Are you addicted to the internet? Do you find yourself constantly scrolling and refreshing social media websites on hours without end? Many of us lightly joke about being “addicted to the internet,” but now there is a rehabilitation program that can diagnose and help treat your online addiction. Yes, this really does exist.

On September 9th, at the Behavioral Health Services ward of Bradford Regional Medical Center in Pennsylvania, a ten-day inpatient program will force four participants to live without any internet access for the next 72 hours. During this time, participants may display signs of withdrawal symptoms, and undergo group therapy sessions. Participants will also be taught how to effectively utilize the internet in ways that will allow them not to get addicted again.

Dr. Kimberly Young, founder of NetAddiction.com, as well as the program at Bradford, told Fox News the following statement:

“[Internet addiction] is a problem in this country that can be more pervasive than alcoholism. The Internet is free, legal and fat free.”

Young also states that “mere dependence on modern technology does not make someone an Internet addict.” The program at Bradford is intended for individuals whose lives are falling apart due to their internet obsession and cannot function without any online activity.

The Internet Addiction Program at Bradford comes with a price. Since internet addiction itself is not a recognized disorder, health insurance companies will not cover the cost of Dr. Young’s program. This program will cost $14,000 for an individual participant.

Since the news of this program has been released, various Twitter users have reacted below.

Sounds made up: "Hospital to open first inpatient treatment program for Internet addiction" – http://t.co/rBOA4mWtqp

— Blake Irving (@Blakei) September 5, 2013

There's a hospital in the U.S treating internet addiction. Wut.

— JoJo Towers (@ohitsjustjojo) September 5, 2013

PA is the first state to start treating for Internet addiction! The funny side of that is u can get all the information off of their website

— Jason (@5oulhealer) September 5, 2013

[Image source: Imagekind]