Internet Addiction Treatment
Signs of Addiction and Treatment Advice for Internet Addicts
Psychologists who classify Internet addictions as extreme addictive disorders and compare them to alcohol addictions are taking Internet surfing to a whole new level.
How do you know if you're addicted to the Internet? You compulsively check your e-mail every couple of hours, feel anxious when you're offline, and have poor relationships because of the amount of time you spend surfing the Web.
Internet addiction may be the newest extreme addictive disorder
According to ScienceDaily, "Internet addiction is currently classified by mental health professionals as an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, a mild to severe mental health condition that results in an urge to engage in ritualistic thoughts and behavior, such as excessive hand washing or, in the case of the internet, web surfing." (from What Exactly is 'Internet Addiction'? And What is the Treatment? August 2007).
An addiction to the Internet is bigger than an urge – it's a deep craving. Dr Pinhas Dannon from the Tel Aviv University thinks Internet addiction should be classified with other extreme addictive disorders, such as drug addiction or alcohol addiction.
Symptoms of Internet addiction
The symptoms of Internet addiction are "vague and often difficult to diagnose." Depression, anxiety, isolation, loss of productivity, and sleeplessness are possible symptoms of Internet addiction.
Other research shows an addiction to the Internet could cause physical symptoms such as the "cyber shakes" – similar to someone struggling with an alcohol addiction. Headaches, dry eyes and carpal tunnel syndrome could result – and so could lower productivity, lower grades, and even financial debt. Depending on the focus of the Internet addiction (say, Internet gambling or online emotional intimacy), divorce or job loss could result.
People at greatest risk for Internet addiction
Teenagers and women whose children have recently moved out are at the greatest risk of struggling with addiction to the Internet. Men and women unused to the loneliness of the "empty nest" may have more time on their hands, and turn to the Internet out of boredom.
According to some mental health professionals, the Internet will take more of our time and energy so more and more people will need Internet addiction treatment.
Internet addiction treatment
Getting Internet addiction help could include talk therapy or prescription medications. Dr Dannon recommends the same type of medications that help people stop kleptomania or a gambling addiction, such as serotonin blockers. An Internet addiction is a serious mental health condition, not simply a hobby or way to pass the lunch hour.
The more Internet addiction is recognized as an extreme addictive disorder, the more efficiently Internet addicts can be treated.
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