   People call it the "Information Age" and the "World Wide Web".  Internet addiction affects an increasing number of individuals today. Many of us see the world and our lives becoming more hurried by feeling overloaded with stress and anxiety. Addictive behavior becomes a problem when self-regulation and self-deception occurs. Using the Internet as a tool has proven to be helpful when exchanging information for the sake of convenience, timeliness and enjoyment.  Notably these inventions have been used for good, but unfortunately have contributed to obsessive thinking and compulsive behavior for others that often requires help in order to escape the web of what can result in emotional entanglement.
   The amount of time and energy put into "surfing the net" may also contribute to some of the consequences that are similar to other addictions that include the use of alcohol, other drugs, pornography, work or gambling. This growing concern deserves attention. Personal awareness and education are a proven means for preventing what may start out as innocent fun, but inadvertently turns into a more serious problem. The process of addiction often happens without noticing the warning signs. The signs and symptoms of Internet addiction, like any addiction can take control over our lives. The age of information is a revolution that can affect society like a whirlwind that potentially is without limits.
   Internet addiction is by definition like many other addictions. People can experience a built up of tolerance as well as show withdrawal symptoms that leads to problems that can interfer with daily life just like chemical dependency such as with alcoholism, workaholism or spendaholism. Internet addiction is like having a personal relationship with a machine or object that promotes an emotional connection that is very difficult to let go of.
   The similarities with Internet addiction and chemical dependency are striking. They are, using the Internet more than intended, to relieve tension, to control or avoid feelings such as anxiety or depressive mood, to manage the feelings of boredom or the feelings associated with guilt or shame. Other warning signs include reducing important social, occupational or recreational activities with a preference towards being "on-line". Another question some have is asking how much time their spouse is spending on the Internet compared to neglecting things at work or at home. Are your child's grades suffering because of the amount of time spent playing video games? Others are exposed because of "using" behavior that jeopardizes the quality of their relationships with others or even worse with further loss that results in separation or even divorce. Yet the list goes on with what people experience in their behavior that is unintended at first, but sooner or later, if there are those addictive tendencies at work, the result can be more catastrophic that results in emotional, spiritual or even physical health problems.
   Depending on the indivdual level of susceptibility to addiction, problems with overusing the Internet can be assessed in order to determine whether there is in fact a problem. The outcome from the choices we make on a daily basis are crucial. If you would be interested to find out more about Internet addiction, please log on to: www.netaddiction.com/resources/internet_addiction_test.htm
   Dr. Robin A. Williams, Ph.D. is an Addiction Expert, Life Coach and Speaker with nearly 30 years of experience in treating people with mental health problems and problems associated with addictive behavior. Visit Dr. Williams' websites at: www.rwacounseling.com or christiancounselingandaddictivehelp.com to learn more about his outpatient practice.
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   The amount of time and energy put into "surfing the net" may also contribute to some of the consequences that are similar to other addictions that include the use of alcohol, other drugs, pornography, work or gambling. This growing concern deserves attention. Personal awareness and education are a proven means for preventing what may start out as innocent fun, but inadvertently turns into a more serious problem. The process of addiction often happens without noticing the warning signs. The signs and symptoms of Internet addiction, like any addiction can take control over our lives. The age of information is a revolution that can affect society like a whirlwind that potentially is without limits.
   Internet addiction is by definition like many other addictions. People can experience a built up of tolerance as well as show withdrawal symptoms that leads to problems that can interfer with daily life just like chemical dependency such as with alcoholism, workaholism or spendaholism. Internet addiction is like having a personal relationship with a machine or object that promotes an emotional connection that is very difficult to let go of.
   The similarities with Internet addiction and chemical dependency are striking. They are, using the Internet more than intended, to relieve tension, to control or avoid feelings such as anxiety or depressive mood, to manage the feelings of boredom or the feelings associated with guilt or shame. Other warning signs include reducing important social, occupational or recreational activities with a preference towards being "on-line". Another question some have is asking how much time their spouse is spending on the Internet compared to neglecting things at work or at home. Are your child's grades suffering because of the amount of time spent playing video games? Others are exposed because of "using" behavior that jeopardizes the quality of their relationships with others or even worse with further loss that results in separation or even divorce. Yet the list goes on with what people experience in their behavior that is unintended at first, but sooner or later, if there are those addictive tendencies at work, the result can be more catastrophic that results in emotional, spiritual or even physical health problems.
   Depending on the indivdual level of susceptibility to addiction, problems with overusing the Internet can be assessed in order to determine whether there is in fact a problem. The outcome from the choices we make on a daily basis are crucial. If you would be interested to find out more about Internet addiction, please log on to: www.netaddiction.com/resources/internet_addiction_test.htm
   Dr. Robin A. Williams, Ph.D. is an Addiction Expert, Life Coach and Speaker with nearly 30 years of experience in treating people with mental health problems and problems associated with addictive behavior. Visit Dr. Williams' websites at: www.rwacounseling.com or christiancounselingandaddictivehelp.com to learn more about his outpatient practice.
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