Addiction. We usually reserve this powerful term for drug and alcohol abuse, gambling and similar behaviors or indulgences, for when the individual has lost control over their use and allowed the activity to rule their life. For parents of children who can no longer balance their gaming or Internet activities with the rest of their real lives, or who've allowed their passions to change their personality, it must appear as though the Internet can indeed be clinically addictive.
But for those who are the experts in the area of addiction, psychologists and researchers, it's not so clear whether or not we should classify computer and internet use right alongside alcohol and cannibis.
When I speak at schools, parents will often ask if there are "signs of computer addiction". We don't yet have an easy way to define it, nor do we have the necessary forms of treatment for something we'd really want to classify as an addiction. After all, most employers will assist an employee with a drug problem, with access to 12-step recovery programs or in-patient rehab residences. Can you imagine if such a thing were available for someone who spends 12 hours a day online?
Anne Collier of NetFamilyNews has a terrific interview with an expert, Dr. Jerald Block, psychiatrist in Oregon. If you suspect that someone you know may be addicted or just want to learn more about the issues connected with simply throwing such a powerful term at excessive computer and Internet time, please read this. It's not easy but he has an interesting method you can use to help you evaluate your own or your child's Internet behavior and decide whether or not you need additional help to get matters under control.