What The AI Addiction Center Is: An Educational Site, Not a Treatment Provider

Originally published August 6, 2025 as a press-style announcement. We rewrote this page in October 2026 so that it describes what the site offers in plain terms.

What The AI Addiction Center Is

The AI Addiction Center is an educational website about heavy and compulsive use of AI chatbots and companion apps. It is not a clinic, a hospital or a licensed treatment provider. It does not diagnose anyone, and it does not offer therapy or medical care. The site is anonymous and for adults aged 18 and over.

The earlier version of this page described a “comprehensive treatment ecosystem,” “industry recognition” and corporate and clinical programs. We could not support those descriptions, so we removed them.

Why the Topic Is Getting Attention

In July 2025 OpenAI’s chief executive, Sam Altman, said at a Federal Reserve event that some young people tell him they cannot make any decision without telling ChatGPT everything, and that this kind of emotional over-reliance feels bad to him (report via AOL). He was describing what people said to him, not citing a study.

Researchers are looking at the question. A four-week MIT Media Lab and OpenAI study followed about 1,000 adults. Most did not use the chatbot in an emotional way, but people who used it heavily each day tended to report more loneliness and more dependence on it. That is an association, not proof that chatbots cause it, and the work has not been peer reviewed (MIT Media Lab).

“AI addiction” is not a formal diagnosis. In the DSM-5-TR, gambling disorder is the one recognized behavioral addiction, and internet gaming disorder is listed for further study (American Psychiatric Association). People can still have real problems with sleep, money, work, school or relationships from heavy use.

What You Can Find Here

• A free check-in. The AI dependency check-in is a 20-question scale about how you use AI and what it does for you. It is private, needs no account and is not a diagnosis.
• Guides. Plain-language articles on companion apps, ChatGPT use, relationships, parents’ questions and safety.
• A self-help guide. The AI Detox Blueprint is a paid seven-day reset plan written by this site. It is self-help, not treatment.

What We Do Not Offer

• Diagnosis, therapy, crisis counseling or medical advice
• Any claim that a program here cures or treats “AI addiction”
• Workplace or clinical services. If you are looking for these, check with a licensed provider, not a website.

See the medical disclaimer for details.

Where to Find Real Help

If AI use is hurting your life, a licensed professional can help. A doctor or therapist who treats anxiety, depression, compulsive behavior or loneliness is a good start. There is no recognized “AI addiction” specialty yet, so ask any therapist how they would approach it.

• Find a therapist: Psychology Today or the APA Psychologist Locator
• Find treatment: SAMHSA’s FindTreatment.gov, and its free National Helpline, 1-800-662-4357
• Peer support: Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous runs free 12-step meetings and lists AI among the digital activities it covers

If you are in crisis. Call or text 988 in the US (988 Lifeline), or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). In an emergency, call 911.

Is The AI Addiction Center a treatment clinic?

No. It is an educational website. It does not diagnose, treat or provide medical or crisis care. For treatment, see a licensed professional.

Is AI addiction a real diagnosis?

Not at present. The DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 do not list it. Heavy use can still cause real harm, and a professional can help with the problems it causes.

Who runs this site?

The site is run anonymously. Read the about page for what we can say, and the medical disclaimer for what the site is not.

This page is for education only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan.