Cognitive Behavior Treatment Model

Cognitive Behavior Therapy Internet Addiction: The First Treatment Model for Internet Addiction written by Kimberly S. Young. This article presents internet addiction as one of the newest clinical disorder. Unfortunately, internet addiction is growing in many countries. The problem is detecting and diagnosing the addiction, but has been categorized with impulse-control disorders. Cognitive Behavior Therapy has been the most beneficial treatment for impulse-disorders. But this Cognitive Behavior Therapy will also include harm reduction therapy. Young explains, “This is the first treatment model, so the goals are to reduce symptoms, improve impulse control, challenge cognitive distortions, and address personal and situational factors specifically
associated with compulsive use of the internet” (305). In the journal article Young explains why she decides to utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
Cognitive Therapy aims to change an individual’s mind set and furthermore their behavior changes as well. Internet is engraved to our everyday lives, so it is impossible to completely exclude it from a client. So the Clinicians agreed to the controlled use of internet is the safest. Why are people so obsessed with the internet? People see the web as an escape from the real world. Clients try to escape for many reasons but mostly from stress and anxiety caused by their environment. Just like people use drugs to “get away,” these people use the web to relax and seclude themselves from reality. “Young hypothesized that those who suffer from negative core beliefs may be the ones who drown the most to the anonymous interactive capabilities of the internet to overcome these perceived inadequacies” (306). People who constantly think they’re not good enough, or don’t participate in social gatherings. In this journal there are three phases that contribute to model therapy. The first phase in the plan is behavior modification which is the reduced time a client is on the internet. It is a small stepping stone that will lead to change in the client. The client is also told to document every time they connect to the web. They also had to note what they did, how long were they online, and the outcome of the session. These will help therapists find patterns and triggers that encourage long internet
sessions. The client will measure success by reduced time online and participation in social events. Next phase is Cognitive Restructuring that means rebuilding the mind.
Therapists focus on the minds of their clients to try to understand why they resort to the internet. Maybe some clients feel unwanted by society or are too nervous to get out of their comfort zone. Therapists can try to convince their clients they need to explore their surroundings or they are respected by others. In this step, clients start to recognize their triggers, and can condition themselves to break the cycle. But this is only possible if the client is open for change. The client must be aware of the problem and should prepare for therapy. A solid action plan takes time and effort to complete. Clients must maintain these skills to avoid relapsing. The last phase is called Harm Reduction Therapy which is, “based on a belief that substance abuse and dependence develop in individuals through a unique interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors” (Young 309). There might be coexisting factors that led to the internet addiction. This is basically saying the client must see the bigger picture themselves. Clients must adapt and try to channel negative thoughts into healthier alternatives, which is what cognitive therapy is all
about. The implication of this article was to fully explain how a treatment model would work for internet addicts. The three steps of treatment were behavior management, cognitive restructuring, and harm reduction therapy. These steps provide a treatment structure to help an individual. There is also a call to action for further research in Internet Addiction. Young also discusses how the sovereignty and treatment varies for every individual to further increase long-term recovery. I personally appreciate the examples used throughout the article to better understand the material. Another strength was the syntax of the writing and how it was fluid. One of the weaknesses in the text was the use of “addicts.” Throughout the journal they also used the word “client” which I preferred. I believe the label increases stigma, and you never want to disrespect anyone who is seeking help. This article was very interesting and would recommend to a friend.