The internet’s soaring popularity has simplified life for many individuals. One can shop, research information and socially interact without having to leave home. However, some individuals develop an addiction to the internet, which can be just as dangerous as any other addiction.
Criteria for Internet Addiction
The American Psychiatric Association has set certain criteria that an individual must meet to be classified as having internet addiction disorder (IAD). In addition, she must display three or more of these symptoms during a 12-month period to meet these criteria.
Tolerance refers to when the individual has developed a rising need for more time on the internet to gain gratification. Another criteria is if the individual displays two or more of the withdrawal symptoms within days or a month after stopping or slowing internet use. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, trembling, harboring obsessive thoughts about internet activities and dreaming about the Internet. If the individual uses the internet just to avoid withdrawal symptoms, if she uses it longer than intended and if she reduces or abandons close relationships, her job or educational pursuits because of her Internet use, she has met the criteria for IAD.
Internet Addiction Comparability
Kimberly S. Young (Psy.D.) held a study on almost 500 heavy Internet users; the results revealed that IAD is a psychophysiological (deals with thoughts, emotions and behavior) disorder that is closely compared to the behavior exhibited by a pathological gambler. The effects of IAD are just as devastating as those of an alcoholic.
Premise for Internet Addiction
Some people develop addictions based on certain traumas they may have encountered in their childhood or because of specific personality traits or inherited psychological illnesses. These individuals may be at a high risk of developing an addiction to drugs, gambling, sex, shopping or computer-related activities, but may never actually develop an addiction. Conversely, if the individual develops certain stresses at a vulnerable moment in her life, addiction is likely. This premise is true for internet addiction.
Overcoming Internet Addiction
Psychiatrist Ivan Goldberg coined the term internet addiction disorder. According to Goldberg, people are responsible for realizing when a pattern of overuse is forming. Understanding the basic signs is key to recognizing this pattern. If the individual spends too much time on or thinking about the internet, then a problem is developing. He should question why he seeks escape from life through the internet. He should try to sort out the issue instead of running from it. It is recommended that he take the necessary steps to recover from his addiction.
Treatment for Internet Addiction
Julia Bursten & Mark Dombeck, Ph.D. cited on Mentalhealth.net that therapy techniques are recommended to treat IAD. Instead of completely abstaining from internet use, they suggest that the user cuts down on the amount of time he spends on the internet. Individuals addicted to the Internet may have difficulty reducing their usage on their own and may need assistance. Therapy such as Motivational Interviewing may be used to evaluate the addict's motivation level in adjusting his actions and assist him in becoming more motivated to make a permanent change.
Like any other addiction, internet addiction evokes a powerful and adverse effect on the individual, and can lead to broken homes. It is therefore necessary that the individual recognizes her web addiction and takes the necessary steps to fight and overcome it.
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