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First American Internet Addiction Treatment Center

An anonymous reader writes "Taking their lead from China, two Americans have opened the first US-based Internet Addiction treatment center in Fall City, Wash. — ironically close to Redmond (Microsoft's hometown). The center, called reStart: Internet Addiction Recovery Program, is a 45-day treatment center where, for a steep set of fees, people can be cured of their addiction to the Web. After paying the $200 application fee, addicts are charged $14,500 for the 45 days, an additional $800 for a screening, and more for extra services, like kayaking ($1,575)."

11 of 278 comments (clear)

  1. That would cure me... by Anarchduke · · Score: 5, Funny

    No wonder they cure Internet addiction, after paying 15 grand, you couldn't even afford dial up.

    --
    who prays for Satan? Who in 18 centuries has had the humanity to pray for the 1 sinner that needed it most? ~Mark Twain
    1. Re:That would cure me... by xaxa · · Score: 4, Funny

      You know what they say about a fool and his money...

      I'd best Google it, just to be sure...

  2. SWEET! by Monkeedude1212 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Can I sign up online?

  3. Brilliant! by Angst+Badger · · Score: 4, Funny

    I must give a nod to this highly creative solution to net addiction: charge the victim so much money they can afford neither a computer nor a net connection! The elegance of the solution is awe-inspiring.

    --
    Proud member of the Weirdo-American community.
  4. Kayaking? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm surprised it's not just a room full of prostitutes and an all you can eat plan for a week.

  5. I have my own internet addiction treatment center by Wireless+Joe · · Score: 4, Funny

    it's called my back yard. The director? My wife. Both are very effective.

  6. So... by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 4, Funny

    How much does a fatal beating go for? Are the prices competitive, or should I import one from china?

  7. Re:Website? by rehtonAesoohC · · Score: 4, Funny
    Oh man, I found this HILARIOUS:

    I had for a very extended period of time an addiction to an online game. I was very antisocial and i basically lived to play. Talking to Cosette helped me learn how to look at my addiction from another perspective. She got me to try to stop and i did. Now I am a much happier person and I have made an incredible amount of progress in my life. I have so many more friends, and I find that things come more easily to me, and I find joy in more things. Putting my life into one thing was horrible for me and now I have learned to apply myself, and I have broken my addiction. Thanks alot --Conner

    Guide to the perfect testimonial:

    Step 1: Use generalized words when talking about time. For example, instead of saying "for two years," use the term "very extended period of time."
    Step 2: Mention that you now have a new perspective due to talking with --insert name here--. Don't go into detail about what your perspective is now or what it was then.
    Step 3: Instead of detailing what steps you took to stop, just say - "she got me to try to stop and i did."
    Step 4: Claim that you are happier
    Step 5: Claim you now have bajillions of friends!
    Step 6: ?????
    Step 7: Profit!

  8. Internet Addiction by lobiusmoop · · Score: 4, Funny
    --
    "I bless every day that I continue to live, for every day is pure profit."
  9. Definition of "addiction" for Americans by Zhe+Mappel · · Score: 4, Funny

    ad . dic . tion, n.: The state or practice of engaging in an activity that does not earn money for one's boss. See antonymns at "well-adjusted" and "slave."

  10. Re:How about... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Naw, irony would be if they offered classes online.