Counseling for Internet Addiction
Internet Addiction Impacts Men And Women
Just one question: has the time you or a loved one spent on the internet causing problems? Lack of interest in interacting with live friends and family causing relationship strain or worse; late to or missing appointments, including activities and work; noticing physical ailments from the length or time spending online such as back and neck pain, hand pain, eye strain, etc.? If the answer to one or more of these questions is yes, you are likely dealing with an internet addiction. It’s an all-to-common issue in modern society, but it is causing life-disrupting problems for people. If this is a problem for you, please reach out to me for a consultation, and we can develop a treatment strategy to help you recover, heal your relationships and re-focus on your life’s priorities.
Internet addiction is an impulse control disorder, much like pathological gambling. What distinguishes Internet addiction from normal Internet use? Consider the following as primary signs of Internet addiction:
- Steadily increased amounts of time on the Internet in the attempt to achieve satisfaction
- Repeated and unsuccessful efforts to cut back or stop Internet use
- Feelings of restlessness and irritability when attempting to cut down use of the Internet
- Always online longer than originally intended
- Jeopardized loss of significant relationships and career opportunities because of Internet use
- Lying to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet
- People suffering from Internet addiction use the virtual world as the primary way to connect with other people, often as a substitute for real-life human connection. Additionally, they may hide behind on-line personas or profiles where they are able to alter their identities and pretend to be someone they are not.
Internet addiction can cause physical problems such as: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, dry eyes, backaches, severe headaches, and eating and sleep disturbance.
People addicted to the Internet often struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues and sometimes even other addictive behaviors. They turn to the Internet in an attempt to escape their reality that they don’t consider optimal, but the compulsive use only exacerbates problems.
Internet addiction is best treated with the help of an addiction specialist. If you’d like more information, I welcome the opportunity to hear about what you’re experiencing.
(727) 394-7325
Personal and Confidential Counseling for
all Addictive Behavoirs