When you look at the number of people walking around, glued to their smart phones, you realize that Internet addiction is more common than you might have thought. Initial studies of this relatively new condition show that one in 12 people may suffer from Internet addiction, and the numbers are growing. The trick to managing your Internet addiction is to identify that you have a problem, and seek to solve it, with the assistance of your Group and Pensions Administrators Internet addiction coverage.
What is Internet Addiction?
Unlike the use of illicit substances, Internet addiction is harder to identify since most people spend some time every day browsing the Internet for work or leisure. You know that your Internet use has become pathological when you meet some or all of the following conditions:
- You spend hours of non-work time on the Internet
- You lose sleep because of your Internet time
- Your family and close relationships suffer because of your Internet use
- Attempts to cut back have failed
In some ways, Internet addiction can be harder to admit and ask for help because it seems that practically everyone uses the Internet too much, to the detriment of work or other social interactions.
Treatment Options
While Internet addiction has only existed for a couple of decades, the treatment choices are much the same as those facing addiction to legal substances such as alcohol. Patients undergo a period of detox, where they have no Internet access whatsoever for at least a few days. You can expect to go through physical withdrawal symptoms that may require medication. After that time, you work with a therapist to help you identify what is causing the addiction and how you can have a productive and healthy relationship with Internet use.
Coverage Choices
Your insurance may not cover rehab or therapy for Internet addiction, on the basis that it is a little-known condition. Contact your insurance agent directly to find out more details about your Group and Pensions Administrators coverage related to addiction. You can also call Nurse NavigatorSM to find out how to maximize your benefits for treatment.
Internet addiction is increasing every year. To stop this affliction from ruining your life, use your Group and Pensions Administrators Internet addiction coverage to find treatment options that are right for you.