"They tried to make me go to rehab, but I said: no, no, no!" A ‘rehab
center’ for all those socially networked, gaming addicts out there….
has opened its doors. And for the low, low cost of $14,500, your
followers, contacts and friends can send you straight from your
intervention to its Redmond, Washington headquarters.
reStart, a program specifically designed to help Internet and video game addicts overcome their dependence on gaming, gambling, chatting, texting and social networking can follow the infamous 12-step program during a 45-day stint.
Cosette RaeThe center was co-founded by Cosette Rae, MSW, and Hilarie Cash, PhD and was designed to help people, addicted to video games and the Internet, find balance, and reconnect to the real world. The program includes individual and group therapy, life-skills coaching, cooperative living, physical and nutritional education, mindfulness training and skill building.
There is also a special program for those specifically addicted to Twitter.
Addicted to Twitter
Rae describes the rehab center in one of her recent tweets on Twitter (apparently she does not consider herself a Twitterholic) as a "rehab program to rewire high-tech junkies."
According to reStart, current research indicates that anywhere from 6-10 percent of the online population is dependent on the Internet. Among gamers, those playing MMOGs (like World of Warcraft) appear to be addicted at much higher levels.
And in case you cannot tell if you are truly a NetAddict, according to reStart here is what to look for (3-4 yes responses indicate abuse and 5 or more suggest an addiction).
- Increasing amounts of time spent on computer and Internet activities
- Failed attempts to control behavior
- Heightened sense of euphoria while involved in computer and Internet activities
- Craving more time on the computer and Internet
- Neglecting friends and family
- Feeling restless when not engaged in the activity
- Being dishonest with others
- Computer use interfering with job/school performance
- Feeling guilty, ashamed, anxious, or depressed as a result of behavior
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Physical changes such as weight gain or loss, backaches, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome
- Withdrawing from other pleasurable activities
So, if any of these ‘Internet Addiction Disorder’ (IAD) signs or symptoms have raised awareness about your own addiction, we suggest you do not call Amy Winehouse, but best purchase your tickets straight-away to Redmond, Washington for that next flight out. And should you have second thoughts once you get there, Microsoft is only a few blocks away and I’m sure they will be able to hook you up with a quick Internet fix… if you really,really need it!
