Our counselors offer services for internet addiction in Marietta, GA

Counseling in Marietta, GA for Internet Addiction

Most people can go online anywhere and anytime they want. Some people can regulate their Internet use without any problems while others struggle—they may have an addiction to the Internet. Addiction can look like substance abuse or a compulsive behavior. Gambling, for example, is a behavior that some people can engage in without compulsion while others develop a dependency upon it. Internet addiction works in much the same way. Like any other addiction, it is a mental health challenge that can cause harm within an individual’s personal or professional life. Also like any other addiction, compulsive Internet use has treatments.

The counselors at Thriveworks Marietta offer treatment for Internet addiction. It is a common issue that our clients face, and we have helped many regain balance in their lives. If you are struggling with internet addiction, please reach out to us. We are here to help and can get you scheduled right away.

Compulsive Internet Use

When an individual displays at least five of these symptoms, they may be using the Internet compulsively:

1. An obsession with the Internet or being online.
2. An inability to stop using the Internet or decrease use.
3. Staying online for longer than one intended.
4. Using the Internet even though it puts one’s personal or professional life at risk.
5. Using the Internet as a mood-regulator.
6. Spending more and more time online in order to feel satisfied with one’s use.
7. When not using the Internet, feeling irritable, moody, or depressed.
8. Lying about how much and/or when one uses the Internet.

Internet Addiction: Emotional and Physical Signs

Internet addiction can cause a number of challenges in an individual’s life, as the physical and emotional signs show. Emotionally, compulsive Internet use may lead to:

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

Physically, compulsive Internet use may lead to:

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

Reaching Out for Help at Thriveworks Marietta: Appointments for Internet Addiction

There are a number of treatment options available to people who are struggling with their Internet use. If you recognized any of the diagnostic for or symptoms of Internet addiction, consider reaching out to Thriveworks Marietta for help. We give each client the personalized care they deserve. Some clients may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy—a treatment that looks at untrue belief patterns that undergird the addiction. Other clients may benefit from medication. Others may need to be connected to a support group. Many need all three. A skilled therapist can often help people find the treatment that meets their unique needs.

If you are ready to meet with a mental health professional at Thriveworks Marietta, we are ready to meet with you. We offer weekend and evening sessions, but we do not put our clients on a waitlist. Let’s work together.