Finally, a rehab for all you internet addicts. Claiming to be the very first residential treatment center for internet addiction in the United States, ReStart opened in Fall City, Washington. It aims to help people like Ben Alexander.

Alexander, only 19 years old, is hooked on Warcraft. He says he spent nearly every waking minute playing the video game. That’s the reason he got kicked out of the University of Iowa.

ReStart opened in July and offers a 45-day program which aims to “help people wean themselves from pathological computer use, which can include obsessive use of video games, texting, Facebook, eBay, Twitter and any other time-killers brought courtesy of technology.” The fee is $14,000 for the whole program.

Although not yet recognized as a separate disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, internet addiction is taken very seriously by some people. Its effects are seen as destructive as alcohol or drugs.

(via AP)