Internet Rehab-Dr. Sheri’s Tips for Cutting Down the Clicks
Recovering from an Internet addiction is just like recovering from any other addiction. In addition to committing to Internet “rehab”, you’ll need to address the underlying problems that led to your becoming susceptible to it in the first place, such as boredom, anxiety and depression.
Wondering if YOU are addicted? Take this test.
REHAB: 4 Tips for Trimming Down Your Time Online
Tip #1: Build up your “real life” social network.
Quality real life relationships can lessen your need for online relationships. Set aside time daily to spend totally UNPLUGGED with friends and family.
Tip #2: Set use goals and stick to them.
Limit the amount of time you spend online with the help of a timer. Commit to turning off your computer, tablet or smartphone after a certain hour in the evenings and spend that time with your family instead.
Tip #3: Treat the Internet as a tool, not as a best friend.
Technology has become an indispensible pipeline of information and interaction and thus, is hard, if not impossible to give it up entirely. Be mindful of the exact reason you’re getting online and stick to that reason. Don’t let a check of the weekend weather turn into a two-hour stint following threads on Facebook.
Tip #4: Alter your routine, break your usage patterns.
Take note of the times of day you’re most vulnerable to mindlessly surfing the Internet and then take action to disrupt those habits with alternative behavior: take a walk, call a friend, play with your kids or pets, or run an errand.
Just like any other addiction, there will be withdrawal symptoms when you take away the drug of choice—in this case, the dopamine hit you get from Internet use. You’ll look for ways to justify going back to it, and you’ll have slip ups every now and then. The key is to not let small setbacks lead to a major failure. Be compassionate with yourself and ask for help when you need it. Take it one day at a time. Eventually, you’ll find yourself able to enjoy the Internet and social media for what it was intended to be—a tool that adds fun and interest to everyday life—and not something that it was never intended to be—an escape from everyday life.
Do you have any advice for overcoming addiction? Please share below.
It’s a little scary how close to home this article was for me. I’ve been wanting to cut back on my internet use for a while now, but haven’t really been able to find the motivation to do so. I’m just so tired after work an all I want to do when I get home is get online and forget about my day. I could be talking to me friends or working on crafts or doing something to actually improve my life. Thanks for the motivational jumpstart!
Right there with you girl! Once you drop it and pick your life back up you’ll never look back. You can do it! =)
Yes, you cross a line when you get physical and that is 100% cehtaing. I also believe that men and women can be frineds but if you are mentally with them on your mind then your partner then you are also being unfair to your partner, you need to ask what are you not getting from your marriage that this person is giving you.
Your Tip #4: Alter your routine, break your usage patterns is very interesting because this is exactly what we had to be with our son when we discovered he was addicted to the internet. At first we had trouble taking the problem seriously, but when his grades dropped we were concerned that he may actually be suffering from a legitimate addiction. We did our best to change the times and ways in which he used the computer and it has helped significantly!
I actually just wanted to say thank you for writing this article. For years now whenever we hear about someone going to rehab for drugs or alcohol we just accept it because those are real problems with real solutions, but you tell someone that you’re afraid that your daughter might be addicted to the internet and people start to think you’re crazy.
After I read this article I sat down with her and went through each one of your steps and we discussed how she could starting implementing them to help change her life and build up some social contacts. It’s only been a week or so but I’ve goto to say this article was the catalyst for change in our lives, so thank you!