Although the idea of Internet addiction as a disorder is still a relatively new one, and medical professionals haven’t exactly agreed on what constitutes Internet addiction, it still appears to be a debilitation problem for thousands of people. While the Internet provides easily accessible and alluring technology, information and entertainment of all varieties, too much time spent online, particularly when neglecting work or family related duties can mean that you’re suffering from a type of addiction.

How much time is too much? It’s difficult to say exactly what is too much time spent on the Internet, and without knowing the reasons for someone’s online presence, a diagnosis of an addiction can be impossible. Whether you’re online for work, socialization, support, creative reasons or for entertainment, your time spent on the Internet can’t really be compared to the time that others spend. If you find yourself neglecting your work, family or other obligations, or stay up too late logged in and miss out on sleeping or eating, you might have an Internet addiction.

Just because there isn’t a consensus on what the criteria for meeting Internet addiction is doesn’t mean you can’t get help. Therapists are adept at treating disorders of compulsion and getting help for Internet addiction is as easy as calling your doctor or primary health care provider for information, treatment options and referrals. If you suspect you might be suffering from Internet addiction, don’t be shy to ask your doctor about simple steps take to curb your usage, determine what underlying causes have driven you towards your Internet addiction, give you ways to get your life back.

How can you know if you have an Internet addiction? Once again, there are no set guidelines, but just as in any other compulsive disorder you may be suffering from symptoms that debilitate your social life, career and family. Although only a doctor or mental health professional can give you a definite diagnosis, some signs of Internet addiction that you can be aware of include:

• Feeling preoccupied with the Internet, or fantasizing about past or future online activity
• Using the Internet in progressively longer bouts of time
• Having made previous unsuccessful attempts to cut back on Internet usage
• Feeling “withdrawal” symptoms such as moodiness, irritability, depression or restlessness when not logged online
• An inability to concentrate or attend to on work, school, health or family obligations
• Lying to friends, family members and health professionals about your Internet usage
• Viewing your online time as an escape from reality

Don’t let your online obsession result in academic, career or family impairment. If you see yourself ignoring your obligations or neglecting family members of work duties, contact a physician today and get on your way to breaking your Internet addiction.