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Treating Internet Addiction is not
as simple as disconnecting from the Web. Because there are many reasons
and psychological conditions underlying the behavior, rashly unplugging
the modem may actually do more harm than good. Such actions could ignite
severe withdrawal symptoms and drive the addict to seek fulfillment in
other, potentially more harmful ways. As with all addictions, then, the
trick is to address the underlying concerns in addition to controlling the
behavior. In his article "Treatment for Internet Addiction," Davis (2001c) stipulates
four main areas that must be addressed for treatment to be successful:
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- Pre-existing Psychopathology (the underlying conditions that instigate Internet abuse)
- Selective Reinforcement of Pathological
Behavior (such as the computer room itself or audio signals like the keyboard)
- Maladaptive Cognitions (abnormal beliefs about the Internet and their social place within it)
- Social Network (friends and family members that both encourage and discourage pathological Internet usage)
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Ironically, a number of Websites
offer treatment for Internet addicts, as well as support to their families
and psychologists (see Websites). Although somewhat complacent with the disorder they attempt
to address, these websites represent the front line of the Internet Addiction
debate. Of course, the best approach is to seek general mental health support,
especially in light of the disorder's shaky foothold on the psychological
community. |
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