Internet Addiction
Comprehensive treatment program for Internet Addiction to help you reclaim your life.
Many people claim they live their lives online, but Internet addicts really do live online. People suffering from Internet addiction find it extremely difficult to log off. Online addiction can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Some people are addicted to Internet porn, while others have heavy online gambling problems. Still, others are addicted to gaming, often spending hundreds of hours a week in front of their monitors.
When going online means that you are no longer able to function normally offline, you probably have an Internet addiction. Although it has not yet been officially recognized as a psychiatric disorder, many psychiatrists and psychologists note that people who are “addicted” to the Internet may actually be suffering from other underlying psychological issues that are manifesting themselves in obsessive Internet use.
Internet addiction is often called Internet Addictive Disorder (IAD). People with this condition have several symptoms, including:
- Obsession with the internet: Constantly thinking about being online or planning how to spend more time online.
- Loss of control: Inability to limit or control the amount of time spent online.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Neglecting work, hobbies, or social activities to spend more time online.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not able to access the internet.
- Neglecting well-being: Poor personal hygiene, skipping meals, or neglecting proper sleep to spend more time online.
- Negative impact on relationships: Neglecting loved ones or having strained relationships due to excessive internet use.
- Compulsive behavior: Engaging in repetitive or compulsive online activities, such as excessive gaming, gambling, social media use, or shopping.
Internet use, like drugs, alcohol, and food, trigger the release of reward chemicals in the brain. Over time, you can become dependent on that chemical release, causing you to compulsively be online. More factors that might cause internet addiction include:
- Pre-existing mental health conditions: Depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can make you more susceptible to developing internet addiction.
- Personality traits: Certain personality traits, such as impulsivity, sensation seeking, and a tendency toward addictive behaviors, can increase the likelihood of developing internet addiction.
- Environmental factors: Factors such as a lack of parental supervision, family conflicts, or a home that encourages excessive internet use can contribute to the development of internet addiction, especially in children and adolescents.
- Escapism: You may turn to the internet to escape from real-life stressors and emotional difficulties. The online world can be a temporary distraction from personal issues, leading to excessive internet use.
Over time, chronic internet obsession can lead to a myriad of issues. You may have work or school challenges if you’re unable to focus and complete tasks because of your amount of internet use. You might isolate yourself, straining your relationships. You could also exacerbate any co-occurring disorders you have. And due to the amount of time spent online, your sedentary lifestyle can spur physical health problems, too.
The effects of untreated Internet Addiction can be profound, but recovery brings positive changes.
- Improved mental clarity
- Better emotional regulation
- Restored relationships
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