Around 74 percent of all Americans use the Internet, according to data from the Pew Research Center. The Internet impacts almost every facet of our lives--communication, professional, relationships--so it's easy to see how some people can become hooked on the compulsive need to use the Internet every day. If you find yourself becoming increasingly obsessed with the Internet, to the point where you feel anxious spending time unconnected, seek treatment. Internet addiction is a real threat to your life and should be treated as seriously as other addictions by a mental health professional.
Counseling
Talking to a mental health care professional can help you sort through your feelings and compulsive need to use the Internet, says HelpGuide.org. A therapist can help you to identify certain triggers that leave you reaching for the computer mouse, and find out what facets of your life that are being filled by Internet usage. A therapist can help to set up a treatment program of abstinence or reduced usage to help you to break the habit and find things to fulfill your life other than being online.
Support Groups
Joining an Internet addiction support group can be especially helpful when you feel ashamed about your addiction. There, you'll interact with others who share your struggles, and brainstorm effective treatment and coping ideas to help you use the Internet less. Internet support groups can help you to feel less alone in your addictions, and talking to those who have recovered can help to motivate you to do better and use the Internet less.
Abstinence
Like the rules imposed on an alcoholic, sometimes the best treatment plan is to abstain from Internet usage completely, says MentalHelp.net. Get rid of all of your connections to the Internet, including your Internet service, computer, even your web-enabled mobile phone. Rediscover other ways of communication, like talking on the phone, writing a letter or meeting face-to-face. If you must use the Internet for your profession, leave it at the office so you're able to fill your hours with activities that are not related to the Internet.
External Timer
If abstinence is a difficult path for, perhaps limiting the amount of time that you spend on the computer can be as effective, according to NetAddiction.com. External timers or timers installed on your web browser can effectively shut down your browsing tools after a prescribed amount of time. If you own a MAC, "Self Control" is a program that limits your Internet usage depending on your time limits and permissions. PC users with Firefox can use "Leech Blocker," a program that blocks certain websites after a time limit. These can help give you the will power you lack so you use the Internet less overall.
