Internet Use Disorder and Internet Addiction Treatment Centers in Los Angeles

What Is Internet Use Disorder?

Internet use disorder is the compulsive overuse of digital technology. Addiction could look like marathon video game sessions, social media rabbit holes, or constant online relationships that spiral out of control. It’s more than just being online too much – it’s chasing a digital “fix.”

These activities aren’t part of work or school. They’re things you do in your free time, glued to the screen and missing out on the world around you.[3] When you try to cut back and control it, your mood tanks.

Some of the recommended diagnostic criteria for internet addiction include:[4]

• Preoccupation with the internet and time spent online
• A need to use the internet for increased amounts of time to feel satisfied
• Unsuccessful efforts to control, limit, or stop internet use
• Restlessness, moodiness, depression, or irritability when attempting to cut down or stop internet use
• Staying online longer than intended
• Internet use that risks relationships, jobs, or educational opportunities
• Lying to family members, therapists, or others to downplay internet use
• Relying on the internet as an escape from a low mood or personal problems

Internet Addiction

The Internet and video games are inherently rewarding. The internet uses a variable ratio reinforcement schedule (VRRS) that works similarly to gambling.[5] It keeps you guessing, hoping, scrolling. Whether you want to win the game or respond to a multitude of notifications, the unpredictability makes you crave it much like substance use.

Many researchers believe that mental disorders can co-occur with internet use disorder, including depression and anxiety, but more research is needed.[6] It’s been suggested that internet use disorder isn’t an addiction in itself, but a symptom of these conditions.

Types of Internet Addiction

There are several types of internet addictions that are related to how the person engages with the internet or technology:[7,8]

Cybersexual Addiction

Cybersexual addiction is characterized by compulsive online activities that include sexual activity.

Cybersex addiction is a type of cybersexual activity that includes engaging in sexual activities with a person online, such as discussing sexual acts, sending explicit images back and forth, or using webcam technology for sexual activities.

Porn addiction is a type of cybersexual addiction that involves viewing sexually explicit images or videos online, whether gratis or paid.

Any type of cybersexual activity can become an addiction when the person hides their online activities, lies to loved ones (particularly romantic partners) about online activities, or can’t control the time or money spent on these activities.

Gaming Addiction

Gaming addiction is characterized by excessive online gaming, including video games, sports games, card games, skill games, or massive multiplayer online role-playing games, all of which are available online rather than in person. While many people play games online, it becomes a problem or disorder when it can’t be controlled and impacts work, home, school, and social experiences, and takes priority over all other aspects of life.

Social Media Addiction

Social media addiction is characterized by an inability to control time spent on social media platforms. This may include major platforms, such as Facebook addiction, Instagram addiction, TikTok addiction, and YouTube addiction, as well as other types of social media like Reddit or community forums. Social media use becomes an addiction when the person can’t control their use, despite problems it may cause in life, or the time is used as an escape from reality.

Cyber Relationship Addiction

Online relationship addiction, or cyber relationship addiction, is a behavior that’s characterized by seeking and maintaining relationships online. This can occur through forums, apps, or social networking sites. Typically, people engaging in these online relationships conceal their identities and appearances, spending hours online daily to maintain multiple relationships and limit their in-person social experiences.

Online Compulsions

Online compulsions, or net compulsions, include online shopping, gambling, or stock trading. Online compulsions are similar to compulsive shopping, another behavioral addiction, that involves purchasing items as a way to boost mood or escape personal problems. In the case of gambling or stock trading, the compulsive activities may be a means to “chase wins” or reverse “buyer’s remorse” from previous spending. Online compulsions can have wide-reaching effects on relationships, work, school, and mental health.

Compulsive Information Seeking

Compulsive information seeking is characterized by a need to acquire information online through web browsing or database searches. This often involves multiple topics and may not follow a linear pattern. Compulsive information seeking can impact work or school productivity. There’s debate as to whether compulsive information seeking is a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or obsessive-compulsive traits.

Effects of Internet Use Disorder

Behavioral addictions like internet use disorder can have a significant impact on physical and mental health. Physically, the repetitive actions of browsing the internet, engaging in online gaming, and chatting with others for long periods can cause issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, insomnia, and vision problems.[9] If severe enough, it may cause the person to neglect their diet and personal hygiene.

Mentally, internet addiction can have emotional effects like depression, anxiety, mood swings, and irritability, especially if use of the internet is straining work, school, or relationships.[10] People may experience financial hardship, job loss, or social isolation as a result of excessive internet time.

Internet Use Disorder Treatment in Los Angeles

At iRely Recovery, internet use disorder treatment centers in Los Angeles, we specialize in helping you regain balance and control with sustainable healing. Our treatment options include:

• Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist can help you unpack the motivations behind compulsive internet use and build coping strategies for healthier online time.
• Family therapy: Internet addiction may impact the whole family. Family therapy can educate loved ones about support, help rebuild trust, and resolve conflicts to facilitate a successful recovery.
• Group therapy: Group therapy sessions provide a connection and accountability with others who are going through similar struggles, allowing individuals to gain perspective, reduce feelings of isolation, and learn healthy social skills in a face-to-face setting.
• Recovery-oriented treatment: This treatment approach emphasizes long-term healing rather than symptom management by defining personal goals and strengthening resolve.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is an innovative therapy that identifies unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, such as using the internet to escape reality, and replaces them with healthier coping strategies.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): DBT develops mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to manage compulsive desires to engage in harmful online activities.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT guides you to accept uncomfortable feelings without avoidance and helps clarify the value of meaningful offline time.
• Somatic experiencing therapy: Somatic experiencing therapy is a body-focused approach that helps you relieve physical tension and trauma that may fuel compulsive online behavior.
• Adventure therapy: Adventure therapy can help you reconnect with nature and physical experiences, rather than digital ones, while building confidence and breaking the reliance on screens and the virtual world.
• Trauma-informed care: Trauma can fuel addictive behaviors, including internet use disorder, but trauma-informed therapy delivers treatment with sensitivity and understanding.
• Experiential therapy: Experiential tools, such as art, role-playing, or music, can help access emotions that are difficult to express with words alone.
• Mindfulness-based therapy: Mindfulness practices help build awareness of urges and emotions, reducing impulsivity.
• Motivational interviewing (MI): MI helps you explore ambivalence toward recovery and change to discover internal motivation and reclaim control over internet use.