The Internet is an easy and simple medium for interpersonal communication and an excellent source for acquiring knowledge, enhancement of one’s career etc. It also capable of causing mental disorder that can threaten your mental health. When you become psychologically dependent upon on I Internet related activities it is a wake up call for you.
How does one get addicted to Internet?
The phenomenon of excessive and compulsive use of Internet is also known as internet addiction which in medical parlance may be called as pathological Internet usage. Those who get addicted to the Internet initially get interested in the plethora of novel things that are available on the Web.
When the novelty offered by the normal Internet activities wanes, they get hooked to the other bewitching and seductive Internet stimulants such as online gambling, chatting, social networking, pornography etc. which leads to compulsive Internet utilization and ultimately their state of mental health worsens.
Is Internet addiction a mental disorder?
For some Internet is the most precious thing in their life. When you make the Internet usage the sole and central priority of your life it becomes a cause of concern. When you start giving importance to Internet at the cost of your health, family, occupation, social life it is indeed a pointer to mental disorder.
Is Internet addiction comparable to alcoholism and drug abuse?
To some extent there seems to be some truth in this. Like in the case of an alcoholic or a drug abuser who is heavily dependent upon alcohol or drugs to carry out even the smallest of chores, a person addicted to Internet needs constant stimulation by indulging in compulsive Internet use. This gives him a kick or pleasure. However he does this at the cost of his mental health.
Whenever, a person addicted to Internet, remains off his source of stimulation (in this case the Internet) he becomes restless, nervous, agitated and even aggressive. This stage can be compared with the withdrawal symptoms that are seen in the person who is addicted to drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, heroin etc. and who has to abstain from these drugs for some reason.
Internet addiction damages your social intercourse:
- If your infatuation with Internet use start interfering with your ability to function in a normal manner at the cost of your relationships you should sit up and pause, otherwise you may have to pay a heavy price.
- The impact of stimulants, such as pornography, online gambling, chatting, Blogging etc. provided by the Internet can prove lethal not only to your mental health but also to your social and family relationships.
Is there any help available for Internet addiction?
As Internet addiction mental disorder is comparatively a new phenomenon, extensive studies on how to reduce this disorder are in formative stage. It is difficult to properly diagnose the internet addiction since it does not involve any intoxicant. The Internet addict feels restless and nervous when they are not online. This condition is a serious threat to their mental health.
A combined clinical, psychological and education interventions can help such people. Addicts suffering from the Internet withdrawal symptoms may have to given antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs. The behavioral therapy can also be beneficial.
A psychologist can help them to divert their addictive feelings that draw them to the compulsive Internet use. It is also true that total abstinence from Internet is not possible since it has become an integral part of our daily life. A professional can motivate the Internet addicts on their online and offline management.
Experts agree that people should be taught how to use the Internet in a moderated and controlled manner. The self-help can also prove beneficial. Those of you who feel they are at the verge of falling into the trap of Internet addiction should start improving their social life outside the Web to keep fit and improve their mental health.