addict to become dependent on it to feel normal. Internet addicts struggle to control their behaviors, and experience despair over their constant failure to do so.
Some Internet users may develop an emotional attachment to online friends and activities they create on their computer screens. Internet users may enjoy aspects of the Internet that allow them to meet, socialize, and exchange ideas through the use of chat rooms, social networking websites, or "virtual communities." Other Internet users spend endless hours researching topics of interest online or blogging.
Signs & Symptoms
No single behavior pattern defines Internet addiction. It is important to note that it is not the actual time spent online that determines if you have a problem, but rather how that time you spend impacts your life. These behaviors, when they have taken control of the person’s life and become unmanageable, include lead to Internet addiction.
Common consequences of Internet addiction include:
- Information overload - too much online surfing leads to decreased productivity at work and fewer interactions with family members.
- Compulsions - excessive time spent in online activities such as gaming or trading of stocks can lead to financial strain.
- Cybersex addiction - too much surfing of porn sites, which often affects real-life relationships.
- Cyber-relationship addiction - excessive use of social networking sites to create relationships rather than spending time with family or friends may destroy real-life relationships.
Common symptoms of Internet addiction:
- Feelings of guilt
- Preoccupation with being online
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dishonesty and hiding the nature of your online behavior
- Inability to control your online behavior
- Euphoric feelings when in front of the computer
- Unable to keep schedules
- No sense of time
- Isolation
- Defensiveness
- Avoiding doing work
- Agitation
Characteristics associated with Internet addiction:
- Backache
- Headaches
- Weight gain or loss
- Disturbances in sleep
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Blurred or strained vision
Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Treatment options for Internet addicts include inpatient, outpatient, aftercare support, and self-help groups to help them understand the many facets associated with Internet addiction. Since the Internet cannot be completely avoided, treatment for Internet addiction focuses on moderation and controlled use of the Internet. Typically, cognitive-behavioral techniques are used to achieve healthy moderation and control of the Internet, along with a comprehensive psychosocial approach to address the underlying problems in a person’s life creating the need to use the Internet as a way of escape
There Is Hope!
Any addiction is no laughing matter. It affects not only the addict but also everyone who surrounds them. If you think you need help for Internet or computer addiction, or someone you know needs assistance to stop this addiction, we can help. Contact our office for more information, or visit the links below.
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Lexington, KY
Darby Creek Location
501 Darby Creek Road
Suite 11
Lexington KY, 40509
Phone:
859-338-0466
Fax:
859-294-0802
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- Darby Creek Lexington, KY 501 Darby Creek Road, Lexington, KY, United States
- Duval Street Location Lexington, KY 1092 Duval Street, Lexington, KY, United States
- Frankfort, KY 105 Diagnostic Dr, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States
- 1043 Center Dr, Richmond, KY 40475, United States 1043 Center Dr, Richmond, KY 40475, United States
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Lexington Counseling and Psychiatry Updates
Substance use is a growing health concern. 47.7 million Americans reported the use of illegal substances according to a study conducted in 2023 by The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. A Substance Use Disorder (SUD), defined by The American Psychiatric Association, is ‘a complex condition in which there is uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences.’ The American Psychiatric Association recognizes that someone who has a SUD has an intense urge to engage in any of the listed substances - alcohol, tobacco, or psychoactive substances that impact daily functioning, interpersonal relationships, and overall health. Another term well known for SUD is addiction. There is no single cause for a SUD but rather, a combination of factors can contribute to its development. Self-medication, genetics, peer pressure, curiosity, performance enhancement, and medical use turned misuse can all lead to someone engaging in problem use with substances and even addiction. Another study conducted in 2023 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, showed that 70% of people who sought out treatment for substance abuse/misuse reported improvements to their overall health and functioning within the first year of treatment. There are several available options for treatment, including outpatient care, intensive outpatient care, and in-patient care treatment. It is also important to have a collaborative approach when it comes to treatment for a SUD to have the best outcome, which can include medication management, individual therapy, group therapy, peer support, AA/NA meetings, sponsor, and a healthy support system within interpersonal relationships. It's important to remember that addiction is not a moral failing, it's a complex medical condition that can affect anyone. Compassion, understanding, and proper treatment are essential to recovery and can lead to successful outcomes. Some treatment modalities that have shown success in therapy when treating SUD include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Contingency Management (CM), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and Motivational Interviewing (MI), as well as a facilitated 12 step program and a trauma focused lens. Whether you're concerned about your own substance use or worried about a loved one, help is available and healing is possible! Call our office at 859.338.0466 to schedule an appointment to work with one of our providers to start your healing journey to recovery. Our current offices are located in Lexington, Frankfort, and Richmond, KY. We have been trusted mental health professionals in Central Kentucky for over 22 years! Articles and Resources: https://drugabusestatistics.org/ https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction-substance-use-disorders/what-is-a-substance-use-disorder https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6175215/ https://www.pyramid-healthcare.com/blog/2019/02/12/self-medication-and-addiction/ https://americanaddictioncenters.org/therapy-treatment
What is therapy?
Therapy is more long-term than counseling and focuses on a broader range of issues. The underlying principle is that a person's patterns of thinking and unconscious awareness affect the way that person interacts with the world. The goal is to uncover those patterns and become aware of their effect and then learn new, healthier ways to think and interact.
