For Internet Addicts, a Place to Get Help

Whether there’s such a thing as Internet addiction may be subject to some debate, but on this we all can agree: Getting treatment at what bills itself as the first U.S. in-patient center for Internet, texting and gaming addictions ain’t gonna be cheap.

According to an article on LiveScience, The Heavensfield Retreat Center near Seattle charges $14,500 for its 45-day Internet addiction recovery program, called ReStart. (Don’t you think “ReBoot” would have been better? Seriously, why not have a little fun with it!)

The program is designed to wean patients off the Internet by combining traditional talk therapy with social skills training, such as lessons in conversation techniques and dating. Patients also feed goats, raise chickens and do home-maintenance work as a way of getting reoriented with the offline world.

You have to wonder if goats and chickens are up to the task of getting someone’s mind off Internet porn. But, hey, they’re the professionals.

Heavensfield’s site offers a test to determine whether you are Internet or technology-addicted. Some of the questions may force you either to 1) take a hard look at yourself, or 2) lie.

When you’re done with the survey, are you then urged to take a nature walk or hug your kids? Not quite. Rather, you’re taken to a page inviting you to register with SurveyMonkey.com. An odd little coda.

In any event, Heavensfield certainly knows where to find potential clients. In addition to its web site, the treatment center is on Twitter, Facebook, Ning and YouTube.

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