First Internet Addiction Center in US Opens Near Seattle

America’s first Internet addiction treatment center has opened in Fall City, Washington, not far from Microsoft’s headquarters. The 45-day program at the 6-bed, family style retreat costs about $14,500 and is not yet covered by insurance. However, there are some scholarships available.

ReSTART Internet Addiction Recovery Program offers treatment services for Internet, gaming, texting, and video game abuse. Their website lists several signs and symptoms of addiction, such as spending increasing amounts of time on computer and Internet activities; craving more time on the computer and Internet; and physical changes such as weight gain or loss, backaches, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

NorthWest Cable News tells the story of reSTART’s first patient, 19-year-old Ben Alexander, who was addicted to the online multiplayer fantasy game World of Warcraft. He played so much that it started affecting his schoolwork. “I’d have all these rationalizations of, well, it’s not a big deal to just miss this one class," he said. One class turned into several and he eventually dropped out of college.

His parents struggled to find appropriate help. Initially, he went to a substance and alcohol abuse program, but he didn’t find the help he needed there. Then his parents found reSTART, which sprawls over 5 acres of land.

Co-founder Cosette Rae saw the need for such a treatment center in her job as a social worker. "Concerns like their children would be gaming 16, 17 hours a day; that they stopped bathing; that they would just eat at the computer," said Rae.

Rae launched the new six-bed facility with Dr. Hilarie Cash, who specializes in Internet addiction. The reSTART Center offers individualized plans to treat a number of Internet issues.

Alexander was once interested in biology and animals, 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, so it is again part of his daily routine at reSTART.

"I’m not able to say, oh, I’m never going to be online ever again," Alexander said. "But at this point I’m not really worried about it."