When the Internet becomes a problem

About Internet Addictive Disorder and Online Gaming Disorder, two new types of addiction.

The use of technology represents a great communicative potential nowadays. It is a creative and educational tool; however, its excessive use can entail risks and consequences..

The behaviors that are generated in people with Internet addiction can interfere with the physical and mental well-being of the addict and his or her environment; family, friends and co-workers.

The Internet Addictive Disorder

The so-called Internet Addictive Disorder (IAD), in English Internet Addiction Disorder, IAD, is characterized by prolonged use of the Internet for mostly recreational activities and with high frequency in children and adolescents.. Affected people spend hours in front of the computer surfing the Internet, neglecting other aspects of life to the point of generating an addiction.

On the other hand, an addiction appears when it is not possible to control the behavior towards something, and it appears in a chronic form and creates dependence, and there is a pathological search for the specific reward that produces dependence.. Some of the most frequent addictions are: addiction to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, pornography and gambling.

In the case of Internet Addictive Disorder, people spend most of the day using social networks, instant messaging, or in the most frequent cases, with online games and video games. In more severe cases they may even lose track of time and reality.They may even become immersed in the identity of a character.

In addition, these Internet users are constantly preoccupied with being connected and lie about how much time they spend online surfing the Internet or doing any other online activity. This leads to social isolation, physical problems such as back pain, headaches, and weight gain due to extreme sedentary lifestyle.

IAT can be associated with other addictions such as drug, alcohol, tobacco or sex addictions. Also It has also been found to be related to other disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders and attention deficit disorders.. Other physical problems are visual problems, headaches, back pain, etc.

General symptoms

In Internet addiction predominates the difficulty of impulse controland the following is assessed:

1. Excessive use

It is associated with loss of time or neglect of the most fundamental needs.

2. Abstinence

Includes feelings of anger anger, tension, and depression when the computer or connection is inaccessible..

3. Tolerance

Includes the need for better equipment, i.e., more computer memory, more hours of use, upgrading equipment, etc.

4. Negative repercussions

Includes behaviors such as lying, seeking social isolation, etc.

Specific symptoms of online gaming addiction

Internet Gaming Disorder poses criteria specifically related to Internet gaming addiction. They present the following clinical criteria for assessment and diagnosis:

• Online games become the most important activity for the person.
• Tolerance is built up, as with all addictions; it takes longer and longer to satiate oneself.
• Even if you try, you cannot stop using the Internet to play games; there is a lack of control.
• Lying about the time spent playing online, especially to family members and health professionals involved.
• They lose interest in other hobbies that involve giving up gaming and adopting a less sedentary lifestyle.
• A state of irritability and anger arises when the patient has not played for a long time.
• There is a tendency to lose significant social relationships, as well as opportunities to have a job or start projects.

Treatment

In most cases, people with addiction do not follow any treatment. However, those who manage to seek help improve their quality of life significantly.. Addictions are approached in a multidisciplinary way, psychological therapy is an essential factor in the intervention. Each person requires an individualized help plan for his or her case.

The objective is to to restore and improve each of the important areas of life.The aim is to improve physical and mental health, family relationships, social contexts, work and all the environments deteriorated by addiction.

In this way, the aim is to achieve increase impulse control, improve self-esteem, greater recognition and regulation of emotions, and obtain coping strategies and tools to prevent relapse.and obtain coping strategies and tools to prevent relapse.

On the other hand, it is very important to to supervise the use of the Internet in minorsIt is also very important to know what children do at school, with whom they interact, what activities they do at home and outside, etc.

It is appropriate to be concerned about the sites they visit on the Internet, the people with whom they communicate on the network and the degree of technological knowledge they have. As with television, children tend to get hooked and abuse the use of technology if they are not helped to manage their time.