Internet Addiction Disorder

At the present time, the concept of addiction is not exclusively related to the use of substances or drugs. For instance, opiates, alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, benzodiazepines. It goes beyond to include frequently internet addiction or problematic use of internet or technologies. Do you need an internet addiction, gambling addiction or gaming addiction treatment?

Addiction, in general, is associated with non-healthy and hazardous behaviours. These behaviours can become addictive, depending on the strength, assiduity or amount of time and money one invest in carrying them out. It can, on the negative side, seriously interfere with the person’s life. This is the case of internet use, gambling, gaming, etc.

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For additional information, please contact us: +351 911 510 098 or admissions@dianova.pt

Factors that may increase risk of internet addiction:

> In the first place, difficulty in facing the problems.

> Second, low self-esteem.

> Third, impulsivity.

> Not to menition, intolerance to unpleasant physical or psychological stimuli, such as pain and sadness.

> Or depressive mood or dysphoria.

> And finally, search for strong feelings, increase predisposition and vulnerability for a person to develop an addiction.

A behaviour becomes addictive when the person:

> loses control of the beginning or end of the behaviour.

> develops an addiction

> disappears the interest in other activities that previously gave him/her pleasure, maintaining the behaviour, despite being aware of its negative consequences.

Different Types of Behavioural Addiction or Addictive Behaviours

There are still many people today who see behavioural addiction simply as an addiction. In fact, they constitute a disorder or mental disorder.

Exist several types of addictive behaviours directly related to the obsessive need to be connected to the internet in its different modalities. Screen Addiction includes:

> smartphones and tablets.

> online game, online betting, gambling.

> videogames, gaming.

> cybersex, pornography.

> compulsive shopping online.

> cyberbullying.

> social networks.

Internet Addiction Disorder or Problematic Use of the Internet

Technological development has revolutionized our way of being in the world.

Internet addiction is defined as an impulse-control disorder that does not involve an intoxicating substance. That is, the inability of a person to control their use of technology. Thus, resulting in feelings of frustration and functional impairment of daily activities.

As a result of this massive access and fast progress of digital technologies, the way people use the Internet evolves to an “always online” mode. Laptops, tablets, smartphones, smart watches are among the most popular devices.

It is undeniable that technologies and the internet are part of our day-to-day life at a personal and / or professional level. On the one hand, they help us shorten distances. And to access information faster and have another mode of entertainment.

But, on the other hand, it has its drawbacks and can have a negative impact in:

> daily routines.

> work performance.

> family relationships.

> emotional moods.

> financially damaging levels e.g. of gambling.

Excessive use of the Internet is associated with low self-esteem, relationship difficulties with others and psychiatric disorders. Evidence base referes to Online Casinos, Online Gambling, Gaming, for instance. 

It is still considered a new behavioural disorder. However, have been identified common characteristics of the Internet Addiction with classic Addiction models involving substances.

Prominence | Change of Humour | Tolerance | Withdrawal | Conflict | Relapse provide a basis for identifying a problematic use of the Internet.

Internet Addiction Treatment

In most cases, people suffering from internet addiction do not follow any treatment. However, there is evidence that confirms that people who seek professional help can improve their quality of life.

Dianova can help you overcome these problems or others by offering specialized treatment:

> Qualified and personalized care by a team of professionals. Particularly, in the areas of General Medicine, Psychiatry and Psychology.

> An integral and coordinated intervention from a multidisciplinary perspective in all the areas of the complex problem of addictions. The psychological attendance is essential and fundamental.

This intervention focuses on impulse / control management. This helps to achieve new learning processes with the goal of improving self-esteem, managing your emotions. It also includes tools to prevent relapses and enhance your resources and capabilities. For international clients, the intervention is provided in English language.

Contact us: +351 911 510 098 or admissions@dianova.pt

Test Evaluate Your Internet Dependency or IAT Assessment Test

The results of this self-test are not a reliable diagnosis of addiction. They should be used only as a guide to understanding your drug use and the potential health problems involved. The information provided here should be complemented by a thorough evaluation. Spefically, by a health professional for advice on the type of treatment program.