Treatment for Internet Addiction

The complicated nature of Internet addiction and lack of awareness concerning the onset of the problem make the treatment of Internet addiction much more complex compared to other types of addiction. Depending on different existing treatment policies, the suggested treatment modalities of Internet addiction can be categorized as (1) Invert Selection Method, (2) Using external stoppers, (3) Goal setting, (4) Staying abstinent from a particular set of activities, (5) Using reminder cards, (6) Developing personal inventory, (7) Entering into support group and seeking help and (8) Family therapy. The above-mentioned first three categories are the simple manifestation of time management technique. However, for critical pathological condition the simple form of time management may not serve the purpose. In such cases, much more aggressive intervention is essential by virtue of employing techniques to assist the client to develop effective coping strategies for altering addictive behavior with the help of personal empowerment and appropriate support system. If the client is able to find out the effective way of coping, then dependence over Internet in order to stay away from negative mood state is not necessary at all. Akin to any other form of addiction, the individuals suffering from excessive Internet dependence problem may also experience a sense of psychological withdrawal characterized as anxiety, stress, a sense of loss, depression, pseudo-pain, etc. It is natural during recovery phase since Internet has become an integral part of their existence and living without it should become a serious issue of concern.

Invert Selection Method
This method is critical in understanding and employing relevant strategies in order to shape out the time occupancy. Time management is an integral component of the treatment for Internet addiction. While employing Invert Selection Method, the clinician inquires the client about the time usage pattern over Internet and collects the specific nature of Internet usage of the client in details. The clinician then constructs a new schedule for the client for managing Internet usage time. The goal of this method is to employ a new schedule in such a fashion so that it disrupts the existing schedule of Internet usage of the client in question, eventually breaking the online-habits of the client.

Using External Stoppers
In most of the cases, the dependents do not care or refuse the natural alarm. So this technique enables users to follow a schedule on a strict manner while following an alarm made by any external gadgets such as alarm clock or egg clock. Set the alarm at least one hour prior to any activities to be accomplished so that it can be attained on time. However, this alarm technique is not an effective solution for people having strong addiction over Internet usage.

Goal Setting
In most of the cases, limiting over Internet usage fails since the users tend to depend on indistinct plan to curtail hours without making any specification about the remaining online slots. In order to stay away from relapse, structured online sessions incorporating reasonable goal can be employed. It offers the client a sense of management over their personal usage instead of being a prey of Internet itself.

Staying Abstinent from a Set of Particular Activities
As discussed earlier, there is a wide variety of addictive components included in the Internet. Not all the components are addictive to everyone. For example, an individual may get addicted over pornography while other may get addicted over online chat room. So, the client is advised to stay abstinent from the activities he or she feels addicted for a specific period of time. In cases where the users can not completely stay away from the particular activities, it is advised to maintain legitimate use in such cases.

Using Reminder Cards
Due to their addictive preoccupation, the dependents sometimes justify their course of action and outweigh the benefits over the negative outcomes. Using reminder cards can be of great help in such cases since these cards contain real life complications associated with the overuse of Internet as well as the cards compare the benefits and risks of Internet use from a neutral perspective, while considering the condition of the client in particular.

Developing Personal Inventory
Taking personal inventory is beneficial for reflecting over own action. While taking personal inventory, the user becomes able to understand the nature of own Internet using or abusing in particular. Analyzing own personal inventory, the user can take an account regarding the necessary cut down of their activities.

Seeking Help from Support Group
There are support group for Internet addiction, the dependents must seek help from the self-help group for employing better coping skills in their life.

Family Therapy
Family therapy is critical in the sense of making the close friends and family members educate about the dangers of Internet addiction and how to become able to conduct open communication with the victim in question.