Ways to Overcome Internet Addiction

Internet addiction is real disorder that can cause serious social issues, according to netaddiction.com. The prevalence of Internet addiction and the toll it takes has led researchers to consider adding it to the Diagnostic and Statistical of Mental Illnesses (DSM-V), according to internet-addiction-info.com.



Spending excessive amounts of time on the Internet leads to isolation, causes problems with family and friends and becomes a costly endeavor. Recognizing the signs is the first step in the process of overcoming Internet addiction.

Signs of Addiction

• Some of the signs of Internet addiction include being preoccupied with the Internet, feeling the need to go online numerous times during the day to produce a feeling of satisfaction, lying to family members and friends about the amount of time you spend online, and staying online longer than you originally planned, according to netaddiction.com.

  The signs of Internet addiction mimic other addictions and impulse-control disorders. Dr. Kimberly Young, the director of the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery, designed the Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire to aid in diagnosing Internet addiction.

Treatment Options

• Professional treatment for Internet addiction is limited because the disorder was still relatively new in 2010. If cybersex consumes the bulk of your Internet browsing, you can attend a Sex Addicts Anonymous meeting. A few Internet addiction support groups exist online but because they can fortify Internet addiction, use them with caution.

  Psychotherapy can help combat Internet addiction. A therapist helps Internet addicts develop coping skills to change their habits and attitudes towards the Internet. Since the Internet is a major part of culture, and is increasingly important in business transactions and communication, learning to balance Internet time with other areas of life is important.

Self-help Treatment Options

• Once you realize you may have a problem with Internet addiction, you can start to fix the problem. There are plenty of self-help treatment options for those who want to tackle Internet addiction on their own, according to helpguide.org. Identifying a good social support system is important. Real life relationships will help rebuild your social interaction skills. Schedule social time by signing up for a class, reading club or arranging a weekly meeting time with loved ones.

  Compulsive Internet usage symbolizes a way to relax for some. Spending time on the Internet can decrease loneliness for people who suffer from shyness or feel isolated from the people they love. Other Internet addicts go online to escape their current state of reality. Whatever the reason for the Internet addiction, discovering the underlying causes for the addiction is key to recovery and creating a healthy relationship with the Internet.