Perhaps you suspect it, but do you know how to recognize your Internet addiction? You may have tried to reason with yourself, thinking that perhaps it’s not an addiction, but just a strong preference for being online. It’s a good idea to do a self-checkup to determine if what you’re struggling with is an actual addiction or not. If you find that you do have an addiction to the Internet, Internet addiction help is available for you.
Internet Addiction
Any type of addiction is characterized in part by a compelling need to participate in something. You may be familiar with drug addictions or gambling addictions, but it isn’t that often that you hear about Internet addiction.
Internet addiction is also known as computer addiction, and it can involve activities like excessive time spent on social media, net compulsions such as constant online gaming, or cybersex addiction. The person who is involved with this type of addiction usually spends more and more time online because that’s the only way he or she can feel “satisfied.” In many ways, Internet addiction is very similar to other types of addictions. It can also be just as problematic. For those reasons, Internet addiction requires treatment if recovery is going to be possible.
Do You have an Internet Addiction?
Perhaps you once thought this information only pertained to teenage Internet addiction, but the truth is that adults can become addicted to the Internet too. Let’s take a look at some of the clues that you might be addicted.
You’re Neglecting School or Work: Just like with other types of addictions, some people use the Internet so much that it results in the neglect of work responsibilities and school. If you’re a teenager, that might mean not doing your homework or not studying for tests when you should. For adults, it might mean calling in sick on a regular basis because you’re just too compelled to spend your time online. When the Internet becomes more important than your responsibilities, that indicates a serious problem.
You’re Not Spending Time with Loved Ones: Have your friends been complaining about how much time you spend online? Perhaps your family members are missing your presence at special family events, or they’re wishing you’d put down your tablet and have an actual conversation with them. Isolation from friends and family members is a good indication that your Internet usage has turned into a full-blown addiction.
You Think about Being Online Constantly: While it’s true that you can quickly become “friends” with people on Facebook and in other social media circles, it’s not good when you can’t think about anything else. Perhaps you’ve noticed that you spend most of your time thinking about being online and you’re not able to concentrate on much of anything else when you’re not. If that sounds like you, you probably have an Internet addiction.
Your Internet Usage Affects Your Mood: Have you ever noticed that when you aren’t online, it’s easy for you to get irritated? Maybe you snap at your friends and family members at the drop of a hat, or you get upset when something forces you to spend time away from your computer. If your Internet usage is starting to affect the way you feel, you have an addiction and you need help.
Fortunately, help is available for you if you have an Internet addiction. It can be difficult to admit you have a problem, but you don’t have to try to stop on your own. Please contact me if you would like to make an appointment.
