3. Introduction  Is your desire to use a computer either online or offline dire?  Does it interfere with your daily routines, relationships, activities and your well being?

4. Introduction  If you spend more time online or playing online games on the computer than you intend to, or this time interferes with your obligations then you could be suffering from an addiction to the computer.

5. What is Computer Addiction?  An excessive desire and subsequent use of the internet or the computer that results in negative consequences socially, financially, physically, emotionally or otherwise for the user.

6. Different Types  Programming Addictions  General Computer Addictions  Internet Addiction  Internet compulsion  Cybersex  Social Networking Addictions

7. Signs of Computer Addiction  Constant preoccupation with the computer either online or offline.  Feeling a burning desire to go online or to use the computer to play a game, to socialize or to develop programming codes.  Spending time on the computer despite family functions taking place, special events or other activities that you were once happy to be a part of.  Performing actions on the computer that are outside the realm of what your original plans were such as shopping online when you should be working or playing a game when you should be doing homework.

8. Signs of Computer Addiction  Telling lies to your family and friends about the activities that you perform while on the computer, such as saying that you are working on homework when you are actually playing a game.  Having anxious feelings when you want to use the computer, know you will be able to use the computer or know that your use of the computer will be limited.  Mood swings or irritability when you are not allowed to spend as much time on the computer as you would like to or if your computer time is interrupted.

9. Signs of Computer Addiction  Telling yourself that you will get off the computer at a certain time and then spend more time than you committed.  Any use of the computer as an escape from your feelings.

10. Causes  Anxiety causes by stress at work, relationships, financial problems or other sources.  Depressions that leads to computer use to escape reality.  Inactivity and using the computer instead of working out or otherwise being active.  Physical illness that prevents an individual from leaving the home.  Boredom and feeling like there is nothing else to do.

11. Not sure if you are addicted?  Internet Addiction Test is the first validated and reliable measure of addictive use of the Internet.  The IAT is a 20 item questionnaire that measures mild, moderate, and severe levels of internet addiction.  http://netaddiction.com/internet-addiction-tes/ http://netaddiction.com/internet-addiction-tes/

12. Available Treatment  Tradition therapy – Counseling with a therapist.  Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy – Trained therapist gives you techniques for changing your thinking and behavior.  Group Therapy – Support from a therapist-led group of like- minded people.  Family Therapy – Attending therapy sessions with your family.  Residential Treatment – For severe cases, guidance and around-the-clock care at a residential center.

13. References  Link, Paul. "Computer Addiction." Addictions. Addiction.com, 2 Feb. 2013. Web. 17 Nov. 2014..www.addictions.com/computer/  Saison, Joanna, M.S.W, Melinda Smith, M.A., Lawrence Robinson, and Jeannie Segal, Ph.D. "Internet and Computer Addiction." : Signs, Symptoms, and Help for Balancing Your Time Online and Off. Helphguide.org, 1 Nov. 2014. Web. 14 Nov. 2014..www.helpguide.org/articles/addiction/internet-and-computer- addiction.htm  Young, Kimberly. "Internet Addiction Test - NetAddiction.” NetAddiction. Netaddiction.com, 5 Dec. 2012. Web. 17 Nov. 2014..  Lui, Fasion. "Internet Addiction." The Ranch Drug Rehab Eating Disorder Trauma Treatment Center Sex Addiction Nashville Tennessee TN. Recovery Ranch, 17 Aug. 2011. Web. 17 Nov. 2014..