Computers and the Internet have become essential tools in the modern business world. People rely on the Internet for just about everything including the following:

• Work
• Communication
• Medical advice
• Music
• Shopping
• Homework

People may jokingly claim to have an addiction to the Internet, but recent research suggests that Internet addiction is a very real issue with serious consequences. Since there can be no physical dependency on the Internet like there is with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, researchers have labeled Internet addiction as Internet addiction disorder (IAD). The disorder covers a number of impulse-control issues including the following:

• Cybersex addiction: Compulsive use of Internet pornography sites.
• Cyber-relationship addiction: Addiction to virtual relationships. People become obsessed with online friends and prefer their virtual reality to real-life relationships.
• Net compulsions: Compulsive use of online gaming or online auction or bidding sites resulting in real-life financial troubles.
• Information overload: Obsessive web surfing or database browsing. People feel they must get on the Internet constantly throughout the day, and this interferes with their productivity and real-life responsibilities.
• Computer addiction: Fixated time spent on the computer. Many “computer geeks” fall into this category with acts of obsessive computer programming or gaming.

How Do I Know if I Am Addicted to the Internet?

How can Internet users determine whether their Internet use has crossed over to addiction? The following symptoms can provide a non-professional diagnosis for IAD:

• Losing track of time while online
• Responsibilities and tasks fall behind because of time spent online
• Isolation or distance from friends and family
• Noticeable guilt or defensiveness about how much time you spend online or what activities you engage in
• Using the Internet to improve your mood or finding pleasure, relief, or sexual gratification from time spent online
• Failed attempts at cutting back on internet use
• Physical symptoms such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, headaches, back or neck aches, unexplained weight gain or loss, dry eyes, strained images, and sleep disturbances

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Internet Addiction?

IAD is problematic because the disorder can interfere with one’s real-life responsibilities and relationships. IAD can also affect a person’s health. Internet addiction alters the volume of the brain. The brain changes are similar to those produced by alcohol and cocaine addiction. IAD shrinks the brain’s gray and white matter fibers which result in changes to emotional processing and brain functioning. The brain will continue to negatively transform, as long as the addiction continues. Risk Factors for Internet Addiction Disorder Specific risk factors for IAD include the following:

• Suffering from anxiety, depression, or other mental health or mood disorders
• Feeling lonely
• Not having enough social interaction or support
• Already struggling with other addictions (gambling, alcohol, drug, sex)
• A change that limits social activity or mobility such as moving, job loss, disability or having a baby
• High levels of stress

Finding Help for Internet Addiction

If you are concerned that your Internet use has developed into a more serious condition, please call our toll-free helpline. Our highly trained addiction counselors can talk to you about possible treatment options for your disorder. We are here 24 hours a day to provide you with information and answer your questions about Internet addiction disorder and methods for treatment. Pick up the phone, and find help from the experts in addiction treatment today.…

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Most teenagers today have never lived in a world without the internet. They are often more tech-savvy than adults and they embrace each new technology that develops. This interest in the internet and technology can evolve into an obsession. Teenagers are known for extremes in moods and behaviors, but extreme internet use can cause the everyday living to take a back seat to online time.

Signs and Symptoms of Internet Addiction in Adolescents

The following symptoms might indicate that your teenager has an internet addiction:

• Internet use seems more important than time with friends or hobbies that were previously enjoyed
• Internet use has affected teenager’s grades in school
• Loss of sleep due to internet use
• Meeting strangers or unsafe people online
• Unhealthy eating patterns, or high intake of caffeine to stay awake
• Making many friends who he or she has never actually met in person
• Experiencing anxiety when away from the internet
• Neglect of appearance or hygiene
• Missing money or increased online spending for websites, games, and other internet purchases

Why Do Teens Become Addicted to the Internet?

Every teen is different, just as every internet addiction is different. Some of the reasons your teen cannot break away from the computer may include:

• Anxiety over life, school, achievements, and relationships may make the internet seem more appealing
• Teenagers with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may discover that the internet can hold their attention
• The internet can be an escape from the hormones and emotions of adolescence
• The teenager may feel that he or she can have a different identity online
• The teenager may suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, other anxiety disorders, or depression

How is Internet Addiction Treated?

The most effective treatment for internet addiction is to remove the internet from the teenager’s life. Inpatient treatment removes the teenager from both the internet and the surroundings that allowed the addiction. Inpatient treatment is a form of intensive therapy that allows the teenager to spend an extended amount of time at an overnight facility. Inpatient facilities for internet addiction will provide:

• Medical care
• Nutritious meals
• Counseling
• Group therapy
• Daily activities
• Education

Inpatient treatment is often as comfortable as a hotel stay and provides an opportunity to break the cycle of internet addiction.

Need Help Finding Internet Addiction Treatment for Teenagers?

Are you or your teenager addicted to the internet? Our toll-free number is available 24 hours a day to provide you with more information about internet addiction and treatment programs. You owe it to yourself and your family to learn more about your options.…

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