Net Addiction Center is a public project aiming to inform and educate about the excessive usage of internet and technology. Besides the informative part, we are looking to help and support people that have internet related addiction problems such as gambling, online gaming, pornography and social media dependency. 

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What is internet addiction?

 

Internet addiction disorder(IAD) is a serious problem involving the inability to control the use of various kinds of technology, in particular the Internet, smartphones, tablets and social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

Now that it’s effortless to text and access the Web and social media from almost anywhere, more people are dependent on communicating via internet. So it’s no surprise that we are seeing an increase in addictive tendencies that involve technology.

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Some Internet users may develop an emotional attachment to on line friends and activities they create on their computer screens or smart phone devices. Internet users may enjoy aspects of the Internet that allow them to meet, socialize, and exchange ideas through the use of chat rooms, social networking websites, or "virtual communities."   Other Internet users spend endless hours researching topics of interest Online or "blogging". 

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Similar to other addictions, those suffering from Internet addiction disorder use the virtual fantasy world to connect with real people through the Internet, as a substitution for real life human connection, which they are unable to achieve normally.

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What are symptoms of Internet addiction?

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• Compulsive checking of text messages

• Frequent changing of Facebook status and uploading of “selfies”

• A feeling of euphoria while on the Web

• Social withdrawal

• Loss of interest in activities that don’t involve a computer, phone or gadget

• Feelings of restlessness when unable to go online

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What are the effects?

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Internet addiction results in personal, family, academic, financial, and occupational problems that are characteristic of other addictions.  Impairments of real life relationships are disrupted as a result of excessive use of the Internet.  Individuals suffering from Internet addiction spend more time in solitary seclusion, spend less time with real people in their lives, and are often viewed as socially awkward. Arguments may result due to the volume of time spent on-line.  Those suffering from Internet addiction may attempt to conceal the amount of time spent on-line, which results in distrust and the disturbance of quality in once stable relationships.

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Some suffering from Internet addiction may create on-line profiles where they are able to alter their identities and pretend to be someone other than himself or herself.  Those at highest risk for creation of a secret life are those who suffer from low-self esteem feelings of inadequacy, and fear of disapproval.  Such negative self-concepts lead to clinical problems of depression and anxiety.

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Many persons who attempt to quit their Internet use experience withdrawal including: anger, depression, relief, mood swings, anxiety, fear, irritability, sadness, loneliness, boredom, restlessness, procrastination, and upset stomach.  Being addicted to the Internet can also cause physical discomfort or medical problems such as: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, dry eyes, backaches, severe headaches, eating irregularities, (such as skipping meals), failure to attend to personal hygiene, and sleep disturbance.

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How can someone get help?

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The first step is to determine if there is a problem.  One of our counselors which is trained in identification and treatment of Internet addiction can effectively perform an assessment to determine what level of care is most appropriate.  For a free confidential assessment, you can get in touch with us via our contact page. An assessment can be completed in 24 to 48 hours depending on our counselors availability. Once this is done, we will discuss together about your particular situation and will look into further steps and solutions.

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