With how often people use the internet and computers today, it is not surprising that some people develop addictions to these devices. The internet has changed how people live and interact, and most people connect to the internet daily. That said, there is a point when internet usage can get out of hand. If your teen needs treatment, the team at Foothills at Red Oak can help. Contact us today at 866.300.5275 to learn more about internet addiction treatment.
What Is Internet Addiction?
Internet addiction hasn’t yet been added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, but it’s a real problem that does affect some people. In fact, there are five versions of internet addiction, including:
- Net compulsion
- Online relationship addiction
- Cybersex addiction
- Computer/gaming addiction
- Compulsive information seeking
Each of these is slightly different, so here is more information about them and the signs that someone you know may be struggling with an addiction.
Net Compulsion
Net compulsion is the first type of internet addiction. This addiction includes acts such as online gambling, trading stocks, compulsive shopping.
Some signs that a person may have net compulsion include:
- Spending or losing large amounts of money
- Trouble at work
- A habit of ignoring responsibilities while online
Since it’s easier than ever to access casinos and stores online, this kind of addiction is more common for those who are already susceptible to gambling or shopping.
Online Relationship Addiction
Another kind of addiction is a cyber relationship addiction. The focus may be to become deeply involved in finding online friends and building those relationships at the expense of real-world relationships with family and friends. People who do this while hiding who they are have been nicknamed “catfish.”
Some signs of an online relationship addiction include:
- Ignoring responsibilities
- Avoiding friends and family
- Talking about a new friend or partner who no one has met
Some online relationships can be healthy, but when they start trumping everything else in life, then addiction may be at play.
Cybersex Addiction
Cybersex addiction refers to an addiction to pornography, XXX webcam services, or obsessions with adult chat rooms. People with this kind of addiction may:
- Keep themselves locked away from friends or family
- Struggle with real-world sexual relationships
- Struggle with intimacy
- Lose money in significant amounts to cam girls or adult websites
Many people with this addiction benefit from inpatient or outpatient therapy.
Computer/Gaming Addiction
Another common kind of internet addiction is gaming or computer addiction. Computer gaming addictions can include activities performed online or offline, like playing games obsessively. A reduction in productivity, trouble at school, and an obsession with possessing a digital device may be a sign of this condition.
Compulsive Information Seeking
Compulsive information seeking is the final kind of internet addiction. This condition occurs when a person focuses on gathering data and knowledge. They may compulsively seek new information or focus on information of a certain kind. Therapies for this kind of addiction include learning to cope and targeting support for compulsive behaviors.
All internet addictions are slightly different, but the reality is that it hurts a person’s ability to live life normally. It may impact their schooling or work, relationships with friends or family, or even their own self-esteem.
Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
Teenagers and adolescents are at significant risk of developing an internet addiction because they are exposed to social media and digital programs all the time. Their impulses may become overwhelming, and an inability to disconnect could lead to serious trouble at school or home.
At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we are focused on helping adolescents get past this kind of addiction so that they can move forward successfully in their lives. Call us today at 866.300.5275 for more information.
