What Is the Treatment for Computer Addiction?

Many people use computers every day, whether for work or fun, but some people find it difficult to curb their usage of this kind of technology. Even though computer addiction is a relatively new disease, there are some forms of treatment available. One of the most common types of treatment for computer addiction is cognitive-behavioral therapy, which attempts to change the thoughts associated with excessive use of the computer. Group therapy also is often used to treat people addicted to computers, because it can be helpful to talk to others with the same addiction. Other forms of treatment vary depending on the person, because marriage counseling, in-patient treatment and wilderness therapy also may be helpful for some people.

The typical treatment for computer addiction is cognitive-behavioral therapy, which presents several steps for patients to take as they stop their compulsion. The point of this type of therapy is to change the thoughts that cause the behavior while also helping patients cope with the underlying emotions that may lead to their computer addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy often uses exercises to solve the problem, rather than just talk. If underlying disorders are discovered, such as depression or anxiety, they may be treated with therapy, too.

Another form of treatment for computer addiction is group therapy, in which several people meet regularly to discuss their addiction to the computer. This is often beneficial because the patients can relate to each other better than those who have not suffered this type of addiction. Groups discussing computer addiction may be difficult to find, because not many people have admitted to this disease when compared to drug and alcohol addictions, but patients can start their own group once they meet a few people with a similar issue. In addition, patients can attend groups that focus on other problems that often show up in those who are addicted to computers. For instance, people whose computer addiction stems from depression can find a group that discusses this issue, while those addicted to cybersex may be interested in joining a group about sex addiction.

Some cases of computer addiction require additional treatment to cure related problems. For instance, a marriage that has been tested because of a cybersex addiction may benefit from marriage counseling. Some cases are extreme enough to warrant in-patient treatment for computer addiction, which consists of daily counseling and no access to computers. A unique treatment for computer addiction is wilderness therapy, in which computer addicts attend a program that is based outside, with no access to most technology. The point is to teach participants survival skills, as well as the idea that they can survive without computer access.