Internet Addiction Q&A
7 experts · 16 questions answered
Latest Q&As
Children and internet/gaming addiction
It is hard to quantify at what age a child might have addiction issues concerning the internet and video games because of the relative newness of the internet. It certainly is a serious concern. There also might be other personality issues and boundary issues that play a role in how your child respo
Answered by Zelik Mintz
Online life replacing real life
I find your feelings about yourself and the solution of replacing real relationships with online relationships sad and misguided. It may be true that the decision to have a virtual life instead of a life in the real world does not harm anyone else. However, it is very harmful to your well-being and
Answered by Zelik Mintz
How Many Units of Alcohol a Day Predict a Serious Detox
Hi Ann, That's a good question and it's something that needed clarifying in the article (which has been updated.) A unit is 10 grams of pure alcohol. There are about 1.5 units in a standard drink (such as 1 can of regular strength beer, 5 oz of regular strength wine or 1.5 ounces of 40% alcohol liqu
Answered by John Lee
Xanax Discussion
A reader is asking how to find or access a website or forum dedicated to discussing Xanax.
Answered by John Lee
Video game addiction
Video addiction mirrors the same issues and causes as any other addiction - self-medicating pain with activity that avoids dealing with the pain and problems. What you describe has the hallmark of any other addictive behavior - an inability to stop when you want to and the addiction affecting your f
Answered by Zelik Mintz
Nibbled to Death by Ducks
Hey there - thanks for writing - my title "nibbled to death by ducks" is an old expression meaning that the little things get to us. If your phone is your lifeline and the basis of your work it makes sense that this is a big deal for you. I have found that using a very unusual ringtone works well fo
Answered by Jim LaPierre
Retired Mom Likes the Computer
Whenever I hear of someone who spends way too much time doing anything, the first question I ask is what does it hurt? Certainly spending most of your time doing the same thing limits your opportunities and conversation topics, but there is no healthy limit based on age. Each situation must be consi
Answered by David Johnson
Can you recommend software to help me reduce my internet use?
I can't recommend anything in particular because it is so long since I used such a program. There are programs out there though, so searching in Google or asking in health forums should turn something up quite easily. I know this because I used a program to remind me every so often to take a break,
Answered by Mark Hughes
Gaming as Escapism
Hey - kudos to you for caring enough to seek insight and guidance. Gaming in moderation is a healthy form of escapism and it's fun. Just like anything in life, if we take it to an extreme it becomes unhealthy. When people are obsessive or compulsive in their behavior there is always something that t
Answered by Jim LaPierre
Spending Time on the Internet
To assess whether there is a problem I would want to know the answers to a few questions. Are you not doing other things like building relationships, looking for a job, hobbies, etc in order to be on-line? Are you avoiding something else in your life and hence hiding on-line? Or are you just bored w
Answered by Jill Palmer
Internet Pleasure
Feeling pleasure when you get on line isn't necessarily a bad thing. If you use the internet as a way to cope with the stresses of the day, feeling pleasure in being able to relax and enjoy yourself could be normal. Only you will know if the pleasure you feel is appropriate for what you are using th
Answered by Jill Palmer
Switching Addictions
Although I agree with your sponsor that you need to add up the days in early recovery, I disagree that spending your days playing games in your parents basement is the way to do it. Part of recovery is about creating a new life- new people new places, new things to do. You say you go to meetings 3-4
Answered by Donna Hunter
Balancing a Blackberry....
Hello, First, I want to give you credit for recognizing a pattern and wanting to make a change. Sounds like there is a lot going on in your life and it is keeping you on your toes. Sometimes worrying about the little details can be a sign of having difficulties with stress. Taking some time during y
Answered by Prof. Jane Ballis
Computer Game Junkie Brother
It's a frustrating and helpless feeling when you know someone you care about has a problem, but they choose not to see it. You have already done everything you can do to convince him. He will face the problem when some consequences come his way. You may find yourself providing some of those conseque
Answered by David Johnson
Facebook Addiction
This is a challenging situation that’s not at all uncommon – and since your daughter is an adult, you have fewer options than you would were she a minor. From the sounds of things, your daughter would benefit from some counseling, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, you don’t make mention of any other
Answered by John Lee