Internet Addiction

Do you feel preoccupied with the Internet? Do you anticipate your next online session? Do you feel the need to use the Internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction? Have you tried unsuccessfully to control, reduce, or stop using the Internet? Do you feel aimless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to reduce your Internet use? Do you stay online longer than originally intended? Have significant relationships, job, educational, or career opportunity been affected by your Internet use? Have you lied to your spouse, other family members, or others to hide the scope of your Internet involvement? Do you use the Internet as a way of escaping from problems?

You may have developed an emotional attachment to online games, friends, and activities on your computer screen. You may be spending endless hours researching topics of interest online or blogging. Your Internet use may have become problematic. Those suffering from “Internet addiction” use the virtual fantasy world to connect with real people through the Internet. Compulsive Internet use results in personal, family, academic, financial, and occupational problems.

Don’t wait. Seek help now. Scheduling an appointment with a qualified therapist is a courageous first step.

Learn more about internet addiction and how it affects the brain