Most cases will not be open to that solution because so many of the reported cases are from students and workers who use the internet for research or business goals. Since the Internet is a productive tool when used properly, it is important to find a balance between the Internet and other life activities. The treatment model used for Internet addiction is similar to that used to treat eating disorders or alcoholism. There may be ways to encourage the very activity itself as a deterrent. Since someone suffering from Internet addiction is copmputer literate it makes sence to incorporate a computer assisted recovery.
Many people already have calendar schedules they keep current and check often on their computer.
Using such a program to log one's on-line time, and what time was specifically spent on what, would be a good way of establishing a base line for the behavior and tracking recovery progress. An Internet addict could also set up a program to flash a message at certain intervals, reminding him or herself to stop momentarily and evaluate if their current use is warranted or not. Effective treatment programs can be developed for Internet addiction, but they must incorporate an understanding of the specific aspects on on-line use that is the core of the individual's problem. If someone is hooked on chatting in chat rooms, the reinforcement pattern would be diffferent from someone who is hooked on gambling online. Assesing someone with Internet addiction for the exact nature of their online social activity is crucial.