Abstract
In 2009, one of the major Dutch addiction care organizations initiated a pilot program to explore the possibility of using
an existing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing based treatment program (‘Lifestyle Training’) to treat
internet addiction. The current study evaluates this pilot treatment program by providing a qualitative analysis of the experiences
of the therapists with the treatment of 12 self-proclaimed internet addicts. Therapists report that the program, which is
ordinarily used for substance dependence and pathological gambling, fits the problem of internet addiction quite well. Interventions
mainly focused on controlling and reducing internet use, and involved expanding (real life) social contacts, regaining a proper
daily structure, constructive use of free time, and reframing beliefs. Therapists further indicated that the treatment achieved
some measure of progress for all of the 12 treated patients, while patients reported satisfaction with the treatment and actual
behavioral improvements.
an existing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing based treatment program (‘Lifestyle Training’) to treat
internet addiction. The current study evaluates this pilot treatment program by providing a qualitative analysis of the experiences
of the therapists with the treatment of 12 self-proclaimed internet addicts. Therapists report that the program, which is
ordinarily used for substance dependence and pathological gambling, fits the problem of internet addiction quite well. Interventions
mainly focused on controlling and reducing internet use, and involved expanding (real life) social contacts, regaining a proper
daily structure, constructive use of free time, and reframing beliefs. Therapists further indicated that the treatment achieved
some measure of progress for all of the 12 treated patients, while patients reported satisfaction with the treatment and actual
behavioral improvements.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s11469-010-9295-0
- Authors
- Antonius J. van Rooij, IVO Addiction Research Institute, Heemraadsingel 194, 3021 DM Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Mieke F. Zinn, Brijder Addiction Care, Haarlem, The Netherlands
- Tim M. Schoenmakers, IVO Addiction Research Institute, Heemraadsingel 194, 3021 DM Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Dike van de Mheen, IVO Addiction Research Institute, Heemraadsingel 194, 3021 DM Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Journal International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
- Online ISSN 1557-1882
- Print ISSN 1557-1874