What is Internet and Computer Addiction? American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV will include Internet-use Disorder as a mental illness “recommended for further study” in May 2013. The general description of Internet and Computer Addiction is the compulsive need and excessive use of computer, smartphones and tablets that interferes with daily activities.
Warning Signs
- Losing track of time or lying about the amount of time using the computer
- Neglecting tasks at school, work or home
- Feeling of happiness or excitement when online
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Feeling guilty or defensive about your internet use
- Physical ailments: carpal tunnel syndrome, backaches, headaches, excessive weight gain or loss, difficulties with sleeping
There are a variety of types of computer addiction: compulsive surfing, playing online or offline games, gambling, social networks, chat rooms, etc. A teenager can find social acceptance, relieve loneliness, or escape problems by using the internet. It is important to get help if you see your son exhibiting the warning signs of Internet and Computer Addiction. Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) has been successful in treating many kinds of addictions. CBT teaches healthy ways of dealing with stress, depression, anger and problems by recognizing the connections between thoughts and actions.
Triumph Youth Services offers a small, highly structured family environment for youth. This family-like community promotes a social environment that takes on both therapeutic and healing properties instead of maintaining negative behaviors.
Our Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) approach utilizes individual therapy mixed with group and family therapy to treat each youth’s issues. In addition to the therapy, the Positive Peer Culture utilized in Triumph Youth Services facilities help the youth process their issues and build skills for their own personal progress. This includes consistent group counseling and peer mentoring, which are crucial for helping teens change behavior.
Triumph Youth Services provides a daily Life Skills Group. The goal of our Life Skills Group training program is to teach the student a new set of responses to social situations, as well as how to integrate his behavior with others in the environment. Our staff members are trained and encouraged to be effective leaders by serving as teachers or coaches who hold the young men responsible for working on problems and to act as limit setters and good listeners.
The clinicians at Triumph Youth Services are highly trained and have extensive experience working with adolescent youth. Our clinicians are licensed and approved as mental health professionals to provide individual, group and family therapy.
