Biological predispositions to Internet Addiction Disorder can also contribute to this disorder. If you have this disorder, the levels of dopamine and serotonin can be low relative to the general population. This chemical deficiency may cause you to participate in more behaviors to achieve the same pleasurable response compared to individuals who do not have addictive behaviors on the Internet. In order to achieve this gratification, individuals will participate in more activity to the general public, raising their chances of becoming addicted.
The first step in treatment is the recognition that a problem exists. If you do not believe you have a problem, you are not likely to seek treatment. One of the overarching problems with the Internet is that there is often no accountability and no limits. You are hidden behind a screen – and some things that you may say or do online are things you would never do in person.
There is a debate in the literature on whether treatment is necessary in the first place. Some believe that Internet Addiction Disorder to be a “fad illness” and suggests that it usually resolves itself on its own. Studies have shown that self-corrective behavior can be achieved and successful. Corrective behaviors include software that controls the Internet use and types of sites that can be visited – with the majority of professionals in agreement that total abstinence from the computer is not an effective method of correction.
Some professionals argue that medications are effective in the treatment of Internet Addiction Disorder – because if you are suffering from this condition, it is likely that you are also suffering from an underlying condition of anxiety and depression. It is generally thought that if you treat the anxiety or depression, Internet Addiction may resolve in step with this treatment approach.
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