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U.S. Gets Its First Net-Addiction Rehab Center

by Terrence O'Brien on August 21, 2009 at 11:20 AM

reSTART
Internet addiction has been blamed for bad grades, lackluster sex lives, and violence. Now, finally completing its rise to the status of a serious affliction, it has its first rehabilitation center in the U.S.

reSTART, a new Internet addiction recovery center 25 miles outside of Seattle, features a 45-day tech-detox that includes group counseling, individual therapy, 12-step meetings, wilderness adventures, fitness programs, and even vocational coaching and academic tutoring. Located in a residential-styled home, the center sits on five acres of Pacific Northwest forest land, home to deer, raccoons, and goats.

A stay at the center doesn't come cheap, however. Including application and interview fees, the program runs about $15,500 -- more than a year's tuition at some state colleges. But, if you find yourself exhibiting four or more of the symptoms of Internet addiction (as listed here), it might be money well spent.

Of course, the U.S. is behind the curve on this one. China clinically defined Internet addiction last year, and it's nationally recognized as a legitimate ailment. The country has even had camps, halfway houses, and clinics for the tech addicted since 2005. Hmm... we wonder if our health insurance policy might cover a stint at reSTART. [From: CrunchGear and reSTART]

Tags: addiction, health, internet addiction, InternetAddiction, mental health, MentalHealth, psychology, rehab, science, top

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