Internet addiction counseling is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to address and alleviate problematic or compulsive internet usage. It offers individuals a structured and supportive setting to delve into the root causes of their excessive online behaviors, which may encompass activities like social media and gaming.
Internet addiction therapists at Thriveworks in Charlotte, NC collaborate with you to identify and alter thought patterns and behaviors that drive your dependence, often employing cognitive behavioral techniques. The primary objective of this counseling is to assist you in regaining control over your internet use, establishing healthier online habits, and addressing any underlying emotional or psychological issues, ultimately fostering a more balanced relationship with the digital world and enhancing overall well-being.
The length of internet addiction counseling can differ depending on the person’s particular requirements and the seriousness of their addiction. Typically, this form of counseling includes multiple sessions spanning from several weeks to several months. The precise number of sessions and overall therapy duration are determined through discussions with the counselor.
Therapy for Internet Addiction in Charlotte, NC—Counselors
Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and unlimited data often mean that people can be online all the time. Some people regulate their Internet use without any difficulty. Others have trouble. Much like gambling or shopping, Internet use can become addictive. Also like other addiction, Internet addiction can cause significant harm to an individual’s person or professional life. And yet, there are many treatments available.
The counselors at Thriveworks Charlotte see many clients who use the Internet compulsively. Internet addiction can compete for control of an individual’s life, but the mental health professionals at Thriveworks Charlotte have guided many people as they fight back. Reach out today for help.
What Exactly Is Internet Addiction?
In the mid-1990s, the Internet was not nearly as accessible as it is today, and yet, mental health professionals were starting to show concern about people’s use. In 1995, Dr. Ivan Goldberg suggested that the compulsive use could be an addiction, and many thought this suggestion was a joke. However, it was not long before other mental health professionals saw the seriousness of the situation. Dr. Kimberly Young outline criteria for diagnosing Internet addiction by 1998. According to her diagnostics, if an individual displays at least five of the following, they may be using the Internet compulsively:
- Spending increasingly more time on the Internet in order to feel satisfied.
- Using the Internet to regulate one’s mood.
- Lying about how much one is online and/or what one is doing online.
- Being online longer than one expected or planned to be there.
- Difficulty curbing or stopping Internet use—wanting to quit but being unable.
- Experiencing a preoccupation or obsession with being online.
- Feeling depressed, moody, or irritable when not on the Internet.
- Risking one’s personal relationships, financial stability, or professional reputation in order to be online.
Internet Compulsion: Symptoms and Signs
The emotional red flags that someone may be struggling with compulsive Internet use include…
- Mood swings
- Boredom
- Feelings of guilt
- Dishonesty
- Isolation
- Feelings of elation when using the Internet
- Defensiveness
- Inability to keep to a schedule
- Agitation
- Avoidance of work
- Fear
- Procrastination
- Depression
- Loneliness
- Losing a sense of time
- Anxiety
The physical red flags that someone may be struggling with compulsive Internet use include…
- Neck pain
- Backache
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Poor nutrition (forgetting to eat or eating excessively)
- Insomnia
- Dry eyes and other vision problems
- Headaches
- Poor personal hygiene (e.g., not changing clothes, brushing teeth, bathing, and more)
- Weight loss or gain
Scheduling an Appointment at Thriveworks Charlotte for Internet Addiction
Internet addiction can manifest in a variety of forms. It can look like a business professional will not stop looking at email. It can look like a teen who is always on social media, looking for that next “Like.” It can look like uncontrolled porn use or like an individual’s whose only relationships are online. Each person is unique and has their own particular struggles. That is why Thriveworks Charlotte offers individualized treatment to every client. When people have an Internet addiction, they may benefit from medication or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or group therapy. The mental health professionals at Thriveworks are dedicated to helping each client find the treatment they need.
When you contact our office, know that your first appointment may be the same week. We offer evening and weekend sessions, and we accept a variety of insurance plans. Let’s work together. Call today.
