Internet Addiction

Internet addiction, like any other kind of addiction is characterised by the compulsive behaviors of the addict in uncontrollable use of the internet for variety of activities ranging from gaming on the internet to internet shopping, excessive use of email, and hours upon hours of aimless web browsing. Internet addiction is categorized with other "process" addictions like gambling addiction, shopping addiction, and some forms of sexual addiction. Persons who suffer from internet addiction disorder are not classified as being addicted to the internet because of the amount of time they may spend on the internet, but rather how that time interferes with and effects that individual's home, work and social life. No matter what its form, addiction is generally considered to be diagnosed when an individual's life becomes unmanageable for normal function.

What Causes Internet Addiction

Internet addiction has not researched to the extent that many other addictions have, but with no clear and precise cause, the most plausible theory is that like gambling and shopping addiction, an internet addict feels a certain "rush" when he or she turns on a computer, visits his or her favorite website, or when composing and sending email messages through the internet. This theory is based on the premise that certain changes occur in an individual's brain chemistry when participating in compulsive behavior on the internet. In individuals who suffer from internet addiction disorder, this "rush" is just as intense as the rush of a drug or mood altering substance induced high.

There are also series of genetic makeups that may cause one person to be more susceptible to internet addiction than another, just as genetic tests can show a predisposition to chemical addiction and alcoholism. Some studies have shown that internet addiction can develop in people more prone to addiction when they experience such sitautions as depression, anxiety, and stress. These kinds of situations may trigger "self medication" through compulsive internet use, just as many other addicts self medicate by abusing drugs and alcohol.

Often, internet addiction can occur through casual use of the internet and progress into a more dysfunctional use of the internet. Sometimes, people will browse the web as an escape from stress at home or work. Other people may lack the social skills to meet people in the outside world and may find it easier to do so through the internet. The interactive use of the internet through applications such as email, chatrooms, and online games have been connected to more cases of internet addiction.

Internet addiction research is still underway and there are still many questions to be answered. One grey area of internet addiction is whether or not there is actually a pure internet addiction instead of the internet being used to transfer other addictions. For example, excessive use of and time on gambling sites on the internet by gambling addicts or time on pornography sites by those who suffer from sexual addiction, or excessive shopping by a shopping addict on multiple online retail sites. This grey area begs the question of whether or not there is a true internet addiction as opposed the people using the internet to satisfy other addictions.

Internet Addiction Demographics

Internet addiction sufferers have previously been stereotyped as younger, introverted, socially awkward, computer oriented males. However, with increased ease of use of the internet these days, the prior stereotype for internet addiction is no longer accurate. Internet addiction can effect anyone of any age, race, or social class. Access to computers and the internet has become so simple that anyone can fall victim to internet addiction for any number of reasons.
For people who are proned to addiction or who have suffered from other addictions in thier past should be weary of extended use on the internet and should make a conscience effort to engage in outdoor activites and limit time and use of the internet.

Internet Addiction Treatment

Internet addiction treatment is difficult to find because of the lack of research on internet addiction. Of the internet addiction treatment centers available to those who suffer from internet addiction, many professionals take a very similar approach to treatment of internet addiction as the treatment of other addictions such as sexual, gambling, or substance abuse. Many addiction treatment professionals find it diffcult to treat internet addiction because of society's increased dependence on computers and the internet. It would be virtually impossible for therapists to advise internet addicts to simply cease all use of the internet. The key is a thin line of finding moderation in use of the internet for those who suffer frm internet addiction. The therapy used for internet addicts can be similar to that for people who suffer from eating disorders - learning to come to terms with food in moderation. Simce abstinance cannot be applied to internet addicts, the use of consience moderation and continuous support groups are the most effective forms of treatment for internet addiction.

If you or someone you love may be struggling with internet addiction, please contact us for immediate help or fill out our confidential assessment for an immediate response from one of our qualified counselors.