I am addicted to the Internet and have had counseling. This counseling was not specifically for the Internet since I had depression. Well, there really didn't seem to be an answer to my addiction. Maybe someone else has one? I've been on twelve hours today and skipped meals etc, have a headache and lost another good day to this addiction.

Remove the temptation:

Cancel your Internet service, and if you have to, get rid of your computer.

I think the Internet can be addicting. I have a friend that was on line the entire time he was awake. He lost his job and almost lost his family.
He turned this into a business and is now a successful Web Designer. I don't know if this is an option for you, but I just wanted you to know that sometimes we can make some things positive. Good luck and don't stop trying to beat this addiction.

Hello George:

You confuse an obsession with an addiction. Don't worry, lots of people do that - like being addicted to sex. How ridiculous is that??

excon

An addiction to the internet? Yes, it is not only possible but many people have experienced this. A drastic solution is to drop your internet provider and sell your computer.

Go get involved in the world outside your door. Develop other interests that will enhance your life. A hobby, volunteer, a part time job, two part time jobs, etc.

If you find you cannot live without your computer, you know you are dependent. What other addictions do you suffer from?

I will agree, computer needs to go.

Thanks all,

I would find it impossible to live without my computer now as it does many things for me that I otherwise would not be able to do. This must be a problem for people without a computer and Internet connection. Well, now I have to go to bed. Too much Internet time. I guess another drastic solution is to go back to dial-up. I had to use one last week for several days. Sure did not like that.

George

You're joking right? Would you not have been able to exist in a world without computers 25 years ago? Of course you would, you don't need the computer for anything, you just think you do.

I suggest getting rid of your computer. A dial-up will just frustrate it more. You only rely on it because you're addicted. Dial-up is a wimpy half solution.

Hi, George!

To me, a big part of life is about making choices. You are making a choice here to spend so much time on the Internet. I too, spend way too much time on the Internet. It is a choice that I make. But, the one thing that helps to keep me balanced as far as the time that I spend on the Internet in regards to what I really need to do for the day, is to ask myself, "Am I in control of this? Or, is this in control of me?" Helps to keep me in check.

Also, just for clarification as to what an addiction is, one of the definitions is that it is "The condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or or involved in something." addiction - definition of addiction by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/addiction)

Internet Addiction Test (IAT) (http://www.netaddiction.com/resources/internet_addiction_test.htm),
Welcome to the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery (http://www.netaddiction.com/)
Welcome to the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery (http://www.netaddiction.com/)
When I googled internet addiction, I got so many results. Here are a few, I hope they help.
Good luck.

Now I like that top link:

Your score 89
80 - 100 points: Your Internet usage is causing significant problems in your life. You should evaluate the impact of the Internet on your life and address the problems directly caused by your Internet usage.

Well hey I'm a techie and that's what I do.
What complete hogwash.

Now to the OP.
Internet addition my bottom.
You are using this as an excuse to facing up to your life.
As has already been mentioned, DUMP your computer or at the very least get rid of your connection.
Stop living out of your momms basement and go outside.
Sunlight doesn't hurt and fresh air WILL do you good!!

I didn't take the test, but it sounds interesting. HMMMMMMM I wonder what my score would be? I never really thought about it.
I am on the Webb when I am not doing house work, cooking , watching the kids play outside, doing my girl scout thing, etc.
I am laughing at myself because this board is most of what I do on line. I find it very enlightening.
It is good to know that a lot of what I see on here is happening to a whole lot of people and I think it is a good thing when people know the problems they are having are not unique but shared by many.

Hello again,

When you extend the horrors of addiction to things that are not addicting, you cheapen real addictions. That's my view, and I'm sticking with it.

excon