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As we come to the close of the Q & A competition on SearchWarp, I have learned the first residential treatment center for Internet addiction has opened its doors in Redmond, Washington.
The facility is called ReSTART and is located near Microsoft's headquarters. It has been claimed that computer addiction can be as destructive as alcohol or narcotics.
I point this out so the following people look into this program: Sandra E. Graham, Jeff Brown, Steven Rogers, Kacycarr, Ben Morrish, Drunken Mystic and Connor Davidson, all of whom (including myself) have way to many points in this contest and therefore I conclude, we spend too much time on the computer. I have seen you all on the Website in the early morning hours.
There will be three cash awards in this contest, but I fear it will not cover treatment. ReSTART opened in July and offers a 45-day program, which costs $14,000. It is designed to help people wean themselves from pathological computer use, which can include obsessive use of video games, texting, Facebook, eBay, Twitter, Q & A contests, and any other time-killing sessions that has been brought courtesy of modern technology.
The American Psychiatric Association does not recognize Internet addiction as a qualified separate disorder, and as such treatment is not generally covered by insurance. But for those who like to travel there are many such treatment centers in China, South Korea and Taiwan - where Internet addiction is taken very seriously - and many psychiatric experts say it is clear that Internet addiction is real and harmful.
The new United States center is in Fall City, about 30 miles east of Seattle, and can handle up to six patients at a time. That's truly unfortunate since I see problems with seven of my fellow writers. I guess some of us will have to go cold turkey.
For those who make it inside, they will spend their days in counseling and psychotherapy sessions, doing household chores, working on the grounds, going on outings, exercising and ultimately baking marijuana cookies for distribution to the other non-winning contestants. Since the facility just opened it is unknown if the program will work in the long run.
My peers tell me the effects of addiction are no joke. They can range from job or marriage loss to car accidents for those who can't stop texting while driving.
For those who can't gain entrance to the Washington facility, there is an outpatient facility, known as the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery in Bradford, Pa.
Counselors there claim addiction warning signs are being preoccupied with thoughts of the Internet; using it longer than intended, and for increasing amounts of time; repeatedly making unsuccessful efforts to control use; jeopardizing relationships, school or work to spend time online; lying to cover the extent of Internet use; using the Internet to escape problems or feelings of depression; and physical changes to weight, headaches or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Forget the thoughts of an annual SearchWarp convention we can all soon meet and straighten out our addictions.
JP Bender is a retired award winning investigative reporter with 35 years experience in the profession. He now spends his retirement living in Maryland with his children and grandchildren. He still reports on issues of national interest, while his peers claim he does not fully understand the meaning of the word“retired.”
Can I interject for one moment... I admit I am on the computer a lot. But not in the early hours of the morning as I live in the UK so when it is the early hours in the US it is 5 hours latter where I am.
I'll have to tell Bruce about this - read his answer to the question "how long do you spend online per week?"
So I have noticed JP with your answers. I say your a clever funny man. I to live in the UK and I think Connor was just merely pointing this out. So leave us British night hawks alone (lol) Great article JP just going back for another fix - see you in Q As
I know it was not serious. The bit at the end was a joke and the second was just to point it out. I'm not offended at all. I found the article funny anyway.
I know it was not serious. The bit at the end was a joke and the second was just to point it out. I'm not offended at all. I found the article funny anyway.
Good read JP! Thanks for the laughs and the sobering thoughts as well. For the record, most of my work is done on the computer and online, so its rather inescapable for me --- sounds like what psychiatrists call denial right :)? Take care JP and have a blessed day!
Julian, thanks for the feedback and comments. I guess we all should get some help. Look forward to meeting you at the entrance - and don't bring your lap top. JP
Hillarious, thank you. I do have a question however. I am online quite a bit here on SW. I just don't sign in and most of the time cannot be seen. Would you consider this behavior denial of an internet addict? :-)
Oh, I also think Teresa O should be added to your list. Love ya T!
Michelle - thanks for reading - first Teresa O is on my list. I love reading her articles. We both belong to each others fan club. Now as to your denial position - we meet every Wednesday at the local bar for our alcoholics meeting - I will bring your question up to our members.
I have only one further question... is this a real place or only tongue in cheek as I suspect? Google is going nuts from the referrals! Oops, you mean we aren;'t allowed to refer others or do an "intervention"? Darn ....Marijo
Marijo - Shakespeare once said the truth is often spoke in jest. Certain elements in this article were written as a toungue in cheek - but apparently it has caused some concern among some who wonder if they spend too much time on the Internet. Thanks for this important question. JP
Hello. My name's Brianna Popsickle and not only am I addicted to the Internet, worse, I'm addicted to SearchWarp... (Loved it JP, you're one funny guy, I should have flown to meet you for dinner :) )
Hi Brianna, glad you liked the article. Now there is always many dinners to come. I also enjoy your articles and am joining your fan club in about two minutes. Thanks for the feedback. JP
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