Helping you to overcome digital and internet addiction
In addition to treatment options available at Schoen Clinic, abstinence is an important part in preventing relapse in addictions.
However, you may find it impossible to avoid using the internet since it has become such an important part of your life. As a result, the focus of prevention is usually on restricting your internet usage as much as practicable.
What treatments are there for digital and internet addiction?
Different types of effective treatment are available at Schoen Clinic. Our specialists would advise of which therapy is most suitable for you depending on the severity of your addiction and behaviour.
Therapy is usually recommended for any co-occurring illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder that may be present. If other treatment options have failed, medication may be used to manage symptoms of these underlying mental diseases or to control intrusive ideas about going online.
Learn about our treatment programme for adults at Schoen Clinic Chelsea.
Medication for digital and internet addiction
The medical treatment for digital and internet addiction is limited. In certain circumstances, digital and internet addiction is linked to mental illnesses like depression or anxiety. If this is the case, medication for the underlying problem may be helpful in treating digital and internet addiction.
Antidepressants may alleviate the desire to participate in digital and internet addiction-related behaviours if digital and internet addiction develops as a side effect of depression. Mood stabilisers, which are commonly used to treat impulse control disorders, may also assist to reduce the urge to use the internet.
Our expert Consultant Psychiatrist can evaluate your medications and monitor the efficacy of your treatment. Medication can help with both physical and mental concerns, and it can take some time to take effect, even if it appears to be unsuccessful at first.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for digital and internet addiction
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the first treatment model for digital and internet addiction. It is a type of therapy that focuses on helping you evaluate and restructure negative thought patterns about yourself, others, and the world, as well as any unhealthy behaviours you may be engaging in, such as digital and internet addiction.
Schema therapy assists you in identifying any unresolved needs or harmful self-perceptions you may have. Schema can help you work through the impacts of your digital and internet addiction by addressing underlying emotional patterns.
Psychotherapy can help you determine what's driving your desire for connection. It can also help you discover new ways to interact without relying on technology.
Through psychotherapy, helps you recognise your addictive behaviour patterns and combat them by reframing your thoughts and practising healthy behaviours.
Therapy elements include:
- Creating activities and experiences that are positive and enjoyable
- Changing distorted, mainly pessimistic or negative thought processes
- Practicing social skills to strengthen interpersonal relationships and social ties
- Restoring social connection
- Create problem-solving techniques
- Sport activities and experiences that are both beneficial and enjoyable
- Mindfulness training
Group therapy for digital and internet addiction
Group therapy for digital and internet addiction may consist of the same goals as cognitive behavioural therapy. However, group therapy has the advantage of allowing group members to seek advice from others who have faced similar problems.
Positive peer pressure created by group therapy may motivate group members to stick to their treatment plan more closely.
Art and creative therapy for digital and internet addiction
Arts and creative therapies are treatments that include the use of arts-based activities such as painting, music, or theatre in a therapeutic setting with the support of a qualified practitioner.
It is not necessary to have any prior knowledge or skill to participate in these activities.
This type of therapy can be an effective treatment for addiction. It allows you to express difficult feelings and experiences connected to the underlying causes of digital and internet addiction without using words.
