About us - Internet Addiction

The Computer Addiction Treatment Program (formerly Computer Gaming Addiction Treatment Services) was founded as a behavioral/cognitive behavioral based outpatient treatment program for computer and gaming addiction. This problem, considered by some to be a growing epidemic, affects as many as 9% of online computer gamers.

While treating this problem for the past 9 years, Dr. Woog found that simply borrowing methods from substance addiction treatment programs did not work well in treating computer/video addiction (which is a behavioral addiction). Abstinence was not a typical goal and 12 step meetings were (and still today) not available. Further, individual or family talk therapy alone was not sufficient for treatment in most cases. To make matters worse, few gaming addicts believe they have a problem and are only willing to attend therapy to appease their distressed family members. This was often true despite significant evidence to the contrary such as failure in college or repeated job firings. One alternate is a residential treatment program or wilderness programs where the individual is removed from the home. Similar to drug rehab, these programs are relatively expensive and eventually the individual returns home with the high risk of relapse without ongoing care. While they can be very successful in getting the treatment process started, the addict will ultimately return home and will use the computer again.

In 2005, Dr. Woog developed a sophisticated electronic device called the PC Moderator which could both monitor and limit computer use without requiring that parents or loved ones maintain the computer or serve as system administrators. The current version has significant enhancements for treating gaming addiction and can even automatically taper down allowed use to agreed upon levels over time. This device has been used in both clinical and non-clinical applications over the past five years and has been demonstrated to effectively help individuals moderate their computer use. It received PC Magazine Editor's Choice Award in 2006. This device, combined with behavioral and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, forms the basis for our treatment program. This device is only available from our center or through approved therapists.

When intensive in-home treatment is not enough and residential placement or wilderness therapy is necessary, Computer Addiction Treatment Program can help provide aftercare support. We help the family upon the return of the child with tools to help set and maintain appropriate limits on computer use.

Clinical Psychologist and Computer Engineer,
Dr. Woog has appeared on television and speaks nationally on computer addiction and has been cited in numerous publications. In 2006, the technology he developed to treat computer addiction received PC Magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award.
Dr. Woog is a behavioral/cognitive behavioral psychologist and performs assessments, develops and monitors treatment plans and conducts individual and family psychotherapy. He also provides support for the behavioral treatment component.