er. "I've seen the Internet change the landscape in much the same way crack cocaine did for those who treat drug addicts," says Jennifer Schneider, MD, an internist and addiction medicine specialist in Tucson, Arizona.How is a person classified as an addict?A 1996 survey found that, "The addicted Internet user will spend an average of 38 hours per week online dealing with nonemployment nonacademic efforts, compared with "non addicts" in the survey who averaged eight hours. Almost half of the participants diagnosed with PIU reported they get less that four hours of sleep." Some of the criteria for Internet Addiction are: tolerance, withdrawal, increasing usage, and loss due to usage. (Ferris 1)What causes or enables a person to become an addict?Because Internet Addiction is often based on loneliness and feelings of inadequacy, the Internet can provide a means of having a relationship that is easier than real life. A person who finds making friends, and establishing social ties difficult may find Internet communication more fulfilling. (Schuman 1) Ultimately, using the Internet to counteract the feeling of loneliness only serves to compound the loneliness and shame an addict feels. (McCormick 17) When online an addict can become any type of individual he or she desires. No one can control a user's actions online, which allows them to develop a definite sense of power and control over their lives. When offline addicts may actually feel they do not have control. (Schuman 1) Despite excessive fees a true addict may return to the Internet and use it as a means of escaping, relieving feelings of guilt, anxiety, and depression. (Ferris 1) In today's world the Internet is readily available, it's used in schools, homes, and in the work place. Now it's almost impossible to find a home or family in the United States that does not have Internet access. In almost every facet of society addicts see the temptation of the monitor and hear the clicking o...
