Internet Addiction

Internet addiction disorder, as a diagnosis, is still in its infancy.  Internet addiction does not appear in the DSM-IV and no research has yet established that there is a disorder of Internet addiction that is separable from problems such as loneliness, problem gambling, sexual addiction, or addiction to pornography. However, professionals recognize that Internet abuse is a problem that affects many people and each month additional research is being conducted to explore the ways people use and misuse the Internet.

Use of the internet can definitely disrupt one's academic, social, financial and occupational life the same way other well-documented addictions like pathological gambling, sexual addiction, eating disorder, and alcoholism can. 

Addiction Disorder (IAD) is characterized by some or all of the following:

*Feel preoccupied with the internet
*Feel a need to use the internet with increasing amounts of time to achieve satisfaction
*Have an inability to control your internet use
*Feel restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use
*Use the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving feelings of depression, helplessness, guilt, or anxiety.
*Lie to family members or friends to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet
*Jeopardize or risk the loss of a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the Internet
*Keep returning even after spending an excessive amount of money on on-line fees
*Go through withdrawal when offline
*Stay on-line longer than originally intended

If the answer to one or more of the following questions is yes, you might be suffering from Internet Addiction. Internet

*Are you obsessive and compulsive in your use of the internet? 
*Do you devote time to your online pursuits that would better be devoted to your family or career? 
*Do stay up late or you get up in the early hours of the morning to check your email, your favorite website, or scan for exciting websites?

If you think that you might be suffering from internet addiction, you have lots of company.   An interesting study (apa.org/monitor) was conducted by David Greenfield, in association with ABC news.

The study found that found that nearly 11 million users suffer from some type of internet addiction. The most answered question on the questionnaire that he distributed was about using the internet as a form of escape from everyday problems. About a third said they use the Internet as a form of escape or to alter their mood on a regular basis. Greenfield found that 5.7 percent of his sample met the criteria for compulsive Internet use. Study participants who met Greenfield's criteria (adapted from criteria for compulsive gambling) were particularly hooked on chat rooms, pornography, online shopping and e-mail. The Greenfield study found that 75 percent of "addicts" said they had gained "feelings of intimacy" for someone they'd met online, compared to 38 percent of "nonaddicts."

Of those who met Greenfield's criteria for Internet addiction, 62 percent said they regularly logged on to pornography sites, spending an average of four hours a week viewing the material. And 37.5 percent of that group said that they masturbated while online. The available research leads psychologists to question whether those involved in cybersex have a sexual addiction, or whether they otherwise wouldn't engage in illicit sexual encounters but find the Internet an easy medium in which to experiment. It appears that the Internet seems to invite both genders to experiment in ways they might otherwise not.

Precisely what is an "Internet addiction disorder" (IAD) is still difficult to determine at this time. What many people online who think they are addicted may be suffering from is the desire to not want to deal with other problems in their lives. These problems may be a mental disorder (depression, anxiety, etc.), a serious health problem or disability, or a relationship problem.

However, whatever it may ultimately be called, overuse and misuse of the Internet is a problem for many people.  But remember it is not the technology itself that is the problem, but it is the user and his/her behavior that is problematic. And behaviors are treatable by psychotherapy and techniques such as reality therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

The more you understand about internet addiction and other addictions, the better you can cope with them and with related problems. Reaching out for information and assistance can help you live a healthier and more fulfilling life. People who suffer from an internet addictionand otherproblems can get help from a mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker. For more information about internet addiction and other addictions, please click on the linked websites listed below.

If you would like personal assistance, and the office hours of typical therapists and counselors do not fit your schedule, life style or personal needs, Dr Vince Berger may have the solution to your problems.

Dr Berger has combined the "old days" when a doctor literally came to your home, with 21st century technology. By using office appointments, telephone consultations, email, instant messages, teleconferences, and the willingness to travel and meet with you personally in your home, office, or other location,  Dr Berger is available to help you anytime and anywhere, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you are a new client, contact Dr Berger now to arrange your free initial consultation.  You will reach Dr Berger or his private message center. Once you become an existing client, you will be given a  pager  number where you can reach Dr Berger whenever you need him. Quite literally, Dr. Berger offers what some people in the 21st century need most, professional and personal assistance anytime and anywhere.