Signs of an Internet Addiction
Feb 19, 2024
Internet addiction is an umbrella term for smartphone addiction, social media addiction, or technology addiction. The addiction relates to the unhealthy obsession with the internet. It can become a problem when it interferes with your work, relationships, responsibilities, and health.
The most common types of internet addiction are:
Cybersex - In this case, the addict uses the internet to look at pornography or to cybersex with other people. This can quickly lead to infidelity issues.
Gaming - Some internet addicts spend a large amount of time playing online games or gambling. This can cause financial problems and fallout in their interpersonal relationships.
Information addiction - Some addicts are obsessed with breaking news or online articles for the sake of collecting information. It’s not as harmful as the other addictions, although it can kill time and responsibilities.
Relationship addiction - Internet addicts use chat rooms, message boards, online dating apps, and social media to seek online relationships. They might also use messaging apps like Snapchat or WhatsApp to have online affairs.
Unfortunately, internet addiction is also a controversial topic. There are questions as to whether it’s an actual mental health disorder or whether it originates from pre-existing mental or behavioral problems.
There could be numerous reasons why someone spends so much time on the internet. However, more research is needed to determine the cause of internet addiction.
The American Psychiatric Association says that internet addiction may include one or more of the below-mentioned signs. If you notice that you have three or more of the following, you should consider seeking treatment for your internet addiction.
Preoccupation with being online
You could be someone who’s preoccupied with using the internet. It could be something that you daydream and fantasize about at work or school. Internet addiction can consume your mind to the point when you think about your next online activity or you anxiously await your next internet session.
More time online needed for more satisfaction
You might find that you need more time online to get the “high” or “euphoria” you’re seeking. You spend more time online than you originally intended. As a result, you increase your internet use with incremental amounts of time to achieve that sense of satisfaction.
This causes you to be late to important events or behind on projects. Your friends and family wonder what happened to you or why you’re avoiding them. Your internet addiction could also cut into your work, school, dinner, sleep, and other priorities.
Losing track of time
You might find that you struggle to cut back or control your internet use. Or, maybe you’ve been unsuccessful in stopping your internet use altogether. Some addicts try to cut back by going online during a certain time of the day or taking a hiatus. If you find that you struggle in doing so, you might need help with your internet addiction.
Using the internet as an escape
Some addicts use the internet to escape from real-life situations. Internet use, in general, can provide an escape for everyone, including average users. However, internet addiction becomes a problem when it interferes with every aspect of your life.
Internet addicts often suffer from anxiety, depression, helplessness, and guilt. They could use the internet to achieve a euphoric mood. Some forms of internet addiction that involve cybersex, massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), and online dating apps offer that sense of fantasy and offer a dopamine hit.
Moodiness when internet usage is limited
You might find that you feel anxious, depressed, emotional, irritable moody, or restless when you limit your internet use. You could’ve tried to stop your internet usage altogether but failed. As a result, you could experience impulsive moods and behaviors. This can cause a strain on both your personal and professional relationships.
Unsuccessful attempts to manage internet use
Addicts lose control of their internet habits. They struggle with the ability to control or reduce their internet use. All they think about is going on the internet or being on the internet, which can make their lives unmanageable as a result.
Loss or risk of lost opportunities
Internet addiction can also cause severe loss or loss of opportunities. Some addicts lose their jobs or professions, while others deal with huge financial blows. This is particularly the case when their addiction is related to pornography, cybersex, online gaming, or online shopping.
Back in 2019, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and MentalHealth.gov found that internet addiction is often related to financial loss. Most people with financial issues often go to the internet for help or resolutions. They end up in a deeper hole when they invest in online scams, MLMs, and shady business opportunities. In this case, it would be best to consult the health of a mental health professional.
Hiding internet usage from others
Maybe you find that you hide your internet use from your friends or family. Internet addiction can cause feelings of shame. You might have lied to your friends and family about your internet usage. Some addicts are in denial about their problems.
Even with therapy you could lie to your therapist about your internet involvement. For example, you might lie about the type of internet activities you do, such as cybersex, pornography, gambling, online shopping, or online dating.
During therapy, you conceal the amount of time you spend online. You could also lie about controlling or cutting down your internet use. Therapy is successful if you make it work. You could lie to your therapist about working on your recovery when you’re increasing your internet use.
Treatment for internet addiction
Most experts are against the idea of quitting your use of the internet, especially if it’s impossible. Professional treatment is the best way for a person to develop healthy internet habits and often includes cognitive behavioral therapy.
This type of therapy encourages them to change their behaviors, beliefs, and thoughts that are often associated with anxiety or depression. The education behind CBT is that negative beliefs trigger negative thoughts, which trigger negative feelings and produce unhealthy behaviors.
CBT helps them learn how to moderate or control their internet use. Internet support groups can also help manage your internet addiction. As always, consult with a doctor or mental health professional for more information. Reach out to Birches Health today to get started on your recovery.
Resources:
Internet addiction - Better Health Channel
Financial stress, internet addiction, among most googled mental health issues in NY
Self Help for Gambling Addiction
Apr 29, 2024
Jonathan
Can poker become an addiction?
Apr 27, 2024
Jonathan
Naltrexone for Gambling Addiction
Apr 26, 2024
Jonathan
Understanding the Stages of Gambling Addiction
Apr 25, 2024
Jonathan
What Are The Negative Effects of Gambling
Apr 22, 2024
Jonathan
Gambling Addiction Intervention
Apr 20, 2024
Jonathan
Overview of 12-Step Program for Gambling Addiction
Apr 19, 2024
Jonathan
Support Groups for Gambling Addiction
Apr 16, 2024
Jonathan
Managing Gambling Addiction Relapses
Apr 12, 2024
Jonathan
U.S. Sports Betting Statistics April 2024: Legalization, growth & addiction rising
Apr 12, 2024
Jonathan
My Mom Has a Gambling Addiction: What to Do
Apr 8, 2024
Jonathan
Understanding In-Network and Out-of-Network Providers for Behavioral Addictions
Apr 1, 2024
Jonathan
Has America become a “society of gamblers”?
Mar 28, 2024
Jonathan
How Can I Stop My Child From Gambling
Mar 27, 2024
Jonathan
Birches Health Partners with BettorEdge
Mar 20, 2024
Jonathan
Birches Health Announces Partnership with SaharaBets
Mar 19, 2024
Jonathan
Gambling Addiction Rates Hit All-Time High in U.S.
Mar 13, 2024
Jonathan
Signs of Teen Gambling
Mar 13, 2024
Jonathan
Free Gambling Addiction Treatment
Feb 29, 2024
Jonathan
SNL Sports Betting sketch spotlights real Gambling Addiction issues
Feb 26, 2024
Jonathan
New U.S. Gambling Stats: Record figures as Addiction also grows
Feb 22, 2024
Jonathan
What will be the social costs of increased gambling? Who will pay them?
Feb 19, 2024
Jonathan
Is it Legal to Bet on the Daytona 500?
Feb 16, 2024
Jonathan
Media Takes Note of America's Increase in Problem Gambling
Feb 15, 2024
Jonathan
What are the Psychological Effects of Gambling?
Jan 31, 2024
Jonathan
Is Day Trading Gambling?
Feb 11, 2024
Jonathan
What are the Different Types of Gamblers?
Feb 12, 2024
Jonathan
Understanding Behavior Disorders
Jan 23, 2024
Jonathan
The Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment, And Treatment (GRIT) Act
Jan 14, 2024
Jonathan
What is the Cycle of Addiction and How to Break It
Jan 9, 2024
Jonathan
I Lost All My Money Gambling. What Now?
Dec 29, 2023
Jonathan
Your 2024 New Year's Resolution: Stop Sports Betting and Online Gambling
Dec 24, 2023
Elliott
Why Do Addicts Relapse?
Dec 20, 2023
Jonathan
Is Gambling a Sin?
Dec 18, 2023
Jonathan
Staging a Gambling Intervention for a Loved One
Dec 13, 2023
Jonthan
Signs of Gambling Addiction in a Spouse
Nov 30, 2023
Jonathan
Gambling and Divorce: Statistics and Information
Nov 26, 2023
Jonathan
What is DFS Gambling?
Nov 19, 2023
Jonathan
Addiction Specialist: Helping You Overcome Addiction
Nov 18, 2023
Jonathan
Exploring the Different Types of Gambling
Nov 8, 2023
Jonathan
Technology Addiction: Signs and Treatment
Oct 30, 2023
Jonathan
Is Options Trading Gambling?
Oct 23, 2023
Jonathan
Gambling Addiction and Treatment
Oct 16, 2023
Jonathan
Sex Addiction Treatment and Therapy Options
Oct 14, 2023
Jonathan
Signs of Gambling Addiction
Oct 7, 2023
Jonathan
Is the Stock Market Gambling?
Sep 25, 2023
Jonathan
Tips for Finding a Gambling Rehab Center
Sep 24, 2023
Jonathan
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Pathological Gambling
Sep 23, 2023
Jonathan
What Causes Porn Addiction?
Sep 18, 2023
Jonathan
Video Game Addiction
Sep 16, 2023
Jonathan
Porn Addiction Signs & Symptoms
Sep 11, 2023
Jonathan
Gambling Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms & Signs
Aug 29, 2023
Jonathan
How to Stop Online Gambling
Aug 27, 2023
Jonathan
Does Medicare Cover Gambling Rehab?
Aug 19, 2023
Jonathan
Gambling and Dopamine
Aug 12, 2023
Jonathan
Porn Addiction Counseling
Aug 7, 2023
Jonathan
Is Fantasy Football Gambling?
Jul 24, 2023
Jonathan
Signs of a Day Trading Problem
Jul 19, 2023
Jonathan
Why is Gambling Addictive?
Jul 18, 2023
Jonathan
The Arizona Lottery and Gambling
Jul 16, 2023
Jonathan
Is Poker Gambling?
Jul 15, 2023
Jonathan
Is Crypto Gambling?
Jul 14, 2023
Jonathan
Gambling and Sports Betting Among College Students
Jul 8, 2023
Jonathan
Updates Made to Gambling Disorder Clinical Criteria Between DSM-III, DSM-IV, and DSM-5
Jul 8, 2023
Cara Anderson
Combatting Gambling and Alcohol Addiction
Jun 30, 2023
Jonathan
Medication for Gambling Addiction
Jun 27, 2023
Jonathan
The Seven Types of Gamblers: Are You One of Them?
Jun 25, 2023
Elliott Rapaport
10 Questions to Ask If You Think Your Loved One Has a Gambling Problem
Jun 24, 2023
Cara Anderson
Exploring the History of Gambling in the US
Jun 17, 2023
Elliott Rapaport
Gambling Treatment in Arizona
Jun 15, 2023
Jonathan
Voluntary Self Exclusion to Stop Online Gambling
Jun 15, 2023
Cara Anderson
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Gambling Treatment?
Jun 13, 2023
Jonathan
Gambling Addiction Hotline
Jun 5, 2023
Jonathan
How to Stop Gambling
Jun 1, 2023
Jonathan
Can Gambling Addiction Be Cured?
May 31, 2023
Jonathan
Why Is Gambling So Addictive?
May 30, 2023
Elliott Rapaport
Abilify and Compulsive Gambling
May 26, 2023
Jonathan
How to Stop Gambling: Strategies for Regaining Control
May 21, 2023
Cara Anderson
How to Stop Gambling and Save Money
May 18, 2023
Cara Anderson
How to Help Someone with a Gambling Addiction
May 16, 2023
Elliott Rapaport
Cryptocurrency Addiction
May 9, 2023
Tobias Jackson
How Day Trading Can Create a Dangerous Addiction
May 4, 2023
Elliott Rapaport
How Addictive Memes Have Fueled Problem Gamblers
May 2, 2023
Elliott Rapaport
Clinical Screening Tools and Quizzes to Answer the Question: "Do I have a Gambling Problem?"
May 1, 2023
Tobias Jackson
Insurance Coverage for Gambling Addiction in 2023
Apr 29, 2023
Elliott Rapaport
Helping a Loved One with a Gambling Addiction
Apr 27, 2023
Cara Anderson
Self Care for Problem Gamblers
Apr 26, 2023
Cara Anderson
Glamorized Gambling and What To Be Aware Of
Apr 24, 2023
Elliott Rapaport
What is Problem Gambling?
Apr 20, 2023