How to Beat Your Internet Addiction

Its like heroin, isn't it? You hop online just to check your email and four hours later you're knee deep in pornography or mired in a chat room debating the size of Charlie Manson's feet and the proper use of tin foil for a makeshift bong. Its got you. That cursed internet. Your family life and interactive social skills have been ruined. Log out and assess your addiction. These suggestions will help.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A willingness to get healthier
• Diversions
• Password controlled browsing
• Another person you can trust

1. Face your addiction. If you are spending more than one hour per day online and its not for business purposes, you have a problem.
2. Total up the hours per day you spend online. Be honest. You may be shocked by the figure.
3. Go over your to-do lists and responsibilities. Are these things not getting done due to your web surfing?
4. Go over your hobbies and pleasures. Have these been back-burnered because of excessive internet use? Is it cutting into fun activities like drinking, sports, sex or gambling?
5. Focus on spending more time on activities that do not involve sitting in front of the computer. Start by using the computer only for reading and sending emails. Set a one hour time limit.
6. Get one of the browser control packages. Have a trusted friend block the sites you are addicted to. Only they should know the password to unlock them.
7. Update your to-do lists daily and fully accomplish all tasks before getting on the computer.
8. Use a variety of diversions to ween you off of computer use. Television, movies, books, games, outdoor recreation, face to face conversation are just a few suggestions.
9. Log your computer usage daily. Keep a strict list for two weeks.
10. Reassess your daily routine after this period and look for areas of progress. Repeat until cured.

Tips & Warnings

• Continue to seek other interests.
• Do not go cold turkey. This isn't a physical addiction. It is behavioral.