What support groups are there for Net addicts?
Social support can be a very powerful and beneficial force in the recovery process. The benefits of social support are many: a sense of belongingness and inclusion, a sense of safety and security, reduced stress, decreased isolation and loneliness, an enhanced sense of meaning and purpose, hope and optimism about the future, the opportunity to escape the narrow world of one's own concerns social support can counteract shame, isolation and secrecy.
What other kinds of addictions are catered for on the Internet?
Cybersex addiction. Too much surfing of *censured* sites often affects real-life relationships.
Cyber-relationship addiction. Excessive use of social networking sites to create relationships rather than spending time with family or friends may destroy real-life relationships.
What causes these addictions, according to the experts?
Certain people are predisposed to having a computer or Internet addiction, such as those who suffer from anxiety and depression. There are also those who have a history of other types of addiction, such as addictions to alcohol, drugs, *censured* and gambling. Their lack of emotional support means they turn to the Internet to fill this need. Even being stressed and unhappy can contribute greatly to the development of a computer or Internet addiction. People who are overly shy and cannot easily relate to their peers are also at a higher risk of developing a computer or Internet addiction.
Do the experts consider these addictions to be diseases, crimes or personal weaknesses?
They consider compulsive disorder that can impact almost anyone and those who suffer from depression, anxiety, relationships problems, and other addictions are most at-risk