The technology boom of the last several decades has made life fast, convenient, and phenomenal. At the touch of a button you can buy groceries, send messages, watch movies, about learn a new language, and connect with people all over the world. Unfortunately, with new developments in the world, comes new types of dependencies. Internet addiction is one such dependency.

Internet addiction is an impulse control disorder. Internet addiction, while still a dependency, does not involve consuming a substance. However, excessive internet use can be emotionally addicting. The internet can be a mask for face to face human connection. Internet socialization is safer and can seem less stressful for many people.

Signs of internet addiction are:

• Increasing the amount of time spent on the internet
• Constantly thinking about how to get on the internet
• Spending longer on the internet than intended
• Relationship problems
• Occupation or education problems
• Using the internet to escape
• Lying about spending time online

Internet addiction can affect people of all ages and all walks of life. The internet is a necessary component of work, school, and even pleasure, so navigating an internet dependency can be challenging. Once you recognize that you may be dependent on the internet, you may still need to use it for work or education reasons. There are some things you can do to help after you have complete a treatment program:

• Set strict limits – work or school only for the first year
• Read books
• Read the newspaper
• Socialize in person
• Attend support groups- check local hospitals for general support groups or call The Kimberly Center
• Work with a mentor
• Create memories in nature or with friends

The first step towards recovery involves accepting that there is a problem. Many people with internet dependency use alter egos and may even replace human interactions with online interactions. Excessive internet use is a legitimate addiction, but there is help available.

There are treatment options for internet addiction. Treatment can give you a break from the internet and teach you skills to continue recovering. Quitting addictive behaviors can involve withdrawal, so establishing a strong support system is helpful.

At The Kimberly Center, we care about your recovery from internet addiction. Contact us now at 855-4-KCENTER to learn more about what internet addiction treatment involves. We are committed to helping you stop the cycle of addiction through education, treatment, and compassion. At the Kimberly Center, you are in safe hands.