Internet Addiction Disorder

Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is a disorder realized by Ivan Goldberg, M.D., in 1995. It is compared to pathological gambling as diagnosed by the DSM-IV, (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). It is characterized by seven basic diagnostic criteria, which includes increasing tolerance of long online hours, withdrawal, and unsuccessful efforts to control Internet use. Some mental health professionals recognize Internet addiction as a disorder, and are treating it as a dependency equally as destructive as alcoholism and drug addiction. Dr. Goldberg, along with Dr. Kimberly S. Young (founder of the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery), are currently lobbying for the inclusion of this theorized disorder into the DSM-V, in hopes this would make it possible for insurance companies to pay for addiction counseling.

What Is An Addict?

According to my American Heritage dictionary, an addict is one who "devotes or gives (oneself) habitually or compulsively."

The world is full of people who are plagued by an addiction of some kind: be it smoking, drinking, gambling, etc. In my own life, someone very close to me has an obsession (as I call it) with the internet. Although his time is spent gaming (playing computer games), and not just surfing, emailing or chatting with friends, I feel it is still very much an addiction for him. My husband has been playing games since we got married (nearly a decade ago), and it has been a huge bone of contention between us. I believe that each week night starts out innocently enough - with him letting off some steam after work- but then turns into this monster he can't control. There are many nights where I wake up in the wee hours of the morning when he comes to bed, from playing. To be honest, this wasn't at all what I envisioned when I said "I do".

Defining the Addiction To The Internet

This affects men, women, and even children around the globe. So how do you know if your loved one suffers from it? Simply ask the following questions:

Do you find that they continue to say "just a few more minutes"? (And yet may not stop there?)

Do they think about being online when not at the computer?

Do they downplay the amount of time spent online?

Have they tried several times to cut back usage, or to stop going online altogether, yet to no avail?

Does cutting back cause them to become irritable?

Has being online become a way to deal with problems at work, a bad marriage, depression, etc?

Has their family life been jeopardized, because of the amount of time spent online?

Have they been at risk of losing a career or educational opportunity because of this addiction?

If you answered yes to even half of these questions, chances are good that your loved one suffers from Internet Addiction Disorder.

Who Suffers From the Addiction?

Not only is anybody susceptible to this addiction, but when somebody in your family (or circle of friends) is an internet addict, everybody suffers from the addiction. Children are getting less quality time (less time, period) with their parent, or perhaps older sibling, causing them to act out in negative ways for attention. The spouse of the addict feels (among other things) less desirable, and less important. The addict his or herself - who is no doubt missing sleep, meals, etc - is losing out socially, from lack of (quality) interaction with others. They may lose their job, and worse, they may lose their families, all because they cannot control the amount of time they spend online. Partners are finding they must turn to counseling for help, are often seeking interventions, and in more extreme cases, are separating from and/or divorcing their loved ones.

Breaking the Addiction

Dr. Kimberly S. Young's website, NetAddiction.com, offers hope and support to those seeking information on this addiction, treating it as a type of compulsive disorder. The Center for Internet Addiction Recovery is committed to helping successfully treat those suffering from what is considered a new form of addictive behavior. Her foundation believes that treatment options should include inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare support. Self-help groups are another good choice, as well as family counseling. As well, educational workshops are held, for both addicts and their families.

It is believed that an internet addict does not have to be cut off "cold turkey" from the internet. They must re-learn healthy patterns of behavior, focusing on moderation and controlled use. Addressing underlying issues is also very important. If there is something going on in the marriage (for example) that is causing depression, and turning the person to the internet as a means of escape, then marriage counseling would be a good part of the treatment. Dr. Young also utilizes the spiritual principals of the Twelve Step program.

While Internet Addiction Disorder is a growing problem, the fact is that addicts, and their families, can seek help before it's too late.