The internet, smartphones and technology are an integral part of everyday life. But for some users, what often starts out as a method to escape can eventually become a full-blown addiction. Users may find themselves retreating into videogames and other forms of technology to self-medicate loneliness, anxiety or depression, and find themselves isolated and missing out on important areas of life. In Facing Internet Addiction, some of the countries leading experts in technology addiction, adapt the groundbreaking thirty task model used by thousands of therapists worldwide, to treat technology and internet addiction. Using innovative tasks and exercises, the reader can engage in a plan designed to defeat addiction and restore lifestyle balance. This book is designed to be used as an adjunct to therapy, and also works well in conjunction with 12 step programs, or other recovery programs such as SMART recovery. Additionally, it is the first in a series, used in conjunction with recovery zone volumes 1 and 2, by Dr. Patrick Carnes.

The process of therapy and treatment means stepping into an unfamiliar, new world with very different perspectives, processes and even its own language at ties. The goal of this extraordinary world is to repair, restructure, and build the internal structures to cope with losses, trauma, dysfunction, toxic stress, and addiction. The first of the Recovery Zone series focuses on the often painful and difficult internal tasks for that transition. This first book in the series by Patrick Carnes is already regarded as a classic and has been a durable best seller for the past decade. The second volume is now here, and Dr. Carnes helps with the issue of "now that I know all of this, what do I do?" How to translate the inner transformation into my everyday world? I have discovered the real "me" but what does that mean for me to integrate ideas and skills with my relationships, work, values, lifestyle -- and be happy? Much has been written about overcoming trauma, grief, dysfunctional relationships and the sinkholes of the various addictions. The sequel of Recovery Zone provides real answers about how to stay in the zone when traumatic events, toxic stress, and easy access to escape surrounds you. The goal must be an "Ultimate To Do List" so you do not miss out on the life you want and feel a genuine call to do. Core to this platform is a resilience built on ten master skills and thirty operational strategies that users describing as "defining" passage into a new life. The joke about life being what happens when you are on the way to do something else, has little reality at the end of this second volume. Dr. Carnes is widely known for his personal sharing, his warm and engaging stories, and his ability to weave complex science into something that everyone can use. These materials have evolved with the help of over two thousand therapists and the experiences of many thousands of patients. Another vintage of classic Carnes's writing.

Recovering video game addict Kevin Roberts offers a step-by-step guide to recovery for those struggling with compulsive video gaming and Internet surfing. Recovering video game addict Kevin Roberts offers a step-by-step guide to recovery for those struggling with compulsive video gaming and internet surfing. Video gaming and Internet surfing are the top sources of entertainment for tens of millions of North Americans today. As these technologies continue to grow and flourish, so does the number of people becoming obsessively absorbed in the imagination and fantasy that they present. More and more people are isolating themselves, turning their backs on reality, ignoring family and friends, and losing their sleep and even their jobs due to excessive use of video games and the Internet--and they continue to do so despite harmful consequences to their mental, physical, and spiritual health, a telltale sign of addiction.In this groundbreaking book, recovering video game addict Kevin Roberts uses extensive scientific and social research, complemented by his and others' personal stories, to give compulsive gamers and surfers--and their family and friends--a step-by-step guide for recovery. He outlines the ways that "cyber junkies" exhibit the classic signs of addiction and reveals how they can successfully recover by following a program similar to those used for other addictions. Readers learn to identify whether they have an addiction, find the right resources to get individualized help, and regain a rewarding life away from the screen by learning new thoughts and behaviors that free them from the cravings that rule their lives. Included is a guide for parents for working with their addicted children.

Exploring the mind of a video gaming addict, Elaine's second book guides the reader through the journey of her son's addictive disorder and recovery. The story unfolds along the nine signs of gaming disorder and the five stages of addiction, weaving toward the recovery stage, including candid and insightful interviews with her son, Jake.Elaine calls upon the advice of experts to support her message that there is no easy way to survive video gaming addiction or any other addiction's withdrawal and recovery. It takes a lot of time, patience, Herculean strength, and enormous support from others, including family, friends, and professional therapy. But it is possible to detox from this compulsion. It is possible to reach the stage of recovery. And it is worth moving through the pain to arrive at the other side, more fully alive."Thought-provoking, emotionally moving, informative and triumphant, Uskoski's guide explains the shocking world of Video Gaming Addiction through the lens of a mother and her heroic efforts to save her son from his harmful addiction."Cindy Rescorl, Parent"Raw, heartbreaking, and heart-warming. this story takes you on a roller coaster of emotions into and out of the depths of gaming."Michelle NogueiraAddiction Problem Gambling and Technology Overuse Counselor, Homewood Health Centre

Addiction takes many forms and has the potential to impact individuals of all ages, socio-economic statuses, and ethnic backgrounds. Digital addiction has become one of the latest topics of interest among researchers and mental health professionals as individuals become more engrossed in and reliant on digital devices. Psychological and Social Implications Surrounding Internet and Gaming Addiction focuses on the dark side of technology and the ways in which individuals are falling victim to compulsive internet use as well as gaming and gambling addictions. Highlighting socio-cultural, psycho-social, and techno-cultural perspectives on problematic technology use, this critical publication is essential to the research and practical needs of therapists, public administrators, psychologists, students, and researchers interested in compulsive disorders, human behavior, dependency, and other key mental health issues. A pivotal addition to the current mental health research available, this book focuses on topics including, but not limited to, Internet addiction, gaming addiction disorder, gambling, gamification, hypermedia seduction theory, MMORPGs, psychotherapy, and related public policy issues.

Internet Addiction: A Handbook and Guide to Evaluation and Treatment "This book provides cutting-edge coverage by expanding the field to include specific problems such as online gaming, cybersex addiction, and gambling addiction. Its extensive attention to dealing with adolescents is essential, given the rapid rise in media and technology use by both Net Generation young adults and iGeneration teenagers. I am thrilled to have this invaluable, comprehensive, well-written resource for my own work and recommend it to people who need to understand this unique form of addiction." —Dr. Larry Rosen, Past Chair and Professor of Psychology at California State University, Dominguez Hills, author of Rewired: Understanding the iGeneration and the Way They Learn and Me, MySpace, and I: Parenting the Net Generation "Our clients come to us when online pornography, video gaming, social networking, gambling, and surfing create untenable disruptions in their lives. If we do not understand what we are seeing and how to address it, we will not be able to provide the help they need. This book provides the practical information clinicians can use to assess and treat this growing problem." —Hilarie Cash, PhD, coauthor of Video Games and Your Kids: How Parents Stay in Control, and cofounder of reSTART: Internet Addiction Recovery Program "Internet Addiction: A Handbook and Guide to Evaluation and Treatment provides an integrated and current overview of the different types of Internet addiction-gaming addiction, gambling addiction, and cybersex addiction. The authors deserve ample praise in providing such a comprehensive and informative guide for Internet addiction." —Ran Tao, MD, Professor and Director, and Xiuqin Huang, MD, Associate Professor, Treatment Center for Internet Addiction, General Hospital of Beijing Military Region, China The first empirically informed reference for defining, assessing, diagnosing, and treating problematic Internet use Comprehensive and timely, Internet Addiction explores: Validated assessment tools to differentiate normal from compulsive patterns of computer and online usage The most addictive or problematic online activities Epidemiology and subtypes of Internet addiction such as online pornography, Internet gambling, and online gaming Current theories on the risk factors associated with the development of an addictive disorder related to Internet usage Evidence-based treatment strategies for helping clients of various ages, taking into account main presenting problems and individual situations and circumstances International in scope and empirically based, the cultural and global impact of this subject is discussed, introducing practitioners to the latest clinical implications, assessment methods, and treatment approaches in working with clients suffering from this emerging addictive disorder.

Addiction is a powerful and destructive condition impacting large portions of the population around the world. While typically associated with substances such as drugs and alcohol, technology and gaming addiction have become a concern in recent years as technology use has become ubiquitous. Gaming and Technology Addiction: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice explores the social and psychological implications of technology and gaming addiction in addition to ways to manage and treat this unique form of addiction. Focusing on emerging research, case studies, and future outlooks, this comprehensive publication is an essential resource for psychologists, counselors, graduate-level students, and researchers studying psychology and technology use.