Behavioural Addictions

A person who cannot stop taking a particular drug or chemical has a substance dependence. However, the term addiction does not only refer to dependence on substances such as heroin, cocaine, benzodiazepines or alcohol. Some addictions also involve an inability to stop partaking in activities, such as gambling, eating, gaming, or working. These are called behavioural addictions.

Unlike a drug addiction or alcoholism, behavioural addictions involve no external chemical substance upon which a person becomes physically dependent. Nevertheless, the person with behavioural addiction – also known as impulse control disorder – has a compulsion to take part in specific behaviours despite any potential negative consequences to that person’s well-being (physical, emotional, social, financial, etc.)

Regardless of this lack of substance dependence, the effects on the brain’s reward system are similar to those caused by an addiction to drink or drugs, and the impact on the person can be similarly destructive.

Internet Addiction Disorder

It is defined as problematic, compulsive use of the internet, that results in significant impairment in an individual’s function in various life domains over a prolonged period of time. Young people are at particular risk of developing Internet addiction disorder.

Don’t let technology addiction possess you! Social media should improve your life, not BECOME your life…

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from Internet Addiction Disorder also known as problematic internet use or pathological internet use.

Answer this quiz questions to see if you or a loved one may be addicted to using the Internet

Internet Addiction Treatment

In most cases, people suffering from internet addiction do not feel the need to follow a treatment. This is why the first step in to recognize one’s problem. If you do not believe you have a problem, you are not likely to seek treatment.

Dianova can help you overcome Internet Addiction by offering a specialized treatment programme with:

• Qualified and personalized care by a team of professionals including: general practitioner, psychiatrist and psychologist
• A coordinated, integral intervention through a multidisciplinary perspective in all the areas of the addiction problem.

Interventions focus on managing impulses through individual and group therapy. This can help you improve your self-esteem and manage your emotions. Our treatment programme also comprises relapse prevention tools, as well as methods to build on your inner resources and capabilities. For international clients, the intervention is provided in the English language.

More on Internet Addiction Disorder

Technologies and the Internet are now part of our daily lives, at home or at work. In essence, that’s why the problematic use of the Internet can be so troubling. It’s hard to live these days by getting rid of the Internet. We’re always surrounded by it, and for most of us, we use it on a daily basis.

Let us be clear though: it is not because you’re using the Internet a lot (watch YouTube videos, shop online regularly, or check social media) does not mean you suffer from Internet Addiction Disorder. However, when these activities start to interfere with your daily life, here come the troubles!

Internet Addiction may include:

• Online gaming
• Online gambling
• Social networking
• Email
• Blogging
• Online shopping
• Inappropriate pornography use

What are the symptoms of Internet Addiction?

Symptoms or signs or this disorder may present themselves in both physical and psychological manifestations that may have a negative impact on one’s:

• Daily routines (boredom with routine tasks)
• Work performance (procrastination)
• Family relationships (isolation, mood swings, dishonesty)
• Mental health (depression, anxiety)
• Physical health (backache, insomnia, poor hygiene and nutrition, weight gain or loss)
• Emotions (feelings of guilt, fear, loneliness)
• Finances (compulsive gambling or shopping)

How is it Diagnosed?

There is no standardized diagnosis of Internet Addiction Disorder, however, based on an accepted diagnosis assessment, a person may have this disorder if they:

• Are preoccupied with the Internet (constantly think about past or future use
• Need to use the Internet with increased amounts of time to gain satisfaction
• Have made unsuccessful efforts to cut back or stop using the Internet
• Are restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to control Internet Use
• Have stayed online longer than originally intended

In addition, one of the following must also be present:

• Having jeopardized the loss of a significant relationship, job, educational, or career opportunity because of the Internet
• Having lied to family members, therapists, or others to conceal one’s involvement with the Internet
• Having used the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or to relieve a dysphoric mood (e.g., guilt, anxiety, depression, helplessness)