Do you sometimes feel like you're spending hours on Facebook , YouTube, or playing a game, but you just can't stop? While this is normal for some people, for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), this condition can become so severe that it can even lead to a condition called 'Internet Addiction.' In fact, surveys show that about 20% of young adults with ADHD suffer from this problem. So, let's talk about this in more depth today.
What is Internet Addiction?
Simply put, an addiction is anything you do repeatedly until it affects your life, both you and those around you. If you have an internet addiction, you may be wasting hours of your time on things like:
- Playing online games
- Online Gambling
- Wasting time on social media
- Online shopping
- Watching unwanted videos or pornography (P ORN ography)
Especially if you have ADHD, and it's not being treated properly, you're more likely to spend more time online than you should. Online games in particular can be a big problem for people with ADHD. Because they're so engaging, and they also give you the opportunity to talk and connect with other people while playing the game. The instant gratification it provides makes it very difficult to break free from.
Do you also have these characteristics?
If you suspect that you have an internet addiction, take a look at the symptoms below to see if they apply to you. These are the main signs.
| Sign of addiction | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Unstoppable | It's so hard to get away from the internet, even when you have an important task or duty to do. You spend hours saying, "I'll stop in 5 minutes." |
| Getting angry | If you lose your internet and someone tells you to turn it off, you'll get angry quickly, get agitated, and talk loudly. |
| Depression | When you're not online, you feel sad, lonely, empty, or depressed. |
| Always thinking about it | Even when you're doing something else, your mind keeps racing with things like your favorite online game or your social media feed. |
| Avoiding other things | They are finding ways to spend time on the Internet instead of going out with friends and spending time with family. |
| The one who hides | You hide from others how long you've been online, lying by saying, "I haven't been on that much." |
What is the relationship between ADHD and Internet addiction?
Why are people with ADHD so prone to internet addiction? There are several reasons for this.
1. Brain function and instant gratification
The brains of people with ADHD are constantly drawn to things that are engaging and stimulating . The internet, especially games and social media, are exactly that.
To be precise, our brains have a chemical messenger called dopamine . This is what makes us feel things like happiness and satisfaction. People with ADHD have a slight difference in this dopamine system in their brains. That's why they always look for things that give them immediate rewards . An app or game on a smart phone is something that gives them immediate pleasure.
2. Weaknesses in Self-Regulation
The other thing is self-control. That is, the ability to control our emotions and behavior and to work with attention. This is called executive function . People with ADHD have a slightly less developed control center in their brains. Therefore, they are more likely to act impulsively and without thinking (impulsive behavior) . Spending hours on the Internet is also a difficult and impulsive behavior to control.
Can using the Internet cause ADHD?
No. That's a complete misconception. Being online a lot doesn't cause ADHD. Although the exact cause of ADHD has not yet been discovered, experts believe that genes play a major role . That means it's something that's passed down through generations.
Apart from that, there are several other risk factors that scientists suspect:
- Brain Injury
- Exposure of the mother to lead, alcohol, or tobacco while in the womb
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
How do you get out of this addiction?
If you have ADHD and internet addiction, there are a few things you can do to help you overcome it. Don't think that there is no way out. With the right help, you can definitely control this condition.
Get treatment for ADHD
This is the most important and first step . ADHD medications can help a lot in controlling your impulsive behavior and instant gratification. So definitely see a qualified doctor (doctor) and discuss your condition.
- If you are already receiving treatment, tell your doctor that you are having difficulty controlling your internet use.
- If you feel like you have conditions like depression or anxiety along with ADHD, tell your doctor about that as well, as these conditions can coexist.
- In addition to medications, talk therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are also very helpful.
Get help from technology
There are some apps that help you limit the amount of time you can play an online game. When that time is up, the app itself blocks the game. This also helps you set a time limit for yourself to be online.
Use two computers if possible.
While this may not be possible for everyone, if possible, keep one computer for work and another for gaming and entertainment. That way, you'll be less likely to be distracted by apps that distract you while you're working.
Set a bedtime.
Many people get lost on the internet at night. So, set a reasonable bedtime and set an alarm for that time. As soon as the alarm goes off, no matter what you're doing, turn off the screen and get ready to sleep.
Develop healthy habits
For example, instead of playing an online game when you get home from work, go for a 30-minute walk. This will give you exercise and may help you lose the urge to play the game.
Ask for help
If you find it difficult to go through this journey alone, ask a trusted friend or family member for help. Tell them about the good habits you are trying to develop and ask them to encourage you to do so. Sometimes you can also seek the help of an ADHD Coach . They will teach you the techniques you need to manage these situations.
Take-Home Message
- Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of becoming addicted to the Internet.
- This is not a weakness in your character, but something that happens due to biological reasons related to dopamine and self-control in the brain.
- Watch for signs such as difficulty getting off the Internet, irritability, and feeling sad when not online.
- The most important step to overcome this condition is to seek proper medical treatment for ADHD. For that, see a qualified doctor.
- Along with treatment, you can successfully manage this condition by getting enough sleep, developing healthy habits, and seeking help from trusted people.
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