The Silent Addiction

Are you or a loved one addicted to the Internet? Do you sit for hours and hours in front of a computer screen, surfing the Web at the expense of your mental and emotional health? Are your addictive behaviors jeopardizing your job and putting you and your family at risk? Has your ability to socialize with others diminished? Are you ashamed and concerned about the Web sites you are visiting regularly? Do you want to stop your addictive behavior?

With today’s media headlines shouting at us about the foolish and immoral and unethical online behavior of celebrities and elected officials, among others, perhaps it’s time we examine our online habits, and, if needed, seek help to break a silent addiction.

In Breaking Free of the Web: Catholics and Internet Addiction, Dr. Kimberly Young, a licensed clinical psychologist and internationally recognized expert on Internet addiction, and Patrice Klausing, O.S.F., a licensed counselor, spiritual director and retreat leader, team up to provide therapeutic and spiritually sound methods of healing cyber addiction.

In this cutting-edge resource, the wise and experienced counseling duo share real-life stories of people struggling to kick their Internet addiction and provide spiritual exercises and prayers to guide Internet addicts through the difficult journey to health.

Young and Klausing tackle these topics:

• What makes the Internet so addictive?
• Who is most at risk for Internet addiction?
• What are the warning signs of Internet addiction?
• How does Internet addiction undermine the marriage relationship?
• What are the online dangers for children and parents?
• How can college students deal with Internet abuse?
• How can you heal and recover from Internet addiction?

We all know that the Internet is helpful, that it can connect us globally to people and places and information at lightning speed. But cyberspace has its dark side, too. Young and Klausing want us to understand the lure and the lessons of addiction related to our use of the Web and our surfing practices. With their solid research, case studies, and wisdom tradition of Catholic spirituality, they offer compassionate sensitivity into a dark world.

How do you assess your own online habits?

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Photo: healingdream

About the Author

Lisa Biedenbach

Lisa Biedenbach, director of product development for St. Anthony Messenger Press books, works to identify great writers whose insights and experiences can inspire and inform us about the Catholic faith and help connect people to God and each other. A graduate of St. Bonaventure University, she is married, and loves to cook, garden, read books, and entertain family and friends.