Addiction Treatment for Internet Overuse
What is it?
Overuse of the internet or of “bring online” is a relatively new problem. There are a variety of impulse-control problems that fall under this broad category, they might include:
- Cybersex -compulsive use of pornography, adult chat rooms, or adult fantasy role-play sites while online.
- Cyber-Relationship - social networking, texting, chat rooms and messaging to the point where virtual, online friends become more important than in-person or “real world” relationships.
- Net Compulsions - such as compulsive online gaming, gambling or auction sites such as eBay.
- Information Overload - compulsive web surfing or database searching
- Computer Addiction - obsessive playing of off-line computer games, like Solitaire or Minesweeper, or obsessive computer programming.
Internet Addict Diagnostic Questionnaire
- Are you preoccupied with using the Internet? Do you think about your previous or future online activity?
- Do you conceal the extent of your Internet usage from your therapist, family or others?
- Do you have the need to be online longer to be satisfied?
- Have you made repeated but unsuccessful attempts to cut back, stop or control your Internet use?
- Do you become moody, restless, irritable or depressed when you stop or decrease your Internet use?
- Is your time spent online longer than what you originally planned?
- Did your online use negatively affect a significant relationship, education, career or job?
- Does the Internet serve as an escape from problems or relief from a bad mood?
Answering "yes" to more than 5 of these questions indicated problems that may require assistance to stop. If you would like help, please contact us at 807-684-5100.
IADQ created by Dr. Kimberly Young .