Addiction Recovery Basics

There have been recent attempts to legitimize 'internet addiction' by using DSM IV criteria for dependence.To be diagnosed as having Internet Addiction Disorder, a person must meet certain criteria as prescribed by the American Psychiatric Association. Three or more of these internet addiction symptoms criteria must be present at any time during a twelve month period:

1. Tolerance:  This refers to the need for increasing amounts of time on the Internet toachieve satisfaction  and/or significantly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of time on the Internet. Continued…

2.  Two or more withdrawal symptoms developing within days to one month after reduction of Internet use or cessation of Internet use (i.e., quitting cold turkey) , and these must cause distress or impair social, personal or occupational functioning. These include:psychomotor agitation, i.e. trembling, tremors; anxiety; obsessive thinking about what is happening on the Internet;  fantasies or dreams about the Internet;  voluntary or involuntary tapping movements of the fingers.

3.  Use of the Internet is engaged in to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

4.  The Internet is often accessed more often, or for longer periods of time than was intended.

5.  A significant amount of time is spent in activities related to Internet use ( e.g., Internet books, trying out new World Wide Web browsers, researching Internet vendors, etc.).

6.  Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced becauseof Internet use. 

7. The individual risks the loss of a significant relationship, job, educational or career
opportunity  because of excessive use of the  Internet.

Hmmm…I think we may be stretching points here to try to make a medical diagnosis. If you believe in an addictive mind set, it is really easy how to see a sense of balance in time spent on the internet can be overdone to the point of internet addiction. I believe internet abuse is more closely related to a process addiction such as a gambling addiction. If you are a chemically dependent person in recovery, a sharp eye must be kept on the tendency to 'over do' things. This is the basis of cross addiction, transferring to another behavior in excess.

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