Officially, internet addiction is not a disorder. In fact, health professionals are still not sure if it should be listed as such. But this type of addiction is exhibited in some individuals, especially since the Internet has become a necessity for many professions.

Similar to other kinds of addiction, Internet addiction interferes with one’s lifestyle. An internet addict no longer prioritizes or gives attention to his or her job, relationships, and other responsibilities.

Internet addicts cannot control their time spent online, either through pornography, gaming, chatting, or surfing. They usually feel more comfortable chatting with online peers and spend hours playing networked games. In addition, a balance between spending time online and offline no longer exists, and doing productive things through the Internet is no longer a priority.

Internet addiction is manifested in several ways. One way is through information overload, where in one does excessive web surfing that gets in the way of productivity. This could also get in the way of social gatherings with friends and family.

Internet addiction can also cover cybersex and cyber-relationships. In these instances, the individual excessively uses online pornography and adult chat rooms which can replace real life relationships. Cyber-relationship addiction, on the other hand, happens when one prioritizes online friends instead of their real life friends and family.  Net compulsions are also another form of internet addiction, manifested in the compulsive use of online games, auction sites, and stock trading websites.

Internet addiction also has several symptoms. The most obvious is spending too much online. The hours stretch so long that you lose track of time and have trouble fulfilling responsibilities at work or at home. Addicts also feel isolated from their real life friends and family. They feel that their real life friends “do not understand them like their online peers”.

The addiction also reaches a point where in one becomes defensive of going online. The addict ends up hiding their computer or going online while everyone is asleep.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy offers solutions to treating internet addiction. Although the addiction is not listed as a disorder, therapy sessions and support groups can be set up to help individuals overcome their problems. It is important that the addict’s close friends and family are there to help control and monitor the addiction.

Insight's trained addiction Counsellors can help in the assessment and treatment of potential Internet Addictions in our Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer offices, as well as by phone or Skype Canada wide.

Insight's Counsellors that can help: