Treatment - Computer Addiction

The initial assessment consists of a 2-hour meeting with the parents/significant other (client) and the individual suffering from computer gaming excesses (patient). Assessment consists of patient interviews/self-report along with client and significant-other interviews. Based on a preliminary diagnosis, a treatment plan will be proposed. The treatment elements, intensity, duration and cost are determined based on this diagnosis. All of this will be explained during this assessment.

As rewards overtake computer use in value to the client, the client will demonstrate preferences beyond the computer. When the client is able to properly make choices on a daily basis about using the computer or meeting other responsibilities, the daily limits can be expanded while still maintaining a weekly limit total. During this phase of treatment it is likely that therapy (other than periodic follow up meetings) has terminated.

Goals for computer use must be established to allow for reasonable and moderated use. If abstinence from game play is desired then this will be a specific goal of treatment. Ideally parents (or significant other) and client should agree upon usage limits and other expectations. Goal setting is accomplished during the initial assessment or during subsequent sessions as necessary. Goals for treatment may also include behavioral targets such as academic or occupational progress.

Computer addiction is a behavioral addiction resulting from excess computer use that either offers rewards far greater than the real world OR masks real world hurt and pain. Behavior therapy is conducted by setting real world limits on computer use. This is accomplished through operating system parental controls or through the use of a specialized hardware device, the PC Moderator when this is not possible. With limits in place, the client learns daily how to tolerate the uncomfortable feelings when they cannot use the computer more than they have agreed upon. The parents and significant others also learn how to tolerate their feelings when the patient exhibits anger, frustration and expresses hurt. They also learn how to see through the manipulations.

Individual and family psychotherapy can help the individual and family work through issues arising during treatment. Academic and career assessment and coaching may also be recommended to help guide the patient toward a success identity.

The Computer Addiction Treatment Program promotes the harm reduction model for addiction treatment. Unlike most other addictions, an individual cannot expect to become completely abstinent from computer use. Our treatment model promotes moderation and balance and does not require the patient to completely stop game playing or using the computer altogether. Through this protocol, motivation for computer use is naturally reduced and opportunities for real life rewards are increased and supported by parents (or spouse/significant other). It promotes restoration of the family relationships damaged by the addiction. This treatment protocol consists of four elements:

Initial Assessment
Goal setting
Behavior, Individual and Family Therapy
Maintenance