Internet Addiction


Internet Addiction
in Lexington, Richmond & Frankfort KY


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What is Internet Addiction?

Internet addiction is defined as any online-related, compulsive behavior that interferes with normal living and causes severe stress on family, friends, loved ones, and one’s work environment. For people suffering from Internet addiction, the Internet becomes the organizing principle of addict’s life, providing a high and causing the addict to become dependent on it to feel normal. Internet addicts struggle to control their behaviors, and experience despair over their constant failure to do so. 

Some Internet users may develop an emotional attachment to online friends and activities they create on their computer screens. Internet users may enjoy aspects of the Internet that allow them to meet, socialize, and exchange ideas through the use of chat rooms, social networking websites, or "virtual communities." Other Internet users spend endless hours researching topics of interest online or blogging.

Signs & Symptoms

No single behavior pattern defines Internet addiction. It is important to note that it is not the actual time spent online that determines if you have a problem, but rather how that time you spend impacts your life. These behaviors, when they have taken control of the person’s life and become unmanageable, include lead to Internet addiction. 

Common consequences of Internet addiction include:
  • Information overload - too much online surfing leads to decreased productivity at work and fewer interactions with family members.
  • Compulsions - excessive time spent in online activities such as gaming or trading of stocks can lead to financial strain. 
  • Cybersex addiction - too much surfing of porn sites, which often affects real-life relationships.
  • Cyber-relationship addiction - excessive use of social networking sites to create relationships rather than spending time with family or friends may destroy real-life relationships.
Common symptoms of Internet addiction:
  • Feelings of guilt
  • Preoccupation with being online
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Dishonesty and hiding the nature of your online behavior
  • Inability to control your online behavior
  • Euphoric feelings when in front of the computer
  • Unable to keep schedules
  • No sense of time
  • Isolation
  • Defensiveness
  • Avoiding doing work
  • Agitation
Characteristics associated with Internet addiction:
  • Backache
  • Headaches
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Disturbances in sleep
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Blurred or strained vision
Diagnosis & Treatment Options

Treatment options for Internet addicts include inpatient, outpatient, aftercare support, and self-help groups to help them understand the many facets associated with Internet addiction. Since the Internet cannot be completely avoided, treatment for Internet addiction focuses on moderation and controlled use of the Internet. Typically, cognitive-behavioral techniques are used to achieve healthy moderation and control of the Internet, along with a comprehensive psychosocial approach to address the underlying problems in a person’s life creating the need to use the Internet as a way of escape

There Is Hope!

Any addiction is no laughing matter. It affects not only the addict but also everyone who surrounds them. If you think you need help for Internet or computer addiction, or someone you know needs assistance to stop this addiction, we can help. Contact our office for more information, or visit the links below.

What is therapy?

Therapy is more long-term than counseling and focuses on a broader range of issues. The underlying principle is that a person's patterns of thinking and unconscious awareness affect the way that person interacts with the world. The goal is to uncover those patterns and become aware of their effect and then learn new, healthier ways to think and interact.
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