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“Virtual Addiction” is a way to explain absorption in an alternative reality on the internet.
Many people freely enjoy surfing, gaming, chat, or virtual reality sites. For some, though, use of the Internet becomes compulsive. More and more hours are spent online. Social activities, family life, job and school responsibilities are neglected as use increases. Symptoms of withdrawal (e.g. increased irritability, restlessness) are often present if unable to access the Internet. Compulsive use of social media, gaming, or pornography can effectively cause a rewiring of the brain to need novelty, excitement, and constant arousal. These traits are completely out of sync in a traditional workplace, classroom, or romantic relationship. The term “cybersex” includes use of online pornography, chat rooms, sexting, file-sharing, webcams, hookup apps, and dozens of other kinds of digital access to sex. Pornography consumption and cybersex is often considered to be normal. Yet, for many, it consumes time, induces shame, increases loneliness and isolation, interferes with work and family life, and causes sexual dysfunction. The never ending flow of new images and novel types of porn and sex can ‘hijack’ our brain systems and natural sexual desire; thus, leading to out-of-control behaviors and emotional dysregulation. At Aspen, our therapists are sensitive to the powerful draw of cybersex. We create an open, honest, and nonjudgmental atmosphere for healing. Through individual counseling, group therapy, and workshops, we help men and women who have gotten lost in the world of cybersex to end damaging behaviors, understand the negative impact upon themselves and others, and regain a sense of balance and healthy intimacy in their lives. Q: How can it be an addiction? We use four criteria, developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes, to describe the presence of an addiction: 1) A flawed coping mechanism — Internet use and gaming can become a way to escape from reality and avoid feelings and problems. It can be a form of self-medication: a way to "numb out" or stimulate oneself. Virtual reality allows for a powerful fantasy existence completely separate from everyday life where one can feel strong, effective, and attractive. 2) A pattern of compulsive behavior — Internet activities stimulate the brain's pleasure center, causing the release of powerful hormones, creating a "high". The craving for these good feelings can lead to increased use of the internet which creates a powerful, positive feedback loop that is very difficult to break. Even as the consequences of increased internet use become more severe, the addict is unable to stop. Without help, efforts to stop or manage addictive behaviors usually fail. 3) A negative impact on functioning — A pattern of increasing isolation from others is one of the first signs of a growing addiction. As noted above, normal social activities decrease, responsibilities related to job or school are not met, and relationships suffer. Mood changes and angry acting out are also often reported. A further consequence for children and adolescents is that normal social development stops as addiction takes root. 4) A pattern of increasing use (also known as increased tolerance) — Simply put, one needs a greater amount or increased intensity of the online experience to achieve the same high. Virtual addicts will spend more time or seek more intense, risky activities online. Virtual behaviors have also been known to extend from online to real life acting out. Q: What can I do? At Aspen Counseling Services, we offer assessment and treatment services for compulsive online users and their families. If you are concerned about the possibility that you or someone you care about may be struggling with virtual addiction, please contact Aspen Counseling Services for more information regarding assessment and treatment. |
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