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      About UKAT

      We are a leading addiction treatment provider in the UK, dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery. Our evidence-based programs, compassionate care, and experienced team foster lasting transformations, helping clients reclaim their lives from the grip of addiction. Your well-being is our priority.

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  • Addictions
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      Alcohol Addiction

      Alcohol addiction is a condition that alters the functioning of the brain. It leads to adverse emotional states, impulsive actions, intense desires, and symptoms of withdrawal. Managing alcohol addiction involves undergoing supervised detoxification, engaging in counselling and therapy sessions, and actively participating in support groups.

      Drug Addiction
      • Amphetamine Addiction
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      Antidepressant Addiction

      Antidepressants are a cornerstone in the treatment of various mood disorders and have significantly improved the quality of life for many. These medications, designed to correct chemical imbalances in the brain related to mood and emotions, have been instrumental in managing conditions like depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.

      Behavioural Addictions

      • Gaming Addiction
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  • Detox
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      Alcohol Detox

      The purpose of alcohol detoxification is to eliminate addictive substances from your body, enabling you to embark on treatment with a clear and unclouded mindset. While it may not be a simple undertaking, it serves as a crucial initial phase towards achieving long-term recovery.

      Drug Detox
      • Amphetamine Detox
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      Prescription Drug Detox
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      Sleeping Pills Detox

      Sleeping pill addiction can be a difficult thing to overcome. Sleeping pill detox is the best way to get started so that you can break your physical dependence before going on to sleeping pill rehab.

      Stimulant Detox

      There are varying degrees of stimulant drugs – from legal prescription stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta, to illicit drugs like meth, ecstasy, and cocaine. Regardless of the substance being abused, all can lead to stimulant addiction and you may experience stimulant withdrawal symptoms if you try to quit.

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      Alcohol Rehab

      Within our residential alcohol recovery programmes, we ensure a consistent and nurturing environment throughout your entire stay in alcohol rehabilitation.

      Drug Rehab
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      Prescription Drug Rehab
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      Stimulants Addiction
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      Legal Highs Rehab
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      Antidepressant Rehab

      UKAT’s antidepressant rehab programme is designed to offer a holistic and evidence-based treatment experience. Our approach combines scientifically proven therapies with alternative treatments to address all aspects of the condition.

      Treatment Programmes
      •  7  Days Treatment Programme
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      Treatment Therapies
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      Inside Rehab

      Discover the transformative journey of rehabilitation through our ‘Inside Rehab’ page. Gain insight into the comprehensive process at UKAT, from initial assessments to specialised treatment programmes, therapeutic approaches, daily routines, and aftercare support. With transparency and a focus on holistic healing, we guide individuals towards a brighter future.

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  • Eating Disorders
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      Anorexia Nervosa

      Anorexia nervosa led to the hospitalisation of almost five and a half thousand people in the UK between 2021 and 2022 and affects many of the 1.25 million people who suffer from eating disorders.

      ARFID

      ARFID is not just about being picky with food; it is a serious condition that can significantly disrupt your daily life. The good news is that there is hope. With professional treatment like that offered at Banbury Lodge.

      Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

      Binge eating disorder affects 2% of people in the UK which makes it more common than bulimia and anorexia combined. Despite its prevalence, binge eating disorder often remains in the shadows of public discourse and is thus widely misunderstood and underestimated.

      Bulimia Nervosa

      Bulimia nervosa is a condition often shrouded in misconceptions, yet it significantly impacts lives in the UK and globally. While bulimia can be a constant daily struggle, there is a beacon of hope.

      Night Eating Syndrome (NES)

      Are you feeling lost in the night, struggling with eating habits that seem out of your control? Then, you may be dealing with night eating syndrome (NES), a condition that is all too often misunderstood and overlooked compared to more famous eating disorders.

      Orthorexia

      Most of us are trying to make the best choices when it comes to eating healthily. But when does this healthy habit turn into something more concerning? This is where understanding orthorexia, or orthorexia nervosa, becomes crucial.

      OSFED

      OSFED may not have the same level of awareness as other eating disorders, but its effects on sufferers can be no less significant. Unfortunately, this lack of awareness and understanding can lead to sufferers isolating themselves from those who want to help them.

      PICA

      We all have our preferences regarding food; one person’s delicacy is another person’s dietary disaster. However, Pica is about more than just eating unusual food; it is a serious eating disorder that can cause significant stress and potential harm.

      Purging Disorder

      Better-known eating disorders often overshadow purging disorder, but their unique challenges and impacts can be particularly devastating. If you are grappling with purging disorder, it might feel like you’re alone in a relentless struggle.

      Rumination Disorder

      Rumination disorder is when food is repeatedly regurgitated, swallowed, or spat out. Often overshadowed in the realm of eating disorders, the condition can cause significant distress, impacting your daily life in profound ways.

      UFED

      There is a whole range of complex but misunderstood conditions which can also cause enormous distress and destruction. This is called UFED, an unspecified feeding or eating disorder, and it represents a category of eating disorders that are not easily classified due to their varied and non-specific symptoms.

  • Mental Health
      • Dual Diagnosis
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      Dual Diagnosis

      Dual diagnosis is the complex interplay of simultaneous mental health and addiction disorders. It is crucial to understand that these aren’t separate battles; they are two sides of the same coin with the addiction fueling the mental health disorder and vice versa.

      ADHD and Addiction

      Living with ADHD is a daily challenge that affects every aspect of life, from personal relationships to professional pursuits. When addiction enters the mix, these challenges often magnify, creating a complex cycle of destructive mental health and substance abuse issues.

      Anger Management and Addiction

      Sadly, anger and addiction often go hand-in-hand, and this can make daily life incredibly hard for the individual with the addiction and their loved ones.

      Anxiety and Addiction

      We all experience anxiety in certain situations, such as before an important job interview or preparing for a first date. This type of anxiety is a completely normal part of the human experience. Anxiety disorders, however, are a different matter entirely, severely impacting a person’s health, happiness and overall quality of life.

      Autism and Addiction

      Navigating life with autism brings forth a multitude of obstacles, influencing your perspective and engagement with the world. When coupled with addiction, it can form a reinforcing loop, with each condition exacerbating the other’s impact on your physical and mental health and overall quality of life.

      BDD and Addiction

      There is a common misconception that individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) are merely preoccupied with vanity or are excessively concerned with their looks. This oversimplification can lead to a misunderstanding of the complexity of BDD and may contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

      Bipolar and Addiction

      If you are grappling with bipolar disorder, you will already be well aware of the profound impact it can have on a person’s life. Bipolar disorder is one of the most complex and misunderstood mental health conditions, characterised by extreme fluctuations in mood, energy and ability to function.

      Borderline Personality Disorder and Addiction

      If you are grappling with bipolar disorder, you will already be well aware of the profound impact it can have on a person’s life. Bipolar disorder is one of the most complex and misunderstood mental health conditions, characterised by extreme fluctuations in mood, energy and ability to function.

      Codependency and Addiction

      Codependency is one of the least discussed mental health conditions but it has a huge impact on sufferers and those closest to them. Living with codependency on its own can be tough enough but when addiction is also present, the outlook can be even bleaker.

      Depression and Addiction

      In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the complexities of depression and addiction. When they occur together, the need for support becomes even more crucial.

      Grief and Addiction

      Grief, unfortunately, is a natural part of life that all of us go through at some point. Some can cope with grief in their own way and emerge successfully, but this is not always the case for others.

      Insomnia and Addiction

      According to research findings, roughly 10% of the global population displays symptoms of insomnia, suggesting a medical condition. Interestingly, individuals involved in substance use experience higher rates of sleep disturbances.

      OCD and Addiction

      It’s reported that in the UK alone, about 250,000 people live with OCD. The condition doesn’t discriminate, affecting young children and adults regardless of gender or background.

      PTSD and Addiction

      Coping with PTSD is tough, and it often comes with an added hurdle – the likelihood of co-occurring addiction. The combination intensifies the difficulty of recovery, forming a challenging cycle where each issue reinforces the other.

      Schizophrenia and Addiction

      Today, our understanding of schizophrenia has progressed significantly from the 20th century when individuals with the condition were often stigmatised as simply ‘crazy.’ Many people with schizophrenia now lead fulfilling lives through effective management.

      Self Harm and Addiction

      Self-harm issues are incredibly challenging for anyone to navigate, and when compounded with addiction, life can become even more complex. However, effective treatments are available to help you overcome this dual diagnosis.

      Stress and Addiction

      Regrettably, many individuals resort to substance abuse as a means of coping with stressful situations. This is a significant factor contributing to the prevalence of dual diagnoses involving both stress and addiction.

      Suicide and Addiction

      More than 700,000 people pass away due to suicide every year. This number doesn’t take into consideration the attempts either, which are, unfortunately, in the millions. Heartbreakingly, many of these suicidal actions are paired with substance abuse, which shows a clear connection between suicide and addiction.

  • Our Treatment Centres
      • Banbury Lodge
      • Liberty House
      • Linwood House
      • Oasis Bradford
      • Oasis Runcorn
      • Primrose Lodge
      • Recovery Lighthouse
      • Sanctuary Lodge
      • UKAT London Clinic
      • Providence Projects
      Banbury Lodge

      Banbury Lodge, located in Oxfordshire, is a private detox & rehab clinic that specialises in treating those suffering with alcoholism, drug addiction and eating disorders. Providing a calm, nurturing and comfortable environment for you or a loved one to break the cycle of addiction, our clinic offers support from a team of passionate and dedicated professionals.

      Liberty House

      Liberty House Clinic in Bedfordshire is a fully furbished drug and alcohol detox and rehabilitation facility set within a quiet and picturesque suburban street based in the heart of Luton. Our facility provides 20 beds, large grounds, recreational facilitates, and fully trained staff dedicated to your recovery.

      Linwood House

      Linwood House is a classic private inpatient treatment facility in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, and is operated on the combined knowledge of the UK’s most experienced and respected addiction treatment counsellors and practitioners. Our clinic focusses on providing exceptional services, comprehensive help and proven therapeutic methods.

      Oasis Bradford

      Built in 2009, Oasis Communities Bradford was originally commissioned by the Department of Health as the only detox unit of its kind in West Yorkshire. The 17-bedded detox unit is equipped to accommodate people with limited mobility and wheelchair users who can self-care and can make provision for some additional personal care needs.

      Oasis Runcorn

      Located in Cheshire, Oasis Runcorn is quite unique in offering two treatment programmes allowing for tailored treatment and client choice – A 12 step programme and our ‘Oasis Strengths Programme’ are both delivered within the therapeutic environment.

      Primrose Lodge

      At Primrose Lodge in Guildford, Surrey, our highly trained staff are dedicated to ensuring our clients successfully overcome their addictions. As a premier treatment facility, there has been no expense spared in making our clinic comfortable, attractive and homely with fantastic facilities.

      Recovery Lighthouse

      Recovery Lighthouse is our state-of-the-art drug and alcohol rehab in West Sussex. Located in a quiet residential location, our rehab provides caring and safe environment in which you will be given support and care to address the self defeating behaviours that can be experienced in active addiction.

      Sanctuary Lodge

      Sanctuary Lodge in Essex is the UK’s most complete cutting-edge treatment facility. Our rehab facility is modelled on the combined knowledge of the UK’s most experienced and respected addiction treatment counsellors and practitioners.

      UKAT London Clinic

      Although our UKAT London Clinic in Central London has now closed its doors, you can still turn to UKAT for any mental health concerns – whether it’s treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders or PTSD. Please reach out to our admissions team, and they’ll guide you through every step, offering the full range of tailored treatments and therapeutic activities to support your recovery.

      Providence Projects

      Since 1996, Providence Projects has been a leading name in affordable, high-quality addiction treatment in the UK. Located in the vibrant seaside town of Bournemouth, our private residential centre offers a peaceful, coastal setting ideal for healing and personal transformation.

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Lee Spinks

Written by:

Lee Spinks

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Last Updated:

March 26th, 2025

Internet addiction

The smartphone is the modern-day hypodermic needle, delivering digital dopamine 24/7 for a wired generation.

Anna Lembke

In society today, the widespread impact of the internet on each of our lives is undeniable. A great deal of us would not be able to function without it, and data reveals that in 2020, social media use was essential for 28.7% of UK users’ work commitments. The internet is an essential fact of everyday life, one which is incredibly convenient, whilst at the same time, having the potential to reap dangerous consequences.

You might be wondering, with all these devices, how could something that is helping us also be hurting us? Below, we will explore why internet addiction has the potential to be just as powerful as any other behavioural addiction and the ways that treatment programmes such as rehab for internet addiction can set you on the road to recovery.

internet-addiction-person-on-laptop

  • Page Content
  • What is internet addiction?
  • How internet addiction works
  • Why is the internet addictive?
  • Signs of internet addiction
  • Internet addiction treatment
  • Frequently asked questions

What is internet addiction?

Internet addiction relates to circumstances where an individual will use the internet so excessively that it begins to interfere with all other aspects of their daily life. While spending a little time winding down on our devices is perfectly harmless, for others, it can become a compulsion that leaves users feeling powerless, maintaining their addiction even if it poses noticeable harm to their health and wellbeing.

Topics related to Behavioural

  • Behavioural Addiction
  • Treatment Therapies
  • Our treatment centres
FAQ
  • Is internet addiction worse for teenagers?
  • What types of internet addiction are there?
  • How can I spot internet addiction in a loved one?
  • Does UKAT provide internet addiction treatment?
  • Is internet addiction a mental illness?
  • Will I be put on medication for my internet addiction?
  • Where can i get help for internet addiction?
Free Addiction Assessment

We offer a free addiction assessment and  callback service. Enter your number below and one of the members of our admissions team will call you back shortly.

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    Why Choose UKAT
    • Immediate Admission
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    How internet addiction works

    Addiction is a condition that acts on the brain’s pleasure centres. This is not just the case with substances, like drugs or alcohol, but extends to different behaviours, like gambling, eating or internet abuse. By tapping into those same reward centres, someone addicted to the internet will experience intense pleasure when taking part in the behaviour, driving them to engage with it again and again. However, after continued use, the individual may feel that they need more online stimulation to achieve this same sensation, which is how addiction develops. Compulsive internet use changes the way that the brain functions, making the user feel that getting online is far more pleasurable than any other activity. This pleasure of the internet comes as a direct result of the reward. For example, the sensation of a buzzing phone or the sound of a new notification all work together to fuel the addiction, offering a jolt of dopamine which sends our pleasure centres into overdrive, which is why it can be so difficult to shake.

    internet-addiction-woman-on-phone

    Why is the internet addictive?

    We have seen a rise in individuals suffering from internet addiction throughout the years, and this number only seems to be rising. As human beings, we are social creatures, and technology can prove a fantastic way to find connection, all from the comfort of our own homes. With access to such a huge amount of information on a variety of platforms, the internet can make us feel that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. For this reason, it is common for many of us to feel obligated to stay online in an effort to stay connected, and this fact contributes to the internet’s addictive potential.

    Signs of internet addiction

    If you are unsure whether you or a loved one is addicted to the internet, here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:

    • Both professional and social commitments have become negatively impacted as a result of your internet use.
    • You are lying to a loved one about your internet use.
    • You’ve become preoccupied with the internet, wishing you were online even when engaged in other activities.
    • You feel anxious and paranoid when you do not have access to the internet.
    • Most of your waking hours are spent online.

    internet-addiction-man-on-laptop

    Internet addiction treatment

    Treatment for internet addiction across our UKAT centres is provided through a number of methods, such as:

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

    One of the most effective forms of therapy for internet addiction. Those who suffer from negative thought patterns are often driven to seek out certain behaviours as a way to deal with these emotions. If we can help change our thought patterns for the better, this can greatly impact feelings and overall mood, often meaning that they no longer feel the need to turn to the internet as a way to cope.

    Group Therapy

    One of the biggest symptoms of internet addiction comes with reduced social interaction and isolation, with individuals becoming detached from their friends and family as their condition escalates. For this reason, group therapy offers a wonderful environment to enhance social interaction, giving clients a safe space to open up about their condition, surrounded by support and compassion.

    Coping Strategies

    According to Ofcom, only 6% of all homes in the UK do not have access to the internet, meaning that it is almost unheard of to enter an environment which does not have some sort of technology which allows us to go online. Therefore, while many addictions value abstinence as essential to ensuring recovery, this is not possible with the internet, as for many of us, it cannot simply be cut off. The internet is all around us and affects almost everything we do. For this reason, those of us who are addicted to the internet benefit from coping strategies, making it easier to live in this digital world without the need to return to compulsive behaviour.

    Internet addiction is a real problem, one that has the potential to jeopardise our quality of life and impact relationships. If you are suffering from internet addiction and are unsure of where to turn, we at UKAT wish to assure you that you are not alone and we can help you. For any more information about treatment options for internet addiction, contact a member of our team right away and put yourself on the road to life-long recovery.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is internet addiction worse for teenagers?
    It would appear that young people are at a higher risk of falling victim to internet addiction. Research shows that, among 18–24-year-olds, 78% will check their phones whilst dining out, 81% will do so at work, and 92% will do so while in bed.
    What types of internet addiction are there?
    Internet addiction is an umbrella term that can extend to all compulsions which are driven by internet use, and it is important to note that we can become addicted to any behaviour involving excessive internet consumption, such as gaming addiction, cyber-relational addiction, and social media addiction. Internet addiction can also take many forms. For example, while one individual might be addicted solely to social media, another might split their time between social media and gaming. Such variations are what make treating internet addiction so complex.
    How can I spot internet addiction in a loved one?
    Internet addiction can be challenging to spot, but it helps to recognise the symptoms. For example, if you asked your loved one to step away from their device, would this make them upset or aggressive? Have you noticed physical symptoms, such as fatigue or a change in physical appearance due to their internet use? These are all factors to consider when asking if your loved one is addicted to the internet.
    Does UKAT provide internet addiction treatment?
    Yes. At UKAT, we provide a range of treatment programmes for internet addiction across all of our centres. If you would like any more information about rehab for internet addiction and putting you on the road to life-long recovery, please contact a member of our team right away.
    Is internet addiction a mental illness?
    Internet addiction falls under the category of ‘behavioural addictions’, which are considered by medical professionals as mental illnesses.
    Will I be put on medication for my internet addiction?
    Although medications can be used to manage some of the symptoms associated with internet addiction, professional intervention and therapy is essential for overcoming an addiction, and this is what we would recommend.
    Where can I get help for internet addiction?
    You can access treatment for internet addiction at inpatient or outpatient addiction rehabs and local support groups. UKAT has eight treatment centres across the UK which can help you on the road to recovery.
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