How To Deal With Media Addiction

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MediaAddict
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How To Deal With Media Addiction

Hi everyone,

I've been learning that for myself, media use is continuing to be a huge problem for me even after I'm successful in quitting gaming. Although this topic comes up in recovery meetings, I realize I can't address the issue effectively because media use differs from gaming in a few key ways. For instance, most of us can't just "quit" media. I need to use it frequently at work, and I use my computer at home all of the time even when I'm engaging in healthy behaviors (such as reading, writing, working on research, etc). 

The reason I'm bringing this up is because I'm wondering two things. First, is there a greatment group anyone is aware of that specifically addresses all types of media use? Second, for those of you that have been successful in moderating your media use, what has helped you do this most effectively? Any suggestions would be a tremendous help, as I'm tired of failing to control my media use and really need help in taking greater steps to change. 

I'll put something here later.

Polga
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There is a residential

There is a residential treatment centre called reStart near Seattle which deals will all problem internet use. They start with a period of complete detox which maybe around 6 weeks or more depending on the person. They do lots of therapy. Eventually I think they explore how to add in the essential use bits and help the user decide what to keep off limits.

INFO

Help for gamers here

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MediaAddict
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Thanks Polga. I'll try to see

Thanks Polga. I'll try to see if they have any materials online that might be useful. 

Edit-Not too much available on their website... Anyone have any other info?

I'll put something here later.

Polga
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You could contact them for

You could contact them for basic guidance if you have any particular queries about their method.

There is also information about general internet addiction here http://netaddiction.com/

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Help for gamers here

Help for parents of gamers here

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Parent's online meeting THURSDAY 9pmEST/EDT click here

Online meetings gaming addicts click here

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Silvertabby
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I just did a search online

I just did a search online for internet addiction and it looks like there's all kinds of info on it.

 

Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. ~Maria Robinson

Rainbow cat
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Lots of info but here in the

Lots of info but here in the uK not many treatments and espcially no in my area. Im looking for help with nedia addiciton not just gaming. Is OLGA for me?

JFT

MediaAddict
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I've been able to find some

I've been able to find some info out there, but I'm curious if there are any online groups similar to this one, except with the focus on internet use instead of gaming use.

I'll put something here later.

Polga
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Some members with gaming

Some members with gaming addiction do  attend face to face groups such as AA, NA. Some groups are more welcoming then others.

Maybe check out the groups in your area to see if you fit in there. Maybe give it several goes to give it a chance. All addictions have a common theme and treatment

The 12 steps that this site uses is based on AA. It has been adapted for many addictions.

What aspect of your media addiction  is not currently supported online ?...is it that you cannot find an online space to relate and share with others on aspects of your problematic media use ?  I think it is OK to share on this thread if it helps.

INFO

Help for gamers here

Help for parents of gamers here

Help for spouses/SO's of gamers here

Parent's online meeting THURSDAY 9pmEST/EDT click here

Online meetings gaming addicts click here

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Rainbow cat
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Great thank ou Polga.

Great thank ou Polga.

 

I go to NA and have been clean for 479 days. I have a sponsor and work the steps of NA. It addresses the disease of addiciton. I have spoken with my sponsor about this and the steps of NA can certainly help with the disease of addiciton which for me is manifesting into intenret use. I did the internet addiciton test and it came out with 73 points, placing me in the moderate category.

 

My internet use is causing some problems to my real life. I would like to be able to connect with others who have experienced internet addiciton. i think i can apply the priciples i have learnt in the steps i have done so far to thi manifestaion of my disease.

JFT

Preslynn
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Are you still here and how

Are you still here and how are you now?

Reading, writing and working on research on a computer are all good in my opinion, provided that is not all you do. I am biased towards writing because I adore it and it's a good coping tool for life in general and well it's safer from others on my computer and I can type faster than handwrite so I usually prefer that.  I do wonder if you could not install software in your brower to block certain time wasting websites to start with. Such as social media and forum where you spend too much time. There IS software that makes it very hard to unblock them should you change your mind. Then you can also put a timer on to turn off internet completey after so and so many hours or at a certain time of day. Although I don't really have a problem with the internet expect occasional overuse espeically in winter  I still found that cutting time wasters like facebook, twitter and forums helps. The Trump stuff on facebook did it for me and everyone who really cares still calls, texts or emails me outside of fb.

Maybe you could write a journal? Typed or handwritten, doesn't matter (not online though).  I said I find writing helpful and if you do write, it might help you as it does me. 

If you have the same issues with your smart phone, delete apps and social media and install software to turn your smartphone into a dumb phone so you can mainly just text and call. Don't go online on your cell phone. The fact that you can now be online everywhere all the time fuels this whole addiction imo. If you can straight up get a non smart phone and you think it will help, do it.  I have a dumb phone now so I can't have the dreaded apps and it helps.

If you think you do need the thearpy though, go for it but I thought I'd make some suggestions. 

 

Polga
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A member called tealhill a

A member called tealhill a few years ago asked if internet addiction could also be added to the site. There was a discussion, a lot of empathy as the two seem to be related, but for good reason it has not be officially added although internet addicts are welcome here if it helps them. He just posted again recently and would like to give the following information to anyone affected;

I'm addicted to surfing the Internet. What can I do?

You can go to NA or open AA meetings in your city.

You can also post at https://www.reddit.com/r/nosurf and ask for advice and help. You may want to first read the introductory material which those people have posted in their sidebar and wiki.

I hope this will help others with more general internet/media/surfing addiction.

INFO

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New_life
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Media overload

I know the issue.

when i stop gaming, i start looking movies and tv series to mutch.

 

i hope i will not have this issue now ( i tried quiting for 4-5 times in my life).

 

i am starting to bring in analoge means and methods in my life.

 

like using a paper notebook when i go to meetings, not reading mail when in a waiting line but looking at people and materials.

 

do you have more ideas for me to bring analoge stuff in my life?

i want to counter the digitalisation a bit in my life as i am loosing control due to overload of media and digital apparatus.

 

best regards 

 

jan

Polga
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Hi Jan

Hi Jan

Maybe you could look into using "mindfulness" techniques to stay grounded with the immediate world around you.

In the UK we also have very good public service radio ( BBC) I like to listen in to dramas, news, magazine type programs, special interest programs, comedy etc and still able to do chores or work. Radio does not take the mind over as much as TV and video. Or sometime i just stay quiet and listen to the birds singing.

INFO

Help for gamers here

Help for parents of gamers here

Help for spouses/SO's of gamers here

Parent's online meeting THURSDAY 9pmEST/EDT click here

Online meetings gaming addicts click here

Please help! Donate here

Polga
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Link to group for tech/media

INFO

Help for gamers here

Help for parents of gamers here

Help for spouses/SO's of gamers here

Parent's online meeting THURSDAY 9pmEST/EDT click here

Online meetings gaming addicts click here

Please help! Donate here

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