Monday, October 1, 2012

Internet Addiction in Children

Children and adolescents are faced with innumerable stressors, from pressures put on themselves (internal) to the expectations of others (external). When an activity is found that helps to escape these pressures it’s like “a kid in a candy store”. Pressures seem to disappear! And the time in that magical activity that provides freedom from life’s pressures take over more and more time.

Anything can become addictive; food, gambling, exercise, sex, spending, internet, video/computer games (for example; World of Warcraft®, Call of Duty®, and Everquest®). Whatever form of escapism, if the activity regulates mood and relieves emotional pressures, and needs to be re-enacted time and time again – then the behavior has become addictive. 


Addictions at any age begin with a sense of overwhelming and sometimes debilitating stress, depression, fear, or anxiety - leading to emotional escapism. Escaping reality, can take many forms; substance, gambling, video games, food, sex, etc.  Anything that takes the person “away” becomes a way to self-medicate; the pressures seem to disappear while in the activity. Yet, the cycle of additional always returns.
Most common addictive behaviors among children and adolescents to include:

·        Food

·        Gambling

·        Exercise

·        Sex

·        Spending

·        Internet

·        Video/Computer Games (for example; World of Warcraft®, Call of Duty®, and Everquest®).




When is it an addiction - when relationships are affected, when the behavior interferes with life, work, or school responsibilities, when there is a loss of time, when feeling compelled, or when acting secretive? These are typical signs that the escapism has become an addictive behavior. Whatever form of escapism, if the activity regulates mood and relieves emotional pressures, and needs to be re-enacted time and time again – then the behavior has become addictive.

Recognizing the warning signs of addictive behaviors in children and adolescents:


·        Isolation from friends and family

·        Poor hygiene, poor nutrition

·        Change in school performance

·        Relationship problems

·        Suicidal or homicidal behaviors/thoughts


Addictions involve impulse control; children and adolescents in particular are learning how to manage their own impulses during their youth.  Learning how the addiction cycle works, and how to replace the self-medicating addictive behavior with healthy coping skills are among the treatment protocol. 




Find a therapist in your area through such sights as Psychology Today at  http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/.  In the Phoenix area or for more resource links, feel free to contact us at http://www.MyCounselingSolutions.com, or via email CherylWheeler@MyCounselingSolutions.com.

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