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Center for Addiction Medicine

Lose time while at the computer
Have mixed feelings of well-being and guilt while at the computer
Neglect family, friends, or obligations in order to be online
Going online to escape from problems in life
Minimize, conceal, or lie about amount of time spent online
Feel anxious, irritable, or depressed when unable to be online or when online time is interrupted
Use the computer repeatedly as an outlet when sad, upset, or bored
Tempted to get involved in relationships with strangers, which may put you at risk for victimization or jeopardize your safety
Physical and/or medical problems related to prolonged computer use such as:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (symptoms include pain, numbness, and burning in your hands that can radiate up the wrists, elbows, and shoulders)
- Dry eyes, backache, and/or severe headaches
- Eating irregularities such as skipping meals
- Failure to attend to personal hygiene
- Sleep disturbances

(In addition to the warning signs listed above)

Do you routinely spend time in sex chat rooms and instant messaging with the sole purpose of finding cybersex?
Do you feel preoccupied with using the internet for cybersex?
Do you frequently use anonymous communication to engage in sexual fantasies not typically carried out in real-life?
Do you anticipate your next online session with the expectation that you will find sexual arousal or gratification?
Do you move from cybersex to phone sex or even to real-life meetings?
Do you hide your online interactions from your significant other?
Do you feel guilt or shame from your online use?
Did you accidentally become aroused by cybersex at first and now find that you actively seek it out when you go online?
Do you masturbate when having cybersex or looking at online pornography?
Do you feel less interest with your real-life sexual partner only to prefer cybersex instead?

For more information, or to speak with a counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, please call 1-800-432-5005.