Is Internet addiction as serious as drugs??

Internet is a common human interest, and so is Drugs, and many other addictive sources. Big names as cocaine, LSD are not the only drugs, but prescription pills, and many other pharmaceutical tablets are Drugs too. Because of its chemical compositions even Alcohol is stated as Drugs.

On this...many a people drink alcohol, but not all are alcoholics. Psychiatric drugs are medicines to some, but are abused by many. And so is food, tv, internet or any other sources. Bring it on a little more understandable issue - sex. That's a common natural phenomenon, but its reproduction to some, amusement and even addiction to many.

Over-Eaters Annonymous, Sex Addict Annonymous, Alcoholic Annonymous are some annonymity programs for those who are suffering from these dis-orders.

On Internet Addiction, check http://www.netaddiction.com; http://www.netaddictionrecovery.com; and the names can go on......

A rehabilitation center for Net Addiction (America): http://mashable.com/2009/08/23/restart-internet-addiction/

Here's a test http://www.netaddiction.com/resources/internet_addiction_test.htm

We cant live without it...

For every work we need it..

Seriously and strongly it is a YES - an addiction.

For almost all of them in todays world a day without a mobile is like their right hand been cut and taken away.. there is a feeling that drastically something is missing with them esp those who r into mobile-office and gprs connection. No doubt it has its own advantages/ disadvantages.

Internet also is a serious addiction esp when it is in mobile, recently i happen to c an accident whr a teenager gal was engrossed deeply in her mobile and dint noticed the train arriving in the platform, people tried to alert her but she was highly into it, by the time she realised her face was badly damaged though the train was slow and about to halt at the station.

it is better if u use the technology right.

Probably worse, Smita because we keep convincing ourself of various good reasons to stay on line. I can respond faster, I am in touch and so on on on.

The research you have sited is absolutely correct. I have seen cases where if the bsnl broadband broke for some reason at home, people wll call up their friends and have them look up something for them. Tempers detriorate, frustration grows and arguments and fights become common.

It is a terrible addiction. At one time, i too was a victim. I solved it simply by not touching my laptop after 6pm.

The sad thing is that most people dont even recognize their addiction as a problem. Talk about internet addiction is often treated as a joke. 

Ultimately all things, Internet or drug hit the brain - and "addiction" is created in the controller of body-system - the brain.

We must accept the fact and may not ignore findings. Let us be cautious and gurd children and youngs against this evil.

People are running behind "virtual world" leaving aside real life. In virtual world every thing seems ok, decent, loving, glamourous and most times free of cost. But that may not happen in real world.

Internet addiction is currently classified by mental health professionals as an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I agree with the idea. Both good & bad things r present on internet, but v r here to discuss about addiction of internet. As drug addict has urge of drug dose and becomes impulsive when they dosen't get, similarly an internet addict also has urge of internet surfing, & if they dosen't get their dose of internet surfing, they feel depression, loneliness among so many people, sometimes behaves violently & lost self control. At the same time being on the net they forgot their food,  thirst etc etc. These r the signs of addiction. All aged people, from youths to old, could be internet addict. So as per my openion internet addiction is more harmful than drug addition because it causes mild to severe mental health problems, specially in youths who r the future of our country. Use internet, because it is necessary in today's environment, but as a Requirement not as an Addiction.

Yes I'll agree for that today teenagers were gettng addicted to such kind of activities such as Internet , Mobile phones for chatting n music.One more thing that dating with everyone even they don't know about them.Just for enjoyment n sexually attitude activities.It's not Tolerable.It'll destroy the relationship in b/w their family by mental disturbance.

I think we have to agree...coz not abt the students, just talk abt our self who are in professional life and don’t have the time to think twice abt any thing, In this kind of scenario we are using internet from booking bus ticket to flight ticket, for paying electricity bill 200 to 2 lacks for loans or any fund via internet, Inviting family and frnds for function using internet, socializing our self Internet. For each and every thing we are using internet. In the same manner others are using the internet and it became a requirement of life.

So definitely we are addicted of internet but it’s for a good reason.

I support you

Yes . I think you are right, Smita. It is as like as drugs.there are so many youth who are so desperate for internet. But you have to accept the fact this is the effect of micro family, as they are alone in home & don't have brother or sister.

So firstly it start as time-pass but then after certain period it become the habit.one should know where to start & when to stop.

I support you, Smita.