Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital Center for Addiction Medicine

Addictive Behavior - Internet

Internet Addiction Warning Signs:

• 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

Cybersex Addiction Warning Signs (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.