Internet addiction can be used to refer to a wide range of issues, all involving compulsive use of computers during daily life. Many of us spend a great amount of our working and personal time using computers and for this reason it can be extremely difficult to identity Internet addiction, However, if the time you spend on the computer causes trouble within your work-life, home-life, within relationships or simply creates difficulties this may be a sign of a computer addiction.
Internet addiction includes issues such as online gambling addiction, compulsive web browsing, obsessive game playing, cybersex addiction and cyber relationship addiction. If an individual is not able to stop compulsive behaviour of their on free will then seeking help from a qualified therapist can assist them with handling addictive issues and with developing strategies to make positive steps towards breaking the addiction.
Causes of Internet addiction
Internet addiction can form from mental “euphoria” related to online activities such as gambling or pornography. When you gain intense enjoyment or a mental “high” from online activities these feelings create a strong desire to repeat the activity and this can lead to the person forming a habit. When a habit forms it can become incredibly hard to stop which can leads to addiction.
Another aspect of having an addiction is that stopping or quitting the habit can cause withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can be physically and mentally unpleasant which makes continuing the habit and giving in to your craving seem easier.
How addictions affect you
Attempting to manage an addiction can seriously damage your work life and relationships. With addictions relating to substance misuse the addiction may have serious psychological and physical effects on the person addicted. Often an addict uses their addiction as a shield against difficult issues or emotions. Various factors can trigger addictions such as emotional or professional pressure, unemployment and poverty.
