Internet Addiction is a growing problem for much of today’s youth. It is not uncommon for sufferers to spend 10, 20 or even 30 hours at a time engaged in online activities. All this time online causes real world relationships to suffer, often causing problems at work, home and school.

What is Internet Addiction?

Internet Addiction occurs when a user is online so much that negative effects occur in the user’s real life. Like chemical addiction; the Internet Abuser feels good while online, and will find ways to continue the process. Real life responsibilities fade, resulting in difficulties in many relationships. The Internet abuser justifies this time, and does not often consider themselves addicted. This can occur for months and even years, while the Internet addict feels the excessive time online is both normal and useful.

Internet Addiction is personal to me, as I am an Internet Addict. For six years, I spent 10-16 hours a day playing an online game. During this period, my grades in college were not as they should have been, and I had few real life relationships. My life was the game; my real life existed so I may better live online. To me, Internet Addiction occurred because I got something out of the online game I was not getting in real life. This is often the case for most Internet Addicts.

Is Internet Addiction a Classified Disorder?

As of now, Internet Addiction is not a classified disorder within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV-TR). There is no current plan to include Internet Addiction within the next version of the DSM. However, in my experience, Internet Addiction is a real, severe disorder that is just as harmful as chemical drugs. Instead of physiological symptoms; Internet Addicts experience psychological symptoms which are just as harmful.

How do you classify Internet Addiction?

To me, Internet Addiction is a term that covers numerous conditions, including: Internet Gaming Addiction, Internet Gambling Addiction, Online Sex Addiction, and Online Multimedia Addiction. These conditions all use the Internet as the medium of contact, which is why I classify them together. I treat all conditions, as I have extensive experience with the medium.

How do you treat Internet Addiction?

First, I work with the client to determine just how extensive the problem is. I usually give the user the Internet Addiction Test, developed by Kimberly Young. With this test, and my own questions, I can determine how much of a problem the addiction is currently impacting the client. Next, I work with the client to change their behaviors in order to reduce their time online. During this process, I work to determine the need not being met, and finding real life alternatives to meet this need.

I work to change the way the client views the Internet, and how to shape their behaviors to match this new viewpoint. I also work on helping the client repair the damaged relationships caused by their excessive time online. Skills training may be required, as the client may need to learn how to live within the real world again. This may include helping the client find a job that uses little time online, to helping the client learn how to control and monitor their time online. Overall, I help the client gain insight into why they became addicted to the Internet, and also to work on how they view and use the Internet.

How can I determine if I have a problem?

First, ask yourself how much time you spend online. Next, determine if you are neglecting responsibilities, such as work, school, or family commitments. If you feel you are ignoring responsibilities while spending large amounts of time online, then you may have a problem.

I suggest taking the Internet Addiction Test, developed by Kimberly Young. The test consists of 20 multiple choice questions designed to measure possible Internet Addiction. The test scores and interprets your results. The higher the score, the more problematic the Internet has become for you. If you receive a high score, or feel you need help stopping, find a mental health professional. I specialize in Internet Addiction, as I know what it is like to be addicted. I would be willing to work with you in stopping this addiction. If you would like more information, or want to schedule an appointment, contact me.