Media Addiction

The excessive or uncontrolled use of media can lead to addiction with consequential damage to health. It is often characterized by those affected compulsively spending an above-average amount of time with these media and online services. The following addictions, for example, fall under the collective term media addiction:

• Internet addiction: aimless internet use with a large time quota
  Computer and online game addiction: excessive use of computer and online games
• Social network addiction: excessive use of social networks and electronic means of communication (e.g. chats and forums)
• Online gambling addiction: excessive use of gambling services on the internet
• Online shopping addiction: recurring compulsive buying behavior of consumer goods and services on the Internet
• Online sex addiction: excessive consumption of pornographic content on the internet

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies media addiction ("gaming disorder") as a behavioural addiction and has officially recognized computer and online gaming addiction as a disease. According to the WHO, the following three criteria must occur repeatedly over a period of 12 months for a person to be considered a computer game addict:

• Demonstrable loss of control over the frequency and duration of their own gaming,
• Clear prioritization of gaming in everyday life over other activities, hobbies, work, school and social contacts,
• Continued gambling even though negative consequences have already occurred.

These criteria are largely transferable to other forms of media and internet addiction. You can take a self-test of your Internet or computer game use here (German). Online media advisors (German) can also provide you with information on responsible media use and develop your online skills so that you can recognize possible signs of addiction at an early stage.

If you think that you or someone close to you is suffering from a media addiction, addiction counseling can help. Professional addiction counseling is confidential, offers addicted people solutions and accompanies the possible path out of addiction.

1. Information

   Media addiction counseling informs those affected and their relatives about the disease, its causes, symptoms and consequences. 

2. Diagnosis and assessment

   It helps with the diagnosis of media addiction and provides an assessment of the severity of the addiction. 

3. Support

   It offers emotional support and practical advice for those affected and their families. 

4. Therapy planning

   Media addiction counseling supports the development of an individual therapy plan that is tailored to the respective situation of those affected. 

5. Referral to specialized treatment services

   It establishes contact with suitable therapists, self-help groups or rehabilitation centers.

6. Aftercare

   After treatment, media addiction counseling supports the process of reintegration into everyday life and also offers measures to prevent relapse.

7. Support for relatives

   It offers advice and support for relatives to help them deal with the situation and provide meaningful support for those affected. 

8. Prevention

   Media addiction counseling explains the risks and consequences of excessive media consumption and offers strategies for prevention.

In the first step, it is not necessary for you to bring any documents to the initial addiction counseling session. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire about your previous media use during the initial consultation.

• As part of a media addiction consultation, you will discuss with a specialist how and with what consequences you are currently consuming media, such as online games or websites. 
• You will be asked questions about your current life circumstances. 
• The next step is to find out how motivated you are to change your current situation and what goals you are pursuing with regard to your media consumption. 
• During the interview, you will be shown what options there are for overcoming your addiction, for example by arranging addiction treatment, therapy places or self-help groups. 
   

Important: The people with whom you have contact in the context of media addiction counseling are subject to legal confidentiality.

Addiction counseling is usually free of charge if you go to a public counseling center. Psychosocial services are also usually free of charge, as the counseling centers are usually funded by municipalities, cities and federal states, or they belong to a church or charity.

As gaming disorder is officially recognized as an illness, therapeutic treatment is paid for by health insurance companies and pension insurance providers. Fees may be charged for voluntary and supplementary courses that are not part of the counseling or treatment offer.

In Germany, addiction counselling services where you can receive support can be found in almost every town and city. There are also online services as well as an addiction hotline.

• Nationwide Sucht- und Drogen-Hotline (addition and drug hotline): +49 (0)1806 – 31 30 31
  (24 hours per day, EUR 0.20 per call from landlines, maximum of EUR 0.60 per call from mobiles)
• Telefonseelsorge (free counselling hotline): +49 (0)800 – 111 0 111 or +49 (0)800 – 111 0 22

Most counselling services also offer counselling for friends and relatives. If you suspect that someone you know could be suffering from media addiction, you can find more information here.

Parents’ concerns that their children are spending too much time online or gaming are understandable. However, the number of young people diagnosed with media addiction or gaming disorder is relatively small. These signs are usually only temporary. Nevertheless, it is important that children and young people are made aware of the opportunities and risks associated with media. Imposing bans is usually not the right solution. Agree on some rules with your child and set boundaries for media consumption within your family, so that your child can learn how to consume media responsibly.

Media guides are available for families, parents and guardians outlining the latest trends in the world of media and offering hints and tips on how you can keep track of your child’s media consumption. Aside from addiction counselling services, you can also receive support from family and educational guidance services or via the parent hotline.

Your child can complete an online self-assessment on their internet usage and gaming here.

Besides impacting your health and well-being, certain forms of media addiction such as online gaming or online shopping addiction can also have severe financial implications. Gambling addiction, for example, is a recognised psychological illness and is closely linked to media addiction due to the extensive presence of gambling and (sport) betting on the internet.

Debts resulting from excessive spending on consumer goods or gambling usually exacerbate tensions and conflicts in your private and professional life. If you, a family member or a friend is addicted to gaming or shopping and has incurred debts as a result, you can also receive support from debt counselling in addition to addiction counselling services. Debt counselling can help you regain control of your finances.

Addiction counselling is usually anonymous. If you would like to make sure you will remain anonymous, simply contact your local counselling service online and ask them.

There are a number of options after counselling. Ideally, during your counselling, your counsellor will have informed you about a number of ways in which you can receive support. Treatment can involve a combination of medical, psychological and sociotherapeutic measures. You may have decided in the course of your counselling that a self-help group or therapy is the best solution for you. Outpatient and inpatient therapy is available, as well as treatment in day-care hospitals.

Remember, you will not be forced to do anything. Everything you decide to do is entirely voluntary!

The aim of addiction counselling is to determine the extent of the addiction and define individual strategies for healthy and responsible media usage. A particular focus is placed on media skills, engaging in other social activities and establishing social contacts, as well as re-integrating into the workplace. With media, the internet and smartphones becoming integral parts of our everyday lives, complete shutting yourself off from media is not a realistic requirement for successful treatment. However, if the addiction is particularly acute, a full “detox” can make sense, especially at the beginning of the treatment.

First and foremost, addiction counselling services are there to provide advice. Your counsellor will outline to you which measures are suitable for you, issue recommendations for support and also establish contact to self-help groups if necessary. You can enquire about what counselling services offer by contacting them by telephone or during the initial session.

Counsellors will not force you to do anything; counselling is all about you obtaining more information. The aim of this counselling is for the counsellor and you to determine together what support you need.