It is impossible to imagine the modern world without the Internet. It helps us to work, communicate, search for information and relax. But at the same time, the Internet is increasingly becoming an invisible addiction amplifier.
It not only facilitates access to psychoactive substances, but also forms a new one - a digital addiction that slowly destroys the psyche and increases feelings of loneliness.
At the Renaissance Centre in Poland, we are increasingly seeing patients whose problems are directly related to the Internet: from online drug purchases to replacing live communication with virtual contacts.
The internet is not the root cause of the disease - but it creates an environment where addiction grows faster and deeper.
Understanding these mechanisms helps you not only protect yourself, but also find ways to help - both in real life and online.
Online drug shops and social media as triggers
The Internet has become the main channel of communication, but it has also become the main source of temptation.
Social media, chat rooms, anonymous platforms, the darknet - these are all spaces where addiction gets fuelled and takes new forms.
1. Online shopping and the darknet
Today, buying drugs can be as easy as ordering a pizza.
Anonymous channels, cryptocurrencies and closed chats create an illusion of safety. A person loses the sense of danger - because the purchase takes place without direct contact.
For those struggling with addiction, these online triggers are especially dangerous: even simple curiosity can lead to a breakdown.
2. Social media
Social media reinforces addiction not only directly, but also through psychological pressure:
- Demonstrating the perfect life of others causes feelings of inferiority;
- Constant comparisons provoke stress and depression;
- advertising, memes and posts about substances normalise use.
Often the addict is looking for «understanding» there, finding communities where use is perceived as part of a lifestyle. In this way, the Internet becomes not just a source of information, but a space where the disease is supported.
Digital isolation and loneliness
The paradox of the 21st century is that the more connected we are, the more isolation we feel.
People spend hours online, but are increasingly less likely to experience true intimacy.
This is especially painful for addicts: the Internet replaces live communication, creating the illusion of connection. But it hides deep loneliness.
How it affects the psyche:
- empathy and the ability to have real relationships is lost;
- Anxiety and social anxiety are on the rise;
- There is an increased need for stimulants to «feel» life;
- nighttime online activity disrupts biorhythms and increases depression.
At Renaissance, we call it second-level digital addiction - when the internet is not just a platform, but an emotional drug. It gives you a temporary sense of control, but in the end it reinforces the emptiness.
How to work with digital habits
There is no way to get rid of addiction as long as the person continues to feed its sources.
That's why working with digital habits is a mandatory part of therapy at our centre.
We teach patients how to use the internet consciously, regain control and build healthy boundaries.
1. Digital detox
It's not a complete abandonment of the internet, but being able to ration the use of technology.
We recommend:
- Limit screen time to 2-3 hours per day outside of work;
- get the gadgets out of the bedroom;
- Eliminate the notifications and «dopamine traps» of social media;
- to bring lively socialising, outings, creativity back into life.
2. Conscious use
Every patient learns to ask themselves, «Why am I opening the screen?» - For business or out of anxiety?
Understanding your motives helps you stop automatic actions and regain control.
3. Replacing digital rituals
Whereas the phone used to help relieve stress, it is now being replaced by breathing exercises, meditation, music, and talking to a loved one.
The brain rewires itself and the addiction gradually lessens.
4. Offline support
Even with online treatment, we always recommend combining it with real contacts - meetings, groups, face-to-face psychotherapy.
Only a balance between digital and live makes recovery sustainable.
Online support and therapy - an alternative?
The Internet can be a threat as well as a tool to help.
At the Renaissance Centre in Poland, we use the power of online therapy to support patients who are in other countries or cannot come in person.
Online therapy is a way to stay connected and continue to work when physical presence is not possible.
Advantages of online support:
- access to a therapist from anywhere in the world;
- confidentiality and a flexible schedule;
- the ability to get help in times of crisis without leaving home;
- Participating in online group meetings where experiences can be shared.
However, it's important to remember: online is no substitute for fully live contact.
Online therapy is effective as support, but core recovery requires the presence, empathy and energy of face-to-face interaction.
At Renaissance, we combine both formats - online and offline - so that patients feel supported at all times, wherever they are.
Why treatment at Renaissance Centre helps even in the digital age
We live in a world where the boundaries between reality and online are blurred. Therefore, addiction treatment today must take the digital factor into account.
At Renaissance, we don't just treat addiction - we teach how to live in a new world where technology doesn't control people, but helps them.
Our approach includes:
- Psychotherapy aimed at mindfulness and self-regulation;
- Digital hygiene training;
- group and family work;
- regaining interest in life off the Internet;
- online post-rehabilitation support.
We help patients to stop looking for salvation online and regain their living feelings, connection to their bodies and people.
The Internet is a powerful tool, but if left unchecked it can be an accelerator of addiction. But if you learn to use the Internet consciously and get support from professionals, it can be an ally in recovery.
At the Renaissance Centre in Poland, we help people restore the balance between real and digital life, learn how to control internet addiction and build a healthy, fulfilling life without addiction - online and offline!
