Addictions [2/3]

Today i would like to talk about another kind of addiction:

Internet addiction

Nowadays, in times of rapid technological development and automation of life, many people feel they could not function normally without the Internet. Global network ensures unlimited possibilities of connecting, transfer of data over long distances, as well as access to various kinds of information. However, it has one small disadvantage, namely, it is very easy to get addicted.

It is estimated that in the late 90's around 200 million people had Internet connection. Research shows that about 6% of computer users are dependent on the Internet and about 30% treat the Internet as a way of escaping from reality. More than half of those diagnosed have serious marital problems. It was also found that excessive dependency on the Internet leads to social isolation. Some people spend more time in front of the computer screen than interacting with their fellow human beings. It has been observed that those who obsessively use the Internet often experience strong discomfort when trying to reduce the amount of time spent on-line.

A study was conducted in January 2000 on a representative group of 1012 Polish Internet users which showed that 43% of them are 18-25 years old and 20% of them are 26-35 years old. Women constitute 37% of them. 58% of Internet users are on-line daily or several times a week. It is estimated that the percentage of Internet users in Poland is approaching 11% of the total population.

When you use the Internet too often and don't think this is a problem, think again. Although today there is no professional medical advice or therapeutic groups that could help us get over our dependence on the Internet, the problem has already been noticed. It is slowly becoming the same social hazard as alcoholism or drug addiction. The Internet can eat our time up. Very soon one starts lacking time for other things - work, study, rest, family life or social interactions. However, due to the intrinsic anonymity of the Internet it is difficult to conduct scientific research of this phenomenon.

This anonymity plays an important role, especially in socially unacceptable areas, such as pornography in its more radical forms. Anyone can find what they want easily and without too much hassle.

Each of us should remember about our family, which is the foundation of our social bonds. Statistics show that an increase of time spent on-line dramatically reduces the amount of time devoted to conversation with family and friends.

Medication abuse

More often than not, the primary cause of drug abuse are different emotional disorders. They could be linked to various neuroses stemming from childhood and early youth. A common symptom of neurosis are imaginary dysfunctions of various internal organs. This is what we call hypochondria which is basically an unjustified fear for one's own health. Although doctors don't recognize any changes in the patient's organism, the latter tend to force them into giving prescriptions.

Dependence on medicine is a form of substance abuse which often results in altered mental or physical states.

This condition is characterized by changes in behavioral patterns, including the compulsion to take specific drugs. People who are addicted to medication don't take drugs for the right reasons. They do it in order to satisfy their emotional needs, achieve a certain mental state, or mood change.

The effects of addiction can vary, depending on the quality and quantity of the drug. Abuse can lead to addiction and increased tolerance. This means one will need larger and larger doses to achieve the same effect. In the long term mental disorders and hallucinations may appear, as well as damage to internal organs of the body. Typically abused substances include analgesics, hypnotics, and euphoric drugs which induce a state of blissful excitement. Hormone treatments are also hazardous to health.

Causes of substance abuse and other addictions vary from person to person, so there are many different ways of treatment and they depend on the specific case.

Have you ever been addicted to the Internet or medication?

Have you ever been in a similar condition?