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....
