No one can deny the advances our world has made as a result of the Internet. From online banking to tracking down long lost friends, the Internet has expanded our horizons and taken instant access to data out of the realm of science fiction and into the realm of science fact. Unfortunately, the popularity of the internet in recent years has led to the phenomenon of Internet Addiction. While not yet recognized as a true addiction or disease by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM IV), it is a significant behavioral disorder that exhibits many of the same characteristics as other behavioral addictions. Currently labeled Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD), this catch-all description covers a myriad of compulsive behaviors on the internet ranging from compulsive online shopping, chatting and playing computer games, to internet pornography.

Signs of Internet Addiction

The Internet has proven to be a double edged sword with its socially engaging features like chat rooms, emails and forums. However, for those who experience Internet addiction, they in turn, become isolated from reality and the real time experiences of a family and the activities of a normal life. Some signs that you or someone you love may be experiencing Internet Addiction Disorder include a preoccupation with the Internet and anticipating when your next time to log on will be. The potential addict may feel that they have to spend more and more time on the Internet to receive satisfaction and often times spend much more time on the web than they originally planned. Another symptom of this Internet drug abuse include, feeling moody, restless or depressed when you do make attempts to cut down on your Internet usage. If you or someone you know finds themselves lying to cover up how much time they've been online or jeopardized a current real life relationship to chat or play online, there is cause for concern and help is needed.

Common symptoms include repeated failures to reign in behaviors like shopping, chatting or gambling online. The addicted computer user may neglect sleep just to stay online longer, have increased absences or tardy reports at work or have disciplinary action taken at their place of work for using the Internet for unauthorized reasons. But one of the largest signs that there is an Internet problem is the withdrawal from former pleasurable activities in order to be online. Additionally, there can also be physical signs of Internet abuse reflected in carpel tunnel syndrome, backaches, headaches and weight loss or gain.

If you see yourself or someone you love in the descriptions of an Internet Addictive disorder individual, know that there are treatment options available. From inpatient, outpatient, aftercare sport and self-help groups, there's help available for the person who wants it. It may be that you and your immediate family can benefit from family therapy, support groups or workshops that that teach the addict and their family about the true definition of addiction and how it evolved in the first place.† Because Internet addiction is so unlike recovering  alcoholics who must stay away from any form of alcohol for the rest of their lives,† treatment and therapy for  Internet addicts focuses on the moderation and controlled use of the  Internet. This is similar to eating disorder patients who must learn to eat again in a more healthy pattern.

The successful Internet treatment program will concentrate on improved behavioral techniques that teach the individual how to use the Internet in a moderate fashion. The program will also have an in depth look at the underlying problems that lead the the patient to use the Internet as a way avoid or just the opposite, deal with their problems.

Some families choose to deal with Internet addiction through self help plans. They feel that they can help their loved one to break away from the computer without going through organized therapy. For those who choose to go it alone, it is recommended that a firm and stable support group is in place. The individual needs to be encouraged to re-establish his friendships and become engaged in social activities. Teens should be encouraged to join after school clubs and sports teams. Put the computer in a family area where usage can be monitored. This works well for teens and adults. If you're trying to set an example for your children, show them responsible usage of the computer by limiting your time on the Internet as well. Another tip is to set an alarm clock to go off after a pre-set amount of time on the computer. Set the alarm several steps away from the computer so the user has to get up to cut the alarm off. You may schedule your online time for before a significant event like school starting or dinner time. This forces you to get off the Internet to attend "must do" activities.

Like other addictions, Internet abuse cannot be cured if it's not addressed. Whether it takes an intervention of family and friends to get the individual to realize his problem or the individual realizes it on their own, help does exist. However, don't be fooled into thinking that online resources or chats are the answer. Real talk groups and people to connect with are what's needed most.