Know Your Limit!

How to Help a Computer-Obsessed Friend

​

• Be a good role model. Manage the computer use in your own life.

• Introduce them to other people who handle their computer use sensibly.

• Get them involved in non-computer related fun.

• Talk to your friend about your concerns.

• Support their desire for change if they think they have a problem.

• Encourage them to seek professional counseling.

​

Test or Self-Assessment

 

A lot of studies and surveys are being conducted to measure the extent of this type of addiction. Dr. Kimberly S. Young has created a questionnaire based on other disorders to assess levels of addiction. It is the Internet Addict Diagnostic Questionnaire or IADQ. Answering positively to five out of the eight questions may be indicative of an online addiction. Here are the questions:

​

• Are you preoccupied with using the Internet? Do you think about your previous or future online activity?

• Do you have the need to be online longer to be satisfied?

• Have you made repeated but unsuccessful attempts to cut back, stop or control your Internet use?

• Do you become moody, restless, irritable or depressed when you stop or decrease your Internet use?

• Is your time spent online longer than what you originally planned?

• Did your online use negatively affect a significant relationship, education, career or job?

• Do you conceal the extent of your Internet usage from your therapist, family or others?

• Does the Internet serve as an escape from problems or relief from a bad mood?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medication: Are There Drug Options for Internet/Computer Addictions?

 

These addictions may be triggered by underlying emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety, so medications used for those conditions can be given in the hope that treating the underlying cause will cause a cessation of the Internet or computer addiction. These medications are antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs.

Drugs: Possible Options

 

When the addiction gets out of control, medications are sometimes needed to keep Internet addicts from harming themselves by staying online too long. Escitalopram is a drug option that has been shown to be effective for Internet addiction, according to studies by Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Medication Side Effects

As with all other medications for psychological disorders, taking a medication for online addiction may cause adverse side effects. It’s important to consult with your doctor regarding any potential side effects prior to starting any medication.

​

Steps You Can Take to Help Someone With a Computer or Internet Addiction

 

Tips for helping someone who is addicted to a computer or the Internet:

• Introduce the Internet addict to other people who handle their use of the Internet reasonably.

• Serve as a good role model for the Internet addict by properly managing your own use of computers and the Internet.

• Support a person’s desire for change if it appears that he or she is an Internet addict.

• Talk to the person about your concerns that he or she may be an Internet addict.

• Get the person involved in interests that aren’t related to the Internet.

• Encourage an Internet addict to seek professional counseling.

​

Talking to Someone With Online Addiction Problems

One of the most important things to remember when talking to Internet addicts is that you should listen more than talk. Listen without criticizing or interrupting, even when you don’t agree with the behavior. Try to understand what the addiction is like from the addict’s point of view, and be consistent by ensuring that your words agree with your actions. For example, don’t say that you think someone has an Internet addiction and then play an online game with that person.

​

Be predictable in your words and deeds regarding Internet addiction. Internet addicts can exhibit erratic behavior, especially when they feel stress. Your predictable behavior can reduce that stress and help them reduce their Internet usage.

​

Learning to Cope With Internet Addiction

The most important step in coping with an Internet addiction is admitting the issue to yourself. You should also tell your family members about your addiction so they can help you. It’s particularly difficult to deal with an Internet addiction when you need to use the Internet for work or school. This may require you to only access the sites you need, rather than the sites you use for entertainment.

 

Instant messaging programs and social networking sites are important to avoid if you’re an Internet addict. You may also benefit by only accessing the Internet from public sites that place restrictions on your usage. 

 

How to Treat Internet Dependency

An Internet dependency often results from the lack of accountability or limits regarding Internet usage. The most common strategies for treating a dependency on the Internet include cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling, and software that limits the user’s time on the Internet. Residential treatment centers that specialize in weaning patients from the use of computers are also becoming more common, with typical programs ranging in length from 30 to 60 days.

​

Deciding Between Internet/Computer Addiction Solutions

Cognitive behavioral therapy consists of a specific set of steps that help you change the way you view your Internet usage. This allows you to stop your compulsive behavior by finding healthier ways of dealing with the emotions that cause you to use the Internet excessively. Group therapy is also a possible treatment for Internet addiction. These sessions should take place in person rather than in online chat rooms.

​

​