Our counselors offer services for internet addiction in Lynchburg, VA

Lynchburg, VA—Internet Addiction Counseling

Going online is almost as easy as breathing. For some people, easy access to the Internet is not a problem—they can unplug without a second thought.

For others, easy access to the Internet is a problem—they may have trouble controlling what they do online or how much time they spend there. They may have an Internet addiction. The therapists at Thriveworks Lynchburg treat Internet addiction.

We have seen more and more clients who are struggling with compulsive Internet use, but we have also seen more and more clients learn how to regain control. Schedule your session with Thriveworks Lynchburg to get the help you deserve.

Using the Internet Compulsively

Even when the Internet was not so easily accessible, mental health professionals were seeing behavior online that looked addictive. When people display in their lives at least five of the following, they may be addicted to being online:

1. A dependency or obsession with going online.
2. Failed attempts to stop or limit one’s Internet use.
3. Being online longer than one planned or desired.
4. Taking personal or professional risks while online or in order to be online.
5. Managing one’s emotions and mood with one’s Internet use.
6. Escalating how much one is online or the risks one is taking online in order to feel fulfilled.
7. When unable to go online, feeling depressed, moody, and/or irritable.
8. Deceiving others about what one is doing online or how much one is using the Internet.

Mental health professionals also realized that Internet addiction may take a number of different forms. Dr. Kimberly Young also devised subcategories of Internet addiction, such as…

• Cyber-relationship addiction: Having online relationships that are over-involved.
• Cybersex addiction: Going to the Internet for pornography and/or sex in a compulsive way.
• Net compulsions: Compulsively gambling, day-trading, and/or shopping on the Internet.
• Information addiction: Searching databases, social media, and/or websites compulsively.
• Computer addiction: Obsessively playing online video games.

Emotional and Physical Effects of Compulsive Internet Use

Any compulsion can cause significant harm to an individual, and Internet addiction is no different. What happens online has consequences in real life. In particular, people often experience emotional and physical effects.

The emotional side effects of an Internet addiction can include…

• Depression
• Loneliness
• Dishonesty
• Anxiety
• Feelings of guilt
• Isolation
• Feelings of elation when using the Internet
• Losing a sense of time
• Inability to keep to a schedule
• Agitation
• Avoidance of work
• Defensiveness
• Fear
• Mood swings
• Procrastination
• Boredom

The physical side effects of an Internet addiction can include…

• Dry eyes and other vision problems
• Backache
• Poor nutrition (forgetting to eat or eating excessively)
• Insomnia
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Poor personal hygiene (e.g., not bathing)
• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Weight gain or loss

Treatment at Thriveworks Lynchburg: Appointments for Internet Addiction

It is clear from the emotional and physical signs of Internet addiction that it can cause significant harm both to an individual and to their loved ones. If you are experiencing some of those severe effects, know that help is available. Internet addiction has treatments. Thriveworks Lynchburg offers appointments for compulsive Internet use, and we are committed to giving each client the personalized care that they deserve.

When you call our office for an appointment, a scheduling specialist will answer and help you make an appointment. We do not have an automated response or voicemail. We also do not keep a waitlist, but we do offer weekend and evening sessions. Our new client also may have their first appointment within 24 hours of their first call. Let’s get to work.