Customer Reviews

Breaking Free of the Web: Catholics and Internet Addiction

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Author Kimberly Young is a clinical psychologist and internationally known expert in Internet addiction. Her co-author, Patrice Klausing, O.S.F., is a licensed professional counselor. Breaking Free of the Web is their effort to help motivate Internet addicts and their loved ones to seek help. Their approach encompasses factual information, stories from their clinical experience, and spiritual guidance. Highlighted Prayer Connections are especially helpful. These might contain a review of church teaching, questions for reflection, or a relevant Scripture passage, to help readers "discern the voice of the Spirit who brings forth creation from chaos."

The book is organized in two main parts. The first provides information on general and specific additions with a clear explanation of physical (e.g. substance abuse) and process (e.g., gambling) addictions. Part 1 is designed to break through the denial common among addicts and their loved ones. Signs and symptoms of Internet addiction and early steps in dealing with the attending emotional turmoil are covered. Part 2 explores Internet abuse and addiction in relation to couples, parents and children, college students, and those in the world of work.

The content is rich in subheadings and practical guidelines such as stages of the addiction process, steps parents can take when they suspect a child is becoming addicted to the Internet, and risk factors among college students. The conclusion focuses on the healing process with recommendations for seeking professional help and celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This last is especially encouraging as the authors address the question of timing. Referring to a man in the active phase of Internet addiction, Klausing suggests that even though one is not ready to stop, "a celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation can be meaningful--it may even be the agent of change." She then lays out a plan for preparing and making that confession, which includes choosing and locating a confessor.

This extremely informative and compassionate work is suitable for general audiences and those who minister to and council others.

I did not find this book earth shattering or, in fact, even very helpful. Some of the spiritual meditations are good, however, very little information was helpful or applicable. The information is rehashed, nothing new, virtually no help at all. Waste of time!!