Avoiding Internet Addiction

All of us need some escapist fun sometimes, but that is far different than reports being circulated of gamers endangering their health by playing online for days at a time or others losing their productivity because of hours in chat rooms or surfing the web.

Although the idea of being addicted to the Internet is fairly new, it is clear that, whatever form addiction may take, it is treatable. Whether one seeks help through 12-step programs, professional counseling, or spiritual seeking, there is no reason for anyone to suffer.

But many people, especially if they are young, may not be sure if they have an unhealthy relationship to their time spent in the digital world. If you are questioning whether you may be headed toward addiction, you might consider some tips that have proven useful to those in recovery from other addictions.

Be Honest About Your Time Online
Nearly all addictions thrive in secrecy. The consequences that addicts face - loss of jobs, relationships, and health - mount with the severity of the addiction.

And few of us want to reveal to others that we have been engaging in behavior that is self-destructive. However, an honest talk with a trusted friend about how much time you are spending online and its effect on your life could be useful as another person can be more objective about the severity of your problem.

Be Responsible For Your Problems
Many of us blame our problems on our bad luck or how unfair the world is. The Internet, especially the world of online gaming, can be an utter escape from the problems that plague us. What are you trying to escape when you spend hours online? Are those problems made better or worse by the time you spend online? How many of those problems have you created yourself?

Focus Outside Yourself
For people with addiction disorder, isolation feeds self-obsession, and relentlessly focusing on oneself only deepens feelings of boredom, sadness, and fear. Many addicts find that activities such as volunteering for charities or helping others help refocus and distract them, relieving the self-pity that only deepens destructive urges.

Seek Spiritual Relief
You need not be a religious person to engage in spiritual activities. Be it spending time in nature, learning to meditate, or practicing yoga, there are many outlets for finding the kind of wellbeing that you crave.

This may sound esoteric, especially to a teenager who enjoys violent video games, but the truth is that most people with addictive personalities find that a spiritual life is key to avoiding the fear and loneliness they face.

Be Willing to Change
If you are reading this, you have probably been troubled by your Internet use. If you are willing to change your habits and can do so, then your situation is probably temporary.

However, if you find that you cannot control the amount of time you spend online or engage in activities that have negative consequences, then you may need to seek help from professionals or others dealing with similar issues.