Internet Addiction Disorder: What is it and How to Get Help

Internet Addiction Disorder was first put forward by Dr. Irving Goldberg as a satirical hoax in 1995 which was based on the diagnosis of compulsive gambling (Wikipedia). Recent studies have shown that some Internet users are beginning to develop problems due to a potential psychophysiological disorder known as Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD). While some of us use the Internet as a source of entertainment and information, others have problems cutting the cable and separating themselves from it to the detriment of interpersonal relations, and disrupting their lives and that of those near to them.

How to Recognize IAD

IAD has been outlined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as including multiple separate symptoms. If any three or more are present during the course of twelve months a person could be diagnosed with IAD:

1. Increased amounts of time spent to gain the same amount of satisfaction and/or lower satisfaction levels from the same level of usage.
2. Withdrawal symptoms that begin to manifest within a month of less usage or no usage. Could include trembling, anxiety, obsessing about the Internet, dreaming about it, voluntary and involuntary typing motions.
3. Internet usage relieves symptoms or is used to avoid them.
4. Internet usage time is often longer than planned or is used more often than expected.
5. A large amount of time is spent on Internet-related activities including: reading about it, researching, using different web software, etc.
6. Internet usage begins to replace other non-Internet activities including work, recreation, and social interactions.
7. Internet usage endangers social relationships, employment or educational opportunities.

More recent research has suggested that there are even more symptoms including being restless or irritable due to lower usage or no Internet usage. Another symptom under consideration is the use of Internet to escape problems or lessening feelings of guilt, anxiety, depression or helplessness. Though not as applicable due to flat rate data plans and broadband in the home, payment of excessive amounts of fees for usage is also being considered as a symptom. Finally, users begin lying to others about how much they use Internet.

Overall IAD's compulsive nature makes it similar to gambling addiction but it can have large scale negative implications in one's life like alcoholism and eating disorders. There has been some debate about whether or not Internet Addiction Disorder exists or if the Internet is simply being used as a scapegoat. The American Psychological Association discussed the topic way back in 1997. However, there has been no official determination on the matter. IAD has not been included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). The American Medical Association refused to recommend to the APA that it be included in the DSM-V. Many believe that the symptoms of IAD should be included in other disorders and that it is not a disorder on its own.

How much is addictive?

Many people don't use Internet at all whereas many students at university log multiple hours a day of usage. Many people work on Internet and spend 8 or more hours a day using it. However, none of that may be addictive or addiction.

The way to determine if it is addiction is to decide if it is becoming detrimental to other areas of one's life. Is it beginning to interfere with your life? Are you finding yourself spending more time using the Internet when you should be doing other things like working or studying? Are you lying to others about how much you're using it? Are you foregoing other activities that you enjoy or should be doing? If you've answered yes to one or more of these questions then you may have some level of Internet addiction.

Where to get help?

There are multiple places that are now offering help for those with Internet Addiction Disorder. Some, ironically, even offer online tests to determine if someone is addicted to the Internet. Centers and programs have sprung up around the world to help addicts get better and they all have websites to find further information.

• Restart Internet Addiction Recovery Program – The first center in the US, near Redmond, California. Offers programs for the treatment of Internet, gaming, texting and video game addiction. Has a 12 step program and offers long-term programs on site.
• Center for Internet Addiction Recovery – Treats multiple versions of IAD including: Cybersex and Cyberporn addiction, Chat room addiction, obsessive role-playing gaming, online gambling, eBay addictions and compulsive gambling. Offer a range of tests to determine addiction levels. Also offers a referral directory of help providers.
• Internet Addiction Help – For Santa Barbara and Southern Cali coastal addicts. Offers outpatient Internet addiction and Cybersex treatment programs. Also have short-term and intensive programs for non-locals and international patients. Also offers range of tests to determine addiction for partners and parents.
• Daily Strength – Offers anonymous support groups. Includes advice, recommendations, allows you to create and track goals and research the latest treatments.

Whether or not IAD is officially recognized as a disorder will determine whether or not insurance companies will begin paying for treatment of it. Until it is recognized there will be no insurance for Internet addicts.

Either way if Internet usage is becoming problematic or you find yourself using it more and more at the expense of other activities it is advisable that you seek help via a licensed mental health professional.