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Suggest Treatment For Internet Addiction Disorder

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Posted on Thu, 6 Aug 2015
Question: Hi I am 48 from Toronto XXXXXXX Canada originally from New Brunswick. I was sexually abused when I was 15 and since that time I sleep a lot, I have also developed every addiction under the sun. At various points of my life I was addicted to pain killers, alcohol, tobacco, video games, gambling simply put whatever was available. I recently (3 months ago) gave up drinking again (a 26er of rum a day) and tobacco (a pack a day), I had quit drinking many years ago for 5 years hence my time with an addictions doctor. I have been on 150mgs of zoloft for over ten years and am not feeling the way I once did. I am now addicted to facebook ap's I am pouring thousands of dollars into one in particular. All the while I am receiving calls from revenue canada because I have not filed my taxes in 4 years, the paperwork sits in unopened bank envelopes in cartons. I get so tired I sleep in my work office every second day, usually for 14 hours then start my work day. I am very depressed and cannot break this current habit of gaming. I am very out going at work but on my time I do not like to associate with others I prefer to be alone. I had an addictions doctor who I do not want to tell I fell off the wagon years ago he can be a bit gruff to say the least. I know that I am on the right track giving up alcohol and smoking but I am frustrated @ the new replacement addiction and my view on life as a whole, I just do not see the point. My family doctor is old school if I went to him he would not understand, so here I sit in a world I created not knowing how or why in my own mental hell. Other then that things are good :)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (44 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
you have internet/gaming addiction that also can be treated

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us. I read your query twice and understood your concern.

It is good that you have stopped alcohol and tobacco again.
In current technology and smartphone era internet/games/social media/smart phone addictions are increasing day by day. We used to come across such cases in adolescents and young people. However it can occur at any age. As it is affecting your work and daily routine you need treatment. Positive point is that other things are good apart from this.

It can be treated with counselling & behavior therapy and/or drugs.

In medicines depending upon history SSRI (like zoloft or prozac) or sodium valproate is useful.

You have been given zoloft up to 150 mg. You are not getting same effects now. maximum dose is 200 mg so dose can be increased or prozac/sodium valproate can be started.

No need to hesitate to consult your addiction specialist. There is no need to discuss issue of alcohol-tobacco if you have already stopped but you need to discuss about gaming/facebook app addictiion. I am sure that he will help you and can bring out you from this situation.

Hope this answer is helpful and i would be happy to help further.

Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Chintan Solanki

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2406 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Internet Addiction Disorder

Brief Answer: you have internet/gaming addiction that also can be treated Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing to us. I read your query twice and understood your concern. It is good that you have stopped alcohol and tobacco again. In current technology and smartphone era internet/games/social media/smart phone addictions are increasing day by day. We used to come across such cases in adolescents and young people. However it can occur at any age. As it is affecting your work and daily routine you need treatment. Positive point is that other things are good apart from this. It can be treated with counselling & behavior therapy and/or drugs. In medicines depending upon history SSRI (like zoloft or prozac) or sodium valproate is useful. You have been given zoloft up to 150 mg. You are not getting same effects now. maximum dose is 200 mg so dose can be increased or prozac/sodium valproate can be started. No need to hesitate to consult your addiction specialist. There is no need to discuss issue of alcohol-tobacco if you have already stopped but you need to discuss about gaming/facebook app addictiion. I am sure that he will help you and can bring out you from this situation. Hope this answer is helpful and i would be happy to help further. Regards, Dr.Chintan Solanki.