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Problematic Internet Use: What does it look like and how do we deal with it? Addictions and Mental Health Ontario Conference, 2015 Lisa Pont, MSW, RSW

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Objectives Describe services for Problem Gambling, gaming and Internet Use at CAMH Define Problematic Internet Use (PIU) Explain risks factors, benefits and impacts of PIU/gaming Discuss tips for Parents Identify treatment approaches

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Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario at CAMH Clinical Services Education and Community Resources Policy Research 2

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Terminology 3

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Bio-Psycho-Social Plus Model 4

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Risk Factors ADHD Anxiety Depression Autism Spectrum Disorder Other excessive behaviours or addictions Low self-esteem Social difficulties Above average intelligence/other learning exceptionalities 5

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Benefits Fun Like to feel in control Releases tension Relieves boredom Develop gaming skills Feel a sense of mastery Escape/Fantasy 6

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What Makes Video Gaming Addictive? Achievement Cyber socializing Games are infinite In game currency The brain gets hijacked (intermittent rewards) Virtual world continues when person is offline 7

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Gaming Continuum 8 No use Normal use At Risk/Serious use Harmful/Problem use

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Signs/Consequences Spends long hours on computer School difficulties Skips chores/responsibilities Spends a lot more money on games Conflict with parents 9

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Signs/Consequences cont Social isolation/withdrawn Few other activities and interests Appears down/anxious/irritable Sleep difficulties 10

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Tips for Parents Connect Communicate Empathize and validate Set limits Pick your battles Monitor computer use Establish consequences Maintain consistency 11

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Tips for Parents Brief (30 seconds) One item at a time Choose the right time and place I messages Present focused More positive than negative *Self-care! 12

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Treatment 13

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Treatment Approaches Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Solution Focused Narrative Strengths Based Family involvement Comprehensive (bio-psycho-social) 14

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Activity Gaming Continuum Exercise 15

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Activity Case Studies 16

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Questions/Comments 17

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Shawn.Rumble@hdgh.org Lisa.Pont@camh.ca 18