reStart Internet Addiction Recovery Program
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IMAGE SOURCE: © Heavensfield Treatment Center, Home of the reStart Recovery Program
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Social Web sites such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter have made it easier than ever before to become addicted to the web.
Internet addicts have a strong desire or impulse to use the Internet which often times leads to an impairment of social and life function (missing work deadlines, appointments etc.). They may also abandon other interests and social activities so they can spend more time online.
reStart Addiction Recovery, the first program of its kind to help Internet addicts, is now open in Fall City, Washington, near Redmond (home of Microsoft) and Seattle.
reStart is designed to help Internet and game addicts overcome their dependence on chatting, gaming, gambling and texting – as well as all other forms of Internet addiction – and to find balance and reconnect with the real world.
The program, run by Dr. Hilarie Cash, was developed to rehabilitate the person who spends too many hours online - so much so, that they can’t function in the real world.
According to Cash, the 45-day program is not anti-technology, but rather uses therapy to help patients find balance with life skills and technology so they can connect with the world in a positive way.
Current research suggests 6 to 10 percent of the online population is dependent on one or more aspects of cyber technology and the Internet. Among gamers, those that play World of Warcraft for instance, appear to be addicted at higher levels.
The facility has room for 6 patients at a time. A full program involves 12 steps lasting a span of 45 days and costs $14,500. #