Spending time online can be very productive and fun, but all too often, the Internet can evolve into an unhealthy addiction. Fortunately, there is help for Internet addiction, much like there is help available for other types of addictions. While it might not seem serious, an addiction to the Internet can become compulsive and result in many of the same addictive symptoms other types of addicts struggle with. Fortunately, Internet addiction treatment is available to help you if you’re the one dealing with this addiction.
First, let’s talk about how to identify an Internet addiction. Perhaps you or someone you know is struggling with it, but you’re just not able to come to grips with what’s happening. Once we identify the signs, we’ll talk about the importance of Internet addiction help as a way to break the addiction.
Internet Addiction
People who are addicted to the Internet demonstrate many of the same symptoms that plague other types of addicts. Like them, the Internet is more important than anything else. Many of them claim they feel more connected to their friends online than they do with their real-life friends. They may compulsively check their smartphones, email or social networks and feel unable to stop, even in dangerous situations. For example, in many states, texting and using your phone in other ways while driving has been outlawed; but even though it’s against the law, an addict can’t help but break that law. They feel powerless to do otherwise.
Types of Internet Addiction
As experts have become more aware of the addictive qualities of the Internet, they’ve realized that there are different types of addictions that can occur. Interestingly enough, many of them overlap into other areas of addiction, such as with gambling or sexual addictions. They include:
- Cybersex Addictions – This is defined by a compulsive need or desire to participate in sexual activities online. It can include frequenting adult chat rooms, online role-playing games, or Internet pornography. The addiction occurs when these activities begin to replace real-life relationships.
- Cyber-Relationship Addictions – The Internet is filled with social networks and every year, these networks include more and more ways to help users engage with other people. Chat rooms, Facebook and other social networks and even texting can all be classified as cyber-relationship addictions if they become more important than other relationships.
- Online Gaming – Just like going to a casino or playing the lottery compulsively, online gaming is quickly gaining ground. Whether the person is playing for money or not is irrelevant however, because many games include a social component that also serves as a reward for doing well. It’s easy to become addicted to online gaming and those addictions can quickly become consuming.
Internet Addiction Help
While there are many things you can do on your own to help break your addiction to the Internet, many people feel as though they need a more structured form of Internet addiction treatment. If you’re interested in self-help, you can try:
- Keeping a log of your Internet activity
- Set a timer when you’re online and get offline when your time is up
- Create a plan for other ways that are healthy to fill your time
Sometimes, regardless of how much you attempt to modify your Internet usage, without a good support system, it’s difficult to make any changes on your own. For that reason, many people choose to utilize the help of a professional who can offer them the kind of Internet addiction help they need.
If you’re struggling with an Internet addiction, I can provide you with the specialized counselling you need to break free. Contact me.
