What Is an Internet Addiction?

The Internet has become a worldwide phenomenon used by children and adults for a variety of reasons. It is a convenient way of retrieving information, conducting business transactions and connecting with others. Unfortunately, some individuals develop an addiction to the Internet, which can be difficult to overcome.

The Inception

• Psychologist Kimberly S. Young was the first to conduct studies on Internet addiction. In 1996, she presented her research paper, Internet Addiction: The Emergence of a New Disorder, at the American Psychological Association's yearly conference in Toronto. Netaddiction.com cites that Internet addiction is a serious illness that is being considered for inclusion in the upcoming revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).

Diagnosis

• Before an individual develops an Internet addiction, he may begin using the web on a casual basis, then continue his use in unhealthy ways. According to the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, many individuals feel that increased Internet use is one of the main contributors of Internet addiction; however, that factor is not as important as how the Internet use has interfered with the individual's daily functioning.

  Netaddiction.com states that to be diagnosed with Internet addiction, an individual must answer yes to five of the following questions: Are you preoccupied with the Internet? Do you feel it necessary to use the Internet for increasing periods of time to gain satisfaction? Have you made several unsuccessful attempts to manage, reduce or cease your Internet use? Do you encounter restlessness, depression or moodiness when you try to reduce or stop your Internet use? Do you stay on the web longer than you anticipated? Have you jeopardized or lost significant relationships or jobs due to your Internet use? Have you lied to others to hide the extent of your Internet use? Do you use the Internet to escape from your problems?

Causes

• According to the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, many factors can cause Internet addiction. Similar to a shopping addict who experiences euphoria when she goes on a spending spree, an individual suffering from Internet addiction may feel a "rush" when he turns on his computer and while browsing his favorite websites, resulting in chemical changes to his body. Biologically, there may be a mixture of genes that causes the individual to be vulnerable to addictive behaviors, just as an individual's genes can impact his susceptibility to alcohol.

Addiction Likelihood

• In her book, Caught in the Net: How to Recognize the Signs of Internet Addiction--and a Winning Strategy for Recovery, Dr. Young states that many Internet addicts suffer from substantial emotional issues before even going online. The Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders also cites that an individual suffering from one type of addiction may be prone to develop another, such as Internet addiction. Individuals with other mental disorders (e.g. depression symptoms) may use the Internet to self-medicate in a manner that is similar to individuals who use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate their mental disorder symptoms.

Treatment Facilities

• According to Dr. Young, help for Internet addiction is beginning to blossom. In Peoria, Illinois, and in Belmont, Massachusetts, clinics are available to treat Internet addiction. In addition, students at the University of Maryland and the University of Texas can attend counseling and seminars to assist them in managing their Internet addiction. Dr. Young adds that some mental health professionals are reluctant to accept and support Internet addicts, advising them to simply "turn off the computer."