Today, the internet has become an indispensable part of our lives. Children and young people, in particular, are turning to the internet more and more for reasons such as peer acceptance and social validation. This situation is giving rise to the problem of internet addiction, especially among school-age children. This article will provide information on internet addiction, including its causes, symptoms, treatment methods, and preventive measures families can take.
What Is Internet Addiction, and What Are Its Diagnostic Criteria?
Internet addiction is a type of behavioral addiction that falls under the category of technology addictions. Kimberly Young defines internet addiction as “an impulse control disorder that does not involve the use of intoxicating substances.” There are eight criteria established by Young for diagnosing internet addiction, and individuals who meet at least five of these criteria are considered to be internet-addicted.
What Are the Signs of Internet Addiction?
Symptoms of internet addiction include tolerance—that is, a desire to spend an increasing amount of time online; lying about the extent of internet use; using the internet as an escape from problems; a constant desire to control or reduce internet use; and a significant decline in academic and professional performance.
Stages of Internet Addiction
Internet addiction progresses through five stages. The first stage is the intensification stage, during which the individual’s internet use increases. The second stage is called the progression stage, and the individual begins to use the internet frequently and for long periods of time. The third stage is the withdrawal stage, during which the harm experienced has reached a peak and the individual is eager to break free. The fourth stage is the relapse stage, during which the individual’s previous strict stance against the internet has dissolved. The fifth stage is known as the return to old habits stage, during which the individual begins to use the internet intensively once again.
Treatment Approaches for Internet Addiction
The goal of the various approaches used in the treatment of internet addiction is to help individuals manage their addiction and improve their quality of life. The primary approaches include pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and family therapy. Here are the details of these methods:
Farmakoterapi
In pharmacotherapy, the primary goal is to treat underlying psychiatric disorders. If pathological internet use is not a symptom of another psychiatric disorder, mood-stabilizing medications are preferred because it shares similarities with impulse control disorders and bipolar disorder. These medications help control the individual’s emotional fluctuations, thereby having a positive effect on the addiction.
Psikoterapi
In psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, in particular, can be effective in treating internet addiction. This therapeutic approach aims to change the negative thought and behavior patterns that lead to addiction. The following are techniques that can be applied in CBT:
- İnternet kullanımını tam zıt saatlere kaydırmak
- Dış durdurucular (external stoppers) kullanmak
- İnternet kullanımıyla ilgili hedefler belirlemek
- Belirli bir işlevden uzak durmaya çalışmak
- Hatırlatıcı kartlar kullanmak
- İnternet yerine yapmak istediklerini not edebileceği kişisel bir defter kullanmak
Aile Terapisi
Family therapy plays an important role in the treatment of internet addiction. The family is of critical importance in terms of the addicted individual’s participation in the treatment process and the support they receive. The key areas of focus during family therapy are as follows:
- Ailenin internetin bağlılık yapabileceği konusunda eğitilmesi
- Bağımlı kişinin davranışları nedeniyle suçlanmasının azaltılması
- Kişiyi internet üzerinden psikolojik ihtiyaçlarını karşılamaya yönlendiren ailevi çatışmaların açık bir şekilde konuşulabilmesini sağlama
- Aileyi bağımlı kişinin tedavisine yardımcı olmaları için cesaretlendirme (yeni hobiler edinmesi, uzun bir tatile çıkarılması, bağımlı kişinin sosyal etkinliklere katılmasının teşvik edilmesi gibi)
Destek Grupları
Support groups are a great help in treating internet addiction. People struggling with addiction come together with others facing similar issues to share their experiences and support one another. Thanks to these groups, those with addiction feel less alone and can regain their self-confidence. In addition, successful treatment processes and coping strategies can be shared within the group.
Sanal Dünya Terapisi
Virtual world therapy is an innovative approach that contributes to the treatment of internet addiction by using computer simulations or virtual reality environments. This method helps reduce symptoms of addiction by enabling the individual to establish healthier and more harmonious social interactions within virtual environments. In addition, this therapeutic method teaches individuals how to cope with the sources of stress and anxiety that lead to addiction.
Eğitim ve Farkındalık Programları
Education and awareness programs aim to reduce the risk of internet addiction. These programs can be organized in schools, universities, and workplaces. The programs provide participants with information and skills regarding healthy internet use, the signs of addiction, and how to overcome this problem.
In conclusion, multiple approaches can be used in treatment, and the effectiveness of these methods may vary depending on the individual’s characteristics and needs. For this reason, it is important to seek professional support during the treatment process and to determine the appropriate treatment methods.
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