How to Overcome Internet Addiction

Internet addiction is something that's either laughed at or it's a serious problem. While not having the health effects of other types of dependencies, it can still be a problem if it gets in the way of work or social life. Don't be like a fly caught in the Web.

Things You'll Need

• The desire to stop

Instructions

1. 

   Recognize the problem: do you check email incessantly when it is not entirely necessary? Do you go back to the same websites again and again? How many hours a day do you spend surfing the web?

2. 

   Recognize the reasons. The Internet is always available and cheaper than alcohol addiction, and legal unlike drug addiction. It offers escape just like drugs and alcohol. Once you realize these reasons, you can pinpoint Internet addiction as a real problem and not something to be scoffed at as not being a "real" addiction.

3. 

   Cut down on Internet use. This is, of course, easier said than done. You can't stop checking email any more than you can stop checking the mail box. You can, however, stop checking it with the same frequency. Set the maximum amount you use the computer a day. This applies to chat rooms, games, online gambling, social networking sites (Myspace), and other sites that take up your time.

4. 

   Take walks, go out to eat, leave your office or home-i.e. get away from the computer. Breaking away for a few hours can help clear the head. If you have wifi, don't take the computer with you.

5. 

   Start a new hobby, read a book, play games with a friend, play sports-try to find offline activities that fill up your time.

Tips & Warnings

• As with any addiction, it is heartening to know that there are other people who suffer from the same problem. There are now support groups for this new and growing problem.

• Call people up on the phone who you normally correspond with via email. Set up a face-to-face meeting.

• As with any addiction, you must determine what you are trying to escape from. The addiction is the symptom, but you need to deal with the cause.

• If none of the above works, seek professional counseling. Internet addiction can be as debilitating as other types of addiction if left unchecked.