Site Location: Home > Drug and Alcohol Information > Types of Dependency > Internet Addiction

Drug and Alcohol Information

- Internet Addiction -

Internet Addiction

More and more people are finding themselves spending excessive time on the Internet. This becomes a problem when it interferes with relationships or other areas of everyday life. For example, Internet addiction may be a problem when it interferes with important work or with family activities.

Some research suggests that Internet addiction may actually involve several, more specific addictions, such as addiction to online relationships, to cybersex (online sex), and to online gaming. Internet addiction and the various problems related to it often have damaging effects on intimate relationships, as evidence by increased incidence of cyber-affairs (online affairs).

As with other types of addiction, Internet addiction is best defined by an inability to cut down on use despite costly negative consequences.

Warning Signs

Neglecting jobs, family, or friends to spend time on the Internet
Increased defensiveness about the Internet, or lying about amounts of time spent on the Internet
Feeling restless, irritable, or moody when not on the Internet
Difficulty cutting down the amount of time spent on the Internet

Additional Resources

For more information and help for Internet addiction, see www.netaddiction.com.

Back to Types of Dependency

eGetgoing addiction treatment and drug rehab program

Online Treatment
How Online Treatment Works Drug and Alcohol Information Frequently Asked Questions Adolescent Treatment Website
eGetgoing, Inc.
About Us Information For Substance Abuse Professionals Current News Resources

Addiction Information Chemical Dependency Is Chemical Dependency Treatable? The Risk of Addiction Disease Model Disease Progression Common Defenses Types of Dependency Enabling Addictive Drugs Glossary