Stuck

Why we can't (or won't) move on from bad jobs, bad relationships, and bad habits, and how we can all move ahead.

Anneli Rufus is the author of many books, including Party of One: The Loners' Manifesto and Stuck: Why We Can't (or Won't) Move On. See full bio

August 20, 2009, Addiction

Texting Too Much?

America's first inpatient web-addiction clinic opens, with goats.

The United States' first inpatient Internet-addiction treatment center has just opened in Fall City, Washington, on a five-acre spread known as Heavensfield. Other such centers thrive in Japan, China, and South Korea, and in my 2008 book Stuck, I wrote about the world's first residential clinic for online-game addicts, Gamesterdam in Amsterdam.

Cofounded by social worker Cosette Rae and Internet-addiction specialist Hilarie Cash, Fall City's reSTART pursues aims similar to those pursued at Gamesterdam: that is, to curb addictions to gaming, texting, and general web-surfing, which the founders define as a debilitating problem. According to reSTART's web site -- and the irony of an anti-web-addiction program needing a web site is just so 21st century -- symptoms include "failed attempts to control behavior; a heightened sense of euphoria while involved in computer and internet activities; craving more time on the computer and Internet; neglecting friends and family; feeling restless when not engaged in the activity; being dishonest with others; computer use interfering with job/school performance" and "withdrawing from other pleasurable activities."

A crew from Seattle's KING 5 news channel visited the reSTART facility this week to learn more about the 45-day program, whose $14,500 fee is not covered by insurance. Touring lushly wooded Heavensfield -- which boasts abundant wildlife, farm animals, a chic furnished treehouse and a six-bed residence -- the crew interviewed reSTART's first patient, Iowa City teenager Ben Alexander. He told them his "game of choice" was World of Warcraft and that, before treatment, he "would play until I fell asleep on my keyboard." He said his obsession with the game had led him to quit college.

"Alexander was once interested in biology and animals," writes the KING 5 reporter, "so now he helps with taking care of the goats, chickens and other animals on the reSTART property. Cross country running is also something Alexander used to enjoy 'pre-gaming', so it is again part of his daily routine at reSTART. Alexander knows the internet will likely be a part of life down the road, but he believes he's finally found a balance in Fall City."

I predict we'll be seeing more of these facilities in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1....