Moving from cybersex to phone sex or actual meetings lFeelings of guilt arise from on-line use Hiding cybersexual encounters from your partner Masturbating while engaging in erotic chat Preference of online cybersex to real-life sexual intercourse
Wednesday, 3 October 2007
Compulsive surfing
Compulsive surfing often accompanies other internet addictions. lPeople who suffer from compulsive surfing often exhibit other obsessive compulsive tendencies. lCompulsive surfing often starts as a way to escape problems. lWarning signs include: ¡Gathering and sorting information irrelevant information ¡Any other form of internet addiction is present ¡Fantasizes about next opportunity to surf the internet
Top Video Porn Producers Top US Erotica Important Cities
Country Major Producers Cities Importance
1. United States Vivid Entertainment, Hustler, Playboy, Wicked Pictures, Red Light District 1. Los Angeles Adult Production Companies
2. Brazil Frenesi Films, Pau Brazil, MarcoStudio 2. Las Vegas Adult Stars, Sin City Chamber of Commerce
3. The Netherlands Erostream, Midhold Media, Your Choice, Seventeen 3. New York Adult Entrepreneurs, Erotica
4. Spain Private Media Group, Woodman Entertainment 4. Chicago Playboy
5. Japan Soft on Demand, Moodyz 5. San Francisco Adult Websites, Adult Companies
6. Russia Beate Uhse, SP-Company, Dolphin Entertainment 6. Miami/South Florida Adult Websites, Penthouse
7. Germany Trimax, SG-Video, GGG, VideoRama, Zip Production 7. Seattle/Pacific Northwest Adult Websites
8. United Kingdom Hot Rod Productions, JoyBear Pictures, Blue Juice TV, Rude Britannia, Fresh SX 8. San Diego Adult Websites, Strip Clubs
9. Canada Wild Rose Productions, Eromodel Group, Dugmor 9. Phoenix /Tucson/ Scottsdale Club Jenna, Erotica
10. Australia Pistol Media 10. Hillsborough, NC. Adam & Eve
Other Notables 11. Boulder, CO. New Frontier
Sweden Maxs Video 12. Pittsburgh DVD Sales
Italy Adamo Entertainment 13. Portland Strip Club
1. United States Vivid Entertainment, Hustler, Playboy, Wicked Pictures, Red Light District 1. Los Angeles Adult Production Companies
2. Brazil Frenesi Films, Pau Brazil, MarcoStudio 2. Las Vegas Adult Stars, Sin City Chamber of Commerce
3. The Netherlands Erostream, Midhold Media, Your Choice, Seventeen 3. New York Adult Entrepreneurs, Erotica
4. Spain Private Media Group, Woodman Entertainment 4. Chicago Playboy
5. Japan Soft on Demand, Moodyz 5. San Francisco Adult Websites, Adult Companies
6. Russia Beate Uhse, SP-Company, Dolphin Entertainment 6. Miami/South Florida Adult Websites, Penthouse
7. Germany Trimax, SG-Video, GGG, VideoRama, Zip Production 7. Seattle/Pacific Northwest Adult Websites
8. United Kingdom Hot Rod Productions, JoyBear Pictures, Blue Juice TV, Rude Britannia, Fresh SX 8. San Diego Adult Websites, Strip Clubs
9. Canada Wild Rose Productions, Eromodel Group, Dugmor 9. Phoenix /Tucson/ Scottsdale Club Jenna, Erotica
10. Australia Pistol Media 10. Hillsborough, NC. Adam & Eve
Other Notables 11. Boulder, CO. New Frontier
Sweden Maxs Video 12. Pittsburgh DVD Sales
Italy Adamo Entertainment 13. Portland Strip Club
Women, far more than men, are likely to act out their behaviors in real life, such as having multiple partners, casual sex, or affa
Women and Pornography
Women keeping their cyber activities secret 70%
Women struggling with pornography addiction 17%
Ratio of women to men favoring chat rooms 2X
Percentage of visitors to adult websites who are women 1 in 3 visitors
Women accessing adult websites each month 9.4 million
Women admitting to accessing pornography at work 13%
Women keeping their cyber activities secret 70%
Women struggling with pornography addiction 17%
Ratio of women to men favoring chat rooms 2X
Percentage of visitors to adult websites who are women 1 in 3 visitors
Women accessing adult websites each month 9.4 million
Women admitting to accessing pornography at work 13%
Children Internet Pornography Statistics
Average age of first Internet exposure to pornography 11 years old
Largest consumer of Internet pornography 35 - 49 age group
15-17 year olds having multiple hard-core exposures 80%
8-16 year olds having viewed porn online 90% (most while doing homework)
7-17 year olds who would freely give out home address 29%
7-17 year olds who would freely give out email address 14%
Children's character names linked to thousands of porn links 26 (Including Pokemon and Action Man)
Largest consumer of Internet pornography 35 - 49 age group
15-17 year olds having multiple hard-core exposures 80%
8-16 year olds having viewed porn online 90% (most while doing homework)
7-17 year olds who would freely give out home address 29%
7-17 year olds who would freely give out email address 14%
Children's character names linked to thousands of porn links 26 (Including Pokemon and Action Man)
Pornography Time Statistics
Every second - $3,075.64 is being spent on pornography
Every second - 28,258 Internet users are viewing pornography
Every second - 372 Internet users are typing adult search terms into search engines
Every 39 minutes: a new pornographic video is being created in the United States
Every second - 28,258 Internet users are viewing pornography
Every second - 372 Internet users are typing adult search terms into search engines
Every 39 minutes: a new pornographic video is being created in the United States
The pornography industry is larger than the revenues of the top technology companies combined: Microsoft, Google, Amazon, eBay, Yahoo!, Apple, Netflix
The pornography industry is larger than the revenues of the top technology companies combined: Microsoft, Google, Amazon, eBay, Yahoo!, Apple, Netflix and EarthLink
Teen Online Gambling
new data released from the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania show that more than one million young people currently are using Internet gambling sites on a monthly basis. Among males 18 to 22, Internet gambling doubled in the past year.
The new data are being released by the National Annenberg Risk Survey of Youth, which has tracked gambling among young people ages 14 to 22 since 2002. Based on the survey's most recent estimates, approximately 850,000 males ages 18 to 22 gamble online at least one a month. The corresponding number for males between 14 and 17 is 357,000.
Among the 18- to 22-year-old age group, weekly use of Internet gambling sites increased from 2.3% in 2005 to 5.8% this year, a statistically significant increase.
With a rise in online gambling comes a greater danger of addiction, according to Nancy Petry, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Connecticut’s Center for Gambling Research and Treatment.
In a recent study, Petry found that Internet gamblers were more likely to have a serious gambling than other gamblers. Furthermore, Internet gamblers were more likely to suffer from health and emotional problems such as substance abuse, circulatory disease, depression, and risky sexual behaviors.
As teens and pre-teens go online with greater frequency, the risk for addiction and the form it takes becomes greater. Old favorites such as sports betting and casino games still dominate the Internet but in the future there will be more opportunities that could draw new gamblers into the fold. People can go online and bet about whether Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will get married or if Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’s marriage will last. They can bet on the outcome of the Oscars or who will win on Survivor. These are the new kind of bets that are done by people who might not normally visit a gambling site.
The new data are being released by the National Annenberg Risk Survey of Youth, which has tracked gambling among young people ages 14 to 22 since 2002. Based on the survey's most recent estimates, approximately 850,000 males ages 18 to 22 gamble online at least one a month. The corresponding number for males between 14 and 17 is 357,000.
Among the 18- to 22-year-old age group, weekly use of Internet gambling sites increased from 2.3% in 2005 to 5.8% this year, a statistically significant increase.
With a rise in online gambling comes a greater danger of addiction, according to Nancy Petry, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Connecticut’s Center for Gambling Research and Treatment.
In a recent study, Petry found that Internet gamblers were more likely to have a serious gambling than other gamblers. Furthermore, Internet gamblers were more likely to suffer from health and emotional problems such as substance abuse, circulatory disease, depression, and risky sexual behaviors.
As teens and pre-teens go online with greater frequency, the risk for addiction and the form it takes becomes greater. Old favorites such as sports betting and casino games still dominate the Internet but in the future there will be more opportunities that could draw new gamblers into the fold. People can go online and bet about whether Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will get married or if Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’s marriage will last. They can bet on the outcome of the Oscars or who will win on Survivor. These are the new kind of bets that are done by people who might not normally visit a gambling site.
Are you an obsessive online gamer?
As a follow-up to my discussion on online gaming addiction, I received this email from a recovered gaming addict that I wanted to share. I wanted to hear from other gamers to see if physical numbing or problems also result from intensive playing.
"Hello: I play World of Warcraft which I'm sure must be responsible for a great deal of online addiction. I have gone through periods of playing somewhat intensively which I may do for up to 4 hours 4 evenings in a week but then I am suddenly so bored with it that I don't touch it for a month or two then repeat the cycle. So maybe a binge addiction! Anyway, the purpose of this message is to comment on your online survey: Are you an obsessive online gamer? I am a nurse and one thing I have noticed is that frequently people are playing to a point of physical harm. I am in a guild that actually meets every once in a while in San Francisco (so real face time with fellow guildies which I think is unusual) and often they have what seem to me to be tendonitis and other repetitive stress/overuse injuries such as Carpal Tunnel (although as a nurse naturally I would leave diagnosis up to the physicians!). Also I often hear (on Ventrillo which many gamers use for audio) or see (in online comments) remarks that people have tingling or numbness in the nerves of their hands, wrists, forearms, shoulders, or necks, any of which could be the onset of more serious conditions. People seem to accept all this as part of gaming, especially heavy gamers who go on "raids" (something I'd never do) which take hours and hours maybe three times a week to complete. Therefore I think you need to add a question to your online gaming questionnaire: HAVE YOU EVER PLAYED/CONTINUED TO PLAY AN ONLINE GAME AFTER YOUR HANDS OR AMRS BEGIN TO HURT? In this case I am not even addressing lower back pain and possible damage to spine/cartilage, or damage to vision, both of which I suspect as a result of computer use. I think it would be good to see something on your questionnaire about this."
"Hello: I play World of Warcraft which I'm sure must be responsible for a great deal of online addiction. I have gone through periods of playing somewhat intensively which I may do for up to 4 hours 4 evenings in a week but then I am suddenly so bored with it that I don't touch it for a month or two then repeat the cycle. So maybe a binge addiction! Anyway, the purpose of this message is to comment on your online survey: Are you an obsessive online gamer? I am a nurse and one thing I have noticed is that frequently people are playing to a point of physical harm. I am in a guild that actually meets every once in a while in San Francisco (so real face time with fellow guildies which I think is unusual) and often they have what seem to me to be tendonitis and other repetitive stress/overuse injuries such as Carpal Tunnel (although as a nurse naturally I would leave diagnosis up to the physicians!). Also I often hear (on Ventrillo which many gamers use for audio) or see (in online comments) remarks that people have tingling or numbness in the nerves of their hands, wrists, forearms, shoulders, or necks, any of which could be the onset of more serious conditions. People seem to accept all this as part of gaming, especially heavy gamers who go on "raids" (something I'd never do) which take hours and hours maybe three times a week to complete. Therefore I think you need to add a question to your online gaming questionnaire: HAVE YOU EVER PLAYED/CONTINUED TO PLAY AN ONLINE GAME AFTER YOUR HANDS OR AMRS BEGIN TO HURT? In this case I am not even addressing lower back pain and possible damage to spine/cartilage, or damage to vision, both of which I suspect as a result of computer use. I think it would be good to see something on your questionnaire about this."
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
Social drinking kills brain cells.
This is an old idea in which some people thought that even one drink could kill thousands of brain cells. Alcohol can kill brain cells, but only after many years of heavy drinking. One old study involved giving alcohol daily to a dog for several weeks, then looking at damaged brain cells in the dog at autopsy. A calculation was made of the number of brain cells damaged, and this was extrapolated backwards to determine how many cells would be damaged with one drink! Obviously alcohol given over time leading to brain cell death has nothing to do with single drinks of alcoholic beverages.
It is possible to overdose on marijuana.
Marijuana has few toxic effects on major organs. Even though it has a well-established effect on mood and can cause dependence, there is no known lethal dose of marijuana in humans.
“Addiction” is an acute problem requiring only 28-day treatment.
This is an old notion that suggests recovery takes place in 28-day inpatient treatment centers. We have always known that twelve-step programs are a lifetime commitment, and this is why we use the word “recovering” rather than “recovered”. More modern treatment is taking the attitude that dependence is a chronic medical illness that requires longer treatment and lifetime monitoring.
Euphoria = “addiction”.
Euphoria is “a sense of well-being”. Cocaine produces tremendous euphoria, whereas nicotine produces mild euphoria. Yet most experts agree that nicotine and cocaine are both highly dependence-producing. Euphoria is the reason why people use drugs (“to get high”). Dependence (“addiction”) occurs in some, but not all, people who experience euphoria. People who experience dependence have a brain disease.
"Substance abuse" is a scientifically valid term
. The word "substance abuse" is a weak, wimpy, confusing, inaccurate, and misleading term when applied to drug problems. Is there any "substance" that is not a chemical or a drug? Do we only treat drug abusers in "substance abuse" treatment centers? Is it any wonder that policy-makers and the public look down on “addicts” and those who treat them, when it appears that many treatment centers are not sure about what they're treating?
Drug abuse leads to dependence. A better phrase is “drug abuse often precedes
The myth suggests that drug abuse causes drug dependence, when in actuality they are two different drug-use conditions. In many people dependence is preceded by abuse, but some people develop dependence without going through the progression of drug use, abuse, and dependence. In addition, many people abuse drugs for many years without developing the disease of chemical dependence.
Ecstasy is highly addicting
. Although this may very well turn out to be true, there is no evidence that ecstasy is addicting. Most people don’t use it long enough to produce serious withdrawal symptoms or signs of “impaired control”. Because of this lack of data, it is not clear whether users of ecstasy will satisfy the necessary criteria for “chemical dependence
Everyone who uses cocaine or heroin is an addict
. Science is doing its best to develop ways to diagnose those people who willfully make bad choices about their use of drugs, and those who are born with or develop pathological dependence (“addiction”) on drugs. Most people (75-85%) can use cocaine or heroin for a while and stop using when they decide to stop. Others (“chemically dependent”) cannot stop without medical and structured therapy.
Club drugs are new, not very dangerous, and affect everyone the same way.
Club drugs include ecstasy, GHB, ketamine, rohypnol, methamphetamine, and LSD. We don’t have much solid research on club drugs, but most have been around for 20-30 years or more. Emergency room reports indicate they are very dangerous, especially when mixed with alcohol. Finally, they affect everyone differently, based upon dosage taken and an individual’s sensitivity to the drug.
Crack is more addicting than cocaine powder
Crack is more addicting than cocaine powder. While there are more “crack” “addicts” observed on the streets, this is probably because crack is cheaper and easier to obtain than cocaine powder. But there is no pharmacological reason why the form of a drug or the route of administration should change the “addiction” liability of a drug. In fact, science is beginning to realize that the drug is not the cause of “addiction”; rather, the susceptibility of the person to the drug determines how much “addiction” (dependence) develops.
Sugar is "addicting".
The term “addiction” as used by the public does not have an exact scientific meaning. A better term is "dependence" (as defined by DSM, see table at the end of this section). Sugar cannot satisfy 3 or more of the DSM criteria for dependence, therefore sugar is not addicting, in a scientific or clinical sense. Also, scientists have not yet found “sugar receptors” in the mesolimbic dopamine system.
A smoke-able form of heroin (“black tar” is one type) is not addicting.
A smoke-able form of heroin (“black tar” is one type) is not addicting. Does this make any sense? There is no evidence that changing the form of a drug changes its “addiction” potential. This is an on-the-street marketing ploy!
Caffeine is addicting.
Scientists do not yet agree that caffeine is dependence-producing, according to DSM criteria. While people have marked withdrawal symptoms from using too much caffeine, withdrawal alone is not sufficient to diagnose dependence (“addiction”). Also, caffeine does not have the same “dysregulating” effect on the “dependence pathway” (mesolimbic dopamine system) of the brain, like cocaine or amphetamine do.
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
"No research has yet established that there is a disorder of Internet addiction that is separable from problems such as loneliness or problem gambling
"It seems misleading to characterize behaviors as 'addictions' on the basis that people say they do too much of them," says Sara Kiesler, PhD, a researcher at Carnegie Mellon University and co-author of one of the only controlled studies on Internet usage, published in the September 1998 American Psychologist. "No research has yet established that there is a disorder of Internet addiction that is separable from problems such as loneliness or problem gambling, or that a passion for using the Internet is long-lasting."
Most studies of cyberaddiction are deeply problematical
Most studies of cyberaddiction are deeply problematical because they
draw on small (sometimes ludicrously small) and often self-selected populations
have no independent oversight
involve serious uncertainties about questionnaire structure and data handling or about the interpretation of figures and answers
are not benchmarked against widely recognised independent research
fail to differentiate between time spent online at work and non-occupational use.
draw on small (sometimes ludicrously small) and often self-selected populations
have no independent oversight
involve serious uncertainties about questionnaire structure and data handling or about the interpretation of figures and answers
are not benchmarked against widely recognised independent research
fail to differentiate between time spent online at work and non-occupational use.
All these criteria can apply to people who watch a lot of television.
Psychologists and psychiatrists formally define substance dependence as a disorder characterized by criteria that include spending a great deal of time using the substance; using it more often than one intends; thinking about reducing use or making repeated unsuccessful efforts to reduce use; giving up important social, family or occupational activities to use it; and reporting withdrawal symptoms when one stops using it. All these criteria can apply to people who watch a lot of television.
Warning on Television viewing in 1952 strikes a cord
no matter how good any given television show is, to look at that tube of lights and shadows almost invariably brings to mind such things as death, tuberculosis, cats howling on the back fence, incest, dishes in the sink, etc.
Such a reaction ... applies particularly to looking at television alone. A hair-in-the-mouth, screaming-nerves sensation comes from viewing television in solitude, an act of the same category as drinking in solitude or taking morphine while shut up in a closet, but much worse.
Furthermore ... to look at it for any length of time, even in the company of others, causes sexual impotence, shortens the life span, makes the hair and teeth fall out, and encourages early psychosis in otherwise normal people.
Such a reaction ... applies particularly to looking at television alone. A hair-in-the-mouth, screaming-nerves sensation comes from viewing television in solitude, an act of the same category as drinking in solitude or taking morphine while shut up in a closet, but much worse.
Furthermore ... to look at it for any length of time, even in the company of others, causes sexual impotence, shortens the life span, makes the hair and teeth fall out, and encourages early psychosis in otherwise normal people.
For some people Earth is where they really ought to spend their time. For others, perhaps the fantasy world is the only decent place available.
When people spend dozens of hours weekly at their computers, or on the internet, or playing video games, it is almost certain that some other activities will suffer. The question is, when does this behaviour warrant the label 'addiction'? Addiction is a strong word, calling for both renunciation on the part of the subject and forceful intervention by others ... a behaviour becomes problematic when, and only when, it degrades other important things in life. A 60-hour-a-week compulsive EverQuest user who fails to speak to his own children when they come home from school is engaging in problematic behaviour. But consider the same user, living alone, with all his friends being online and in the game - is his devotion of time to cyberspace problematic? In the end we can only judge whether presence in the virtual world is good or bad by reference to the ordinary daily life of the person making the choice to go there. For some people Earth is where they really ought to spend their time. For others, perhaps the fantasy world is the only decent place available.
Monday, 24 September 2007
United States 244,661,900 Pornographic Web Pages
United States 244,661,900
Germany 10,030,200
United Kingdom 8,506,800
Australia 5,655,800
Japan 2,700,800
The Netherlands 1,883,800
Russia 1,080,600
Poland 1,049,600
Spain 852,800
Germany 10,030,200
United Kingdom 8,506,800
Australia 5,655,800
Japan 2,700,800
The Netherlands 1,883,800
Russia 1,080,600
Poland 1,049,600
Spain 852,800
US Pornography Titles Released
Year Titles
1988 1,300
1989 1,350
1990 1,340
1991 1,505
1992 2,200
1993 2,400
1994 3,200
1995 5,700
1996 8,000
1997 8,000
1998 9,200
1999 10,300
2000 11,500
2001 10,900
2002 11,700
2003 11,400
2004 12,000
2005 13,588
1988 1,300
1989 1,350
1990 1,340
1991 1,505
1992 2,200
1993 2,400
1994 3,200
1995 5,700
1996 8,000
1997 8,000
1998 9,200
1999 10,300
2000 11,500
2001 10,900
2002 11,700
2003 11,400
2004 12,000
2005 13,588
Diagnostics for Cyber Addiction
A demonstrated "loss of control" when trying to stop or limit the amount of time on the computer. (Breaking promises to self or others. Promising to quit or cut down and not being able to do so)
Being dishonest or minimizing the extent of the time you stay on the computer, or covering up or being dishonest about what activities you participate in when on the computer.
Negative consequences experienced by the computer user or his/her friends or family as a direct result of time or activities spent on the computer.
Participation in high risk or normally unacceptable behaviors when using the computer. Compromising your morals and values based on the opportunity to remain anonymous and protected on the computer. (a good test for this is to ask yourself if your spouse, partner or family would approve of what you were doing on the computer)
An overdeveloped sense of importance for the computer in ones life. Defending your right to use the computer as much as desired, regardless of the fact that people in your life are feeling left out and neglected. (denial of the problem and justification; not being able to hear or feel what the other people are saying regarding your computer behavior)
Mixed feelings of euphoria (a "rush"), combined with feelings of guilt brought on by either the inordinate amount of time spent on the computer or the abnormal behavior acted out while using the computer.
Feelings of depression or anxiety when something or someone shortens your time or interrupts your plans to use the computer.
Preoccupation with the computer and computer activities when you are not using the computer (thinking about the computer and its activities when doing something else; i.e. having a family dinner, working on project deadline etc.)
Finding yourself using the computer at times when you are feeling uncomfortable, irritated, or sad about something happening in your life. ( feeling uncomfortable in your relationship, so you will self medicate and "hide out" on the computer) Using time on the computer to become externally focused outside yourself as a way to avoid facing what is happening in your life, and avoiding feeling the appropriate feelings inside yourself. (self medicating)
Experiencing financial concerns or problems in your life as a result of money being spent on computer hardware, computer on-line charges, or any other costs associated with computers. (Spending money on computer related items which should have been allocated to other normal living expenses)
Being dishonest or minimizing the extent of the time you stay on the computer, or covering up or being dishonest about what activities you participate in when on the computer.
Negative consequences experienced by the computer user or his/her friends or family as a direct result of time or activities spent on the computer.
Participation in high risk or normally unacceptable behaviors when using the computer. Compromising your morals and values based on the opportunity to remain anonymous and protected on the computer. (a good test for this is to ask yourself if your spouse, partner or family would approve of what you were doing on the computer)
An overdeveloped sense of importance for the computer in ones life. Defending your right to use the computer as much as desired, regardless of the fact that people in your life are feeling left out and neglected. (denial of the problem and justification; not being able to hear or feel what the other people are saying regarding your computer behavior)
Mixed feelings of euphoria (a "rush"), combined with feelings of guilt brought on by either the inordinate amount of time spent on the computer or the abnormal behavior acted out while using the computer.
Feelings of depression or anxiety when something or someone shortens your time or interrupts your plans to use the computer.
Preoccupation with the computer and computer activities when you are not using the computer (thinking about the computer and its activities when doing something else; i.e. having a family dinner, working on project deadline etc.)
Finding yourself using the computer at times when you are feeling uncomfortable, irritated, or sad about something happening in your life. ( feeling uncomfortable in your relationship, so you will self medicate and "hide out" on the computer) Using time on the computer to become externally focused outside yourself as a way to avoid facing what is happening in your life, and avoiding feeling the appropriate feelings inside yourself. (self medicating)
Experiencing financial concerns or problems in your life as a result of money being spent on computer hardware, computer on-line charges, or any other costs associated with computers. (Spending money on computer related items which should have been allocated to other normal living expenses)
Cyber Anonymous
When someone finally realizes they have a problem, however, help is available. There are a number of web sites available for the treatment of Internet addiction. They include sites like Cyber Anonymous or ”CYANON“ There is even software available for addicts. One such package is Graham’s Mac Shareware. However, trying to cure on-line addiction by going on-line is probably not the best answer. Face to face counseling is probably the best method for dealing with this problem. The availability of this type of counseling is expanding rapidly. Over the past two years, two major clinics have also been established to treat this addiction.
High use of pornography among Internet addicts
There's a very high use of pornography among Internet addicts. Sixty-two percent of Internet addicts are logging on to porn sites. However, forty-six percent of non-addicts are also logging on to those sites. But don't forget, two-thirds of the 18,000 people we surveyed were men, who tend to access porn sites more regularly. Clearly, an aspect of the addictive nature of the Internet cannot be separated from sexual interest and/or addiction, but I believe there are other aspects of the Internet separate from sexuality that are addictive in and of themselves.
thumbnail sketch of online addiction
Essentially, if you're spending a lot of time online and it's really interfering with your life. That's the quick thumbnail sketch. If it’s causing difficulty in your life, interfering with work, home or Relationships, than you may have a problem. Questions such as: Are you spending an excessive amount of time online? Are you preoccupied with the Internet? Are you keeping it a secret from people? Do other people think you might have a problem? Do you experience intense intimacy while online? Can you not wait to go online or to use the computer? These can all be signs of addiction.
Addictive patterns is identifying the problem Trading Addiction
The first step in dealing with any addictive pattern is identifying it--and identifying it as a problem. Here are a few questions that you might ask yourself:
Have there been times when I told myself to stop trading, but still found myself placing trades any way? ~ Do I find myself overtrading by putting on positions with too large size or by trading during periods when nothing is happening? ~ Have my trading losses created problems for me in my relationship(s), or have they caused financial problems for me? ~ Have people close to me told me that I need to stop trading? Is the pain from losing more extreme than the satisfaction from winning? ~ Do I find my moods fluctuating with my P/L? ~ Do I trade simply out of boredom sometimes? ~ Do I find myself preoccupied with trading outside of market hours at the cost of other work and relationships?
Notice that, for many of these questions, you could substitute the word "drinking" or "gambling" for "trading". The dynamics of addictions are the same across the board. If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, I would suggest that trading has become a problem for you.
How does one deal with addictive trading? The first step is to identify it, but the second--and harder--step is to acknowledge that you need help for it. It's pride that tells us we can handle it on our own through will power, but addictions wouldn't occur in the first place if will power were sufficient to prevent consequences.
Telling yourself you can manage your own addiction is itself a form of denial. That is why a key step in Alcoholics Anonymous is acknowledging that you are powerless against alcohol. That is why AA substitutes mutual support for drinking and advocates abstinence as a goal.
Through books, self-help groups, and counseling, you learn to identify the thought and behavior patterns that drive your addictive behaviors. You also learn to identify cravings in advance and channel these in productive directions.
Most of all, you regain a measure of control over your life and end the negative consequences of the addiction. If you find yourself unable to control your trading and you find the emotional, financial, and social consequences mounting, that's not a passion for trading. It's an addiction.
Have there been times when I told myself to stop trading, but still found myself placing trades any way? ~ Do I find myself overtrading by putting on positions with too large size or by trading during periods when nothing is happening? ~ Have my trading losses created problems for me in my relationship(s), or have they caused financial problems for me? ~ Have people close to me told me that I need to stop trading? Is the pain from losing more extreme than the satisfaction from winning? ~ Do I find my moods fluctuating with my P/L? ~ Do I trade simply out of boredom sometimes? ~ Do I find myself preoccupied with trading outside of market hours at the cost of other work and relationships?
Notice that, for many of these questions, you could substitute the word "drinking" or "gambling" for "trading". The dynamics of addictions are the same across the board. If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, I would suggest that trading has become a problem for you.
How does one deal with addictive trading? The first step is to identify it, but the second--and harder--step is to acknowledge that you need help for it. It's pride that tells us we can handle it on our own through will power, but addictions wouldn't occur in the first place if will power were sufficient to prevent consequences.
Telling yourself you can manage your own addiction is itself a form of denial. That is why a key step in Alcoholics Anonymous is acknowledging that you are powerless against alcohol. That is why AA substitutes mutual support for drinking and advocates abstinence as a goal.
Through books, self-help groups, and counseling, you learn to identify the thought and behavior patterns that drive your addictive behaviors. You also learn to identify cravings in advance and channel these in productive directions.
Most of all, you regain a measure of control over your life and end the negative consequences of the addiction. If you find yourself unable to control your trading and you find the emotional, financial, and social consequences mounting, that's not a passion for trading. It's an addiction.
Let's look at the facts:
An addiction occurs when an activity provides a strong source of stimulation that, over time, leads to psychological and sometimes physical dependence. We generally label a behavior as an addiction when people seek out the activity even in the face of demonstrable negative consequences. It is the inability to stop the activity when those consequences interfere with life that marks any addiction.
Let's look at the facts:
According to research cited by the National Council on Problem Gambling, 2 million adults (1% of the population) meet the diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling. Another 4-8 million adults (2-4% of the population) can be considered problem gamblers who are experiencing direct problems as a consequence of gambling.
Research in psychology and psychiatry reported in the Oxford Textbook of Psychopathology finds that between 14 and 16 million Americans meet diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence. Between 4-6 million Americans are dependent upon illegal drugs.
Rates of substance abuse among men ages 18-44 are double those of the general population.
A family history of addictive problems is one of the best predictors of risk for addiction. Peer influence is another significant risk factor.
According to a research review in the Oxford Textbook, rates of depression are significantly higher among people with addictions than in the general population, with indications that people are using the addictive activities to medicate themselves for the pain of depression.
Addictions are also most common among individuals with attention deficits and hyperactivity problems and appear to be related to sensation-seeking among those needing stimulation.
Let's look at the facts:
According to research cited by the National Council on Problem Gambling, 2 million adults (1% of the population) meet the diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling. Another 4-8 million adults (2-4% of the population) can be considered problem gamblers who are experiencing direct problems as a consequence of gambling.
Research in psychology and psychiatry reported in the Oxford Textbook of Psychopathology finds that between 14 and 16 million Americans meet diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence. Between 4-6 million Americans are dependent upon illegal drugs.
Rates of substance abuse among men ages 18-44 are double those of the general population.
A family history of addictive problems is one of the best predictors of risk for addiction. Peer influence is another significant risk factor.
According to a research review in the Oxford Textbook, rates of depression are significantly higher among people with addictions than in the general population, with indications that people are using the addictive activities to medicate themselves for the pain of depression.
Addictions are also most common among individuals with attention deficits and hyperactivity problems and appear to be related to sensation-seeking among those needing stimulation.
Friday, 21 September 2007
Online affairs
Online affairs account for a growing number of divorce cases and it is the most frequently treated problem at the Center for Online Addiction. Partners engaged in an online affair go through several personality changes and often rationalize that an online affair isn’t really cheating. They believe it is a harmless flirtation because it doesn’t involve any “physical touching”. However, the emotional pain and devastation to a once warm and loving relationship is just the same.
Cybersex/Pornography Addiction
Cybersex/Pornography Addiction is a specific sub-type of Internet addiction. Estimates suggest that 1 in 5 Internet addicts are engaged in some form of online sexual activity (primarily viewing cyberporn and/or engaging in cybersex). Studies show that men are more likely to view cyberporn, while women are more likely to engage in erotic chat. People who suffer from low self-esteem, a distorted body image, untreated sexual dysfunction, or a prior sexual addiction are more at risk to develop cybersex/cyberporn addictions. In particular, sex addicts often turn to the Internet as a new and safe sexual outlet to fulfill their underlying compulsive habit.
US shows signs of net addiction
14% of respondents said they cannot stay away from the internet
More than one in eight adults in the US show signs of being addicted to the internet, a study has shown.
"Addicts" showed signs of compulsive internet use, habitually checking e-mail, websites and chat rooms.
More than 8% of the 2,513 respondents to the Stanford University phone survey said they hid their use from partners.
A typical addict is a single, white college-educated male in his 30s, who spends more than 30 hours a week on "non-essential" computer use, it found.
"We often focus on how wonderful the internet is; how simple and efficient it can make things," said Dr Elias Aboujaoude of the Stanford University School of Medicine and one of the researchers behind the study.
"But we need to consider the fact that it creates real problems for a subset of people."
More than one in eight adults in the US show signs of being addicted to the internet, a study has shown.
"Addicts" showed signs of compulsive internet use, habitually checking e-mail, websites and chat rooms.
More than 8% of the 2,513 respondents to the Stanford University phone survey said they hid their use from partners.
A typical addict is a single, white college-educated male in his 30s, who spends more than 30 hours a week on "non-essential" computer use, it found.
"We often focus on how wonderful the internet is; how simple and efficient it can make things," said Dr Elias Aboujaoude of the Stanford University School of Medicine and one of the researchers behind the study.
"But we need to consider the fact that it creates real problems for a subset of people."
overeating
For obese people overeating is akin to drug addiction, research suggests.
Scans on seven overweight people revealed the regions of the brain that controlled satiety were the same as those in drug addicts craving drugs.
The US team who carried out the research said the findings could potentially help to uncover new treatments for obesity.
The work, led by a New York scientist, is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Scans on seven overweight people revealed the regions of the brain that controlled satiety were the same as those in drug addicts craving drugs.
The US team who carried out the research said the findings could potentially help to uncover new treatments for obesity.
The work, led by a New York scientist, is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Sunbathing
Sunbathing may be a physical addiction, research in the United States suggests.
Scientists believe exposure to ultraviolet rays may stimulate the release of chemicals in the blood which produce a natural high.
The team from Wake Forest University in North Carolina say this may explain why some people are prepared to ignore the cancer risk of too much sun.
The research is published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Scientists believe exposure to ultraviolet rays may stimulate the release of chemicals in the blood which produce a natural high.
The team from Wake Forest University in North Carolina say this may explain why some people are prepared to ignore the cancer risk of too much sun.
The research is published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Monday, 17 September 2007
The study warns that the explosive growth of the internet will lead to more on-line betting opportunities
Internet gamblers may be more likely to have a serious gambling problem than other gamblers, say researchers.
It is thought that the web may attract people who are trying to hide their gambling addiction.
The availability of internet gambling may draw individuals who seek out isolated and anonymous contexts for their gambling behaviours
The study warns that the explosive growth of the internet will lead to more on-line betting opportunities - and thus increase the risk of more people suffering from the health and emotional difficulties associated with compulsive gambling.
It is thought that the web may attract people who are trying to hide their gambling addiction.
The availability of internet gambling may draw individuals who seek out isolated and anonymous contexts for their gambling behaviours
The study warns that the explosive growth of the internet will lead to more on-line betting opportunities - and thus increase the risk of more people suffering from the health and emotional difficulties associated with compulsive gambling.
I lost £30,000 gambling online, it’s not like it feels like real money! Right?
My story begins around the summer of 2003. I saw an advert in a men's magazine for online poker, sounded like fun!
To my detriment I had a wireless network in my house newly setup which meant that I could install this “poker” and play in the living room while still speaking to my partner who was watching the TV.
It took a couple of minutes to load/install the program and I was off…buzzing.
Imagine being in a “live” poker game while sitting in my living room! Cool.
After 20 minutes I won $137 with a full house, and well if you are reading this then I guess that sound small, but when you started gambling – that was a monster! Remember? No? Hmm I know, what would $137 accomplish now? Nothing.
No lecture here then, my problem, online poker.
My losses, hard to pinpoint but it would be safe to assume it is around £30,000/$55,000 which is enough to shame most people into thinking dark thoughts.
Yes, I lost £30,000 gambling online, it’s not like it feels like real money! Right?
To my detriment I had a wireless network in my house newly setup which meant that I could install this “poker” and play in the living room while still speaking to my partner who was watching the TV.
It took a couple of minutes to load/install the program and I was off…buzzing.
Imagine being in a “live” poker game while sitting in my living room! Cool.
After 20 minutes I won $137 with a full house, and well if you are reading this then I guess that sound small, but when you started gambling – that was a monster! Remember? No? Hmm I know, what would $137 accomplish now? Nothing.
No lecture here then, my problem, online poker.
My losses, hard to pinpoint but it would be safe to assume it is around £30,000/$55,000 which is enough to shame most people into thinking dark thoughts.
Yes, I lost £30,000 gambling online, it’s not like it feels like real money! Right?
I lost £30,000 gambling online, it’s not like it feels like real money! Right?
My story begins around the summer of 2003. I saw an advert in a men's magazine for online poker, sounded like fun!
To my detriment I had a wireless network in my house newly setup which meant that I could install this “poker” and play in the living room while still speaking to my partner who was watching the TV.
It took a couple of minutes to load/install the program and I was off…buzzing.
Imagine being in a “live” poker game while sitting in my living room! Cool.
After 20 minutes I won $137 with a full house, and well if you are reading this then I guess that sound small, but when you started gambling – that was a monster! Remember? No? Hmm I know, what would $137 accomplish now? Nothing.
No lecture here then, my problem, online poker.
My losses, hard to pinpoint but it would be safe to assume it is around £30,000/$55,000 which is enough to shame most people into thinking dark thoughts.
Yes, I lost £30,000 gambling online, it’s not like it feels like real money! Right?
To my detriment I had a wireless network in my house newly setup which meant that I could install this “poker” and play in the living room while still speaking to my partner who was watching the TV.
It took a couple of minutes to load/install the program and I was off…buzzing.
Imagine being in a “live” poker game while sitting in my living room! Cool.
After 20 minutes I won $137 with a full house, and well if you are reading this then I guess that sound small, but when you started gambling – that was a monster! Remember? No? Hmm I know, what would $137 accomplish now? Nothing.
No lecture here then, my problem, online poker.
My losses, hard to pinpoint but it would be safe to assume it is around £30,000/$55,000 which is enough to shame most people into thinking dark thoughts.
Yes, I lost £30,000 gambling online, it’s not like it feels like real money! Right?
Gamcare
Online Gambling is becoming an increasingly popular form of gambling, and there are now an estimated 1,700 gambling websites on the Internet. As well as the Internet, you can now gamble through interactive television and a mobile phone.
The convenience of gambling at home, the ease of setting up an gambling account and the variety of forms of gambling - from traditional betting, to casino gambling, bingo and lotteries - makes online gambling very appealing.
However, whilst many people gamble online without any problems GamCare has started to see an increase in the amount of people contacting our helpline and counselling services who are losing control of their gambling online.
There are some factors of online gambling that could certainly increase the risk of developing a gambling problem. These are:
>The ability to gamble 24 hours a day in your own home
>The increased risk of exposure and access by children
>The absorption of computers, leading people to lose track of time whilst gambling
>The decrease in the perception of the value of cash - i.e. players are forgetting that they are spending money
The convenience of gambling at home, the ease of setting up an gambling account and the variety of forms of gambling - from traditional betting, to casino gambling, bingo and lotteries - makes online gambling very appealing.
However, whilst many people gamble online without any problems GamCare has started to see an increase in the amount of people contacting our helpline and counselling services who are losing control of their gambling online.
There are some factors of online gambling that could certainly increase the risk of developing a gambling problem. These are:
>The ability to gamble 24 hours a day in your own home
>The increased risk of exposure and access by children
>The absorption of computers, leading people to lose track of time whilst gambling
>The decrease in the perception of the value of cash - i.e. players are forgetting that they are spending money
Thursday, 13 September 2007
potential markers of problematic Internet use are present in a sizeable portion of the population
"Our telephone survey suggests that potential markers of problematic Internet use are present in a sizeable portion of the population," the researchers noted in their paper, which appears in the October issue of CNS Spectrums: The International Journal of Neuropsychiatric Medicine. "We often focus on how wonderful the Internet is - how simple and efficient it can make things," elaborated lead author Elias Aboujaoude, MD. "But we need to consider the fact that it creates real problems for a subset of people."
bet on the outcome of the Oscars or who will win on Survivor
People can go online and bet about whether Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will get married or if Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’s marriage will last. They can bet on the outcome of the Oscars or who will win on Survivor. These are the new kind of bets that are done by people who might not normally visit a gambling site.
Internet gamblers were more likely to suffer from health and emotional problems
Internet gamblers were more likely to have a serious gambling than other gamblers. Furthermore, Internet gamblers were more likely to suffer from health and emotional problems such as substance abuse, circulatory disease, depression, and risky sexual behaviors.
one million young people currently are using Internet gambling sites on a monthly basis
the University of Pennsylvania show that more than one million young people currently are using Internet gambling sites on a monthly basis. Among males 18 to 22, Internet gambling doubled in the past year.
video game overuse an addiction
In today's headlines, the American Medical Association is considering video game overuse an addiction. While they say a final diagnostic classification for the behavior is a ways off, studies have been conducted and clinical evidence is mounting to support the validity of this new syndrome.
Monday, 10 September 2007
addicted to chat rooms
Many people who are addicted to chat rooms use them for sexual gratification. lThis can lead to cybersexual affairs. lWarning signs include: ¡You give personal details in chat rooms. ¡You become defensive when the subject is discussed. ¡You fantasize about chat rooms. ¡You do not get an appropriate amount of sleep because of the time spent in chat rooms.
An estimated 5-10% of the population suffer from internet addiction
An estimated 5-10% of the population suffer from internet addiction lThe most common form of internet addictions are cybersex and cyberporn addiction. l30% use the internet to escape negative feelings. lChat rooms are believed to be the most addicting form of online communication. lThe rate of internet addiction increases the longer someone has been exposed to the internet. lThe largest group of internet addicts is composed of students and retirees.
Types of On-Line disfunction
Cyberporn Addiction lOnline Auction Addiction lObsessive Role Play Gaming lCompulsive Online Gambling lChat Room Addiction lCompulsive Surfing lCybersexual Addiction lCybersexual Affairs
Compulsive surfing
Compulsive surfing often accompanies other internet addictions. lPeople who suffer from compulsive surfing often exhibit other obsessive compulsive tendencies. lCompulsive surfing often starts as a way to escape problems. lWarning signs include: ¡Gathering and sorting information irrelevant information ¡Any other form of internet addiction is present ¡Fantasizes about next opportunity to surf the internet ¡
eBay addiction
eBay addiction is a new and increasingly worrisome category under the umbrella diagnosis of Internet Addiction. Due to the popularity of online auctions such as eBay, a growing number of individuals are showing signs of addition related these sites in the past decade.
For the addict, winning the bid represents an emotional rush or high. It isn’t the item but the experience of winning that keeps them bidding. Online auction houses create a stimulating place where users can conquer others as the highest bidder, which can be intoxicating as one beats out others in the last precious seconds to win the desired prize.
In moderate cases, eBay addicts will wake up at strange hours just to be there for the last remaining minutes of an online auction. “It was 5 am and I couldn’t log on,” explains one eBay addict. “I had a complete breakdown, I started crying, and my husband didn’t know what to do with me. That’s when I realized I had a real problem.”
In more serious cases, eBay addicts feel a sense of accomplishment when they discover they are the highest bidder and begin to bid on items they don’t need just to experience the rush of winning – sometimes to the point that they go into financial debt, take out a second mortgage, or even go into bankruptcy just to afford their online purchases. One client stole funds from her husband’s 401K until he discovered her addiction. “He shut down my account and threatened to divorce me,” she explained. “I was about to lose my marriage all because I couldn’t stop myself from using eBay.”
For the addict, winning the bid represents an emotional rush or high. It isn’t the item but the experience of winning that keeps them bidding. Online auction houses create a stimulating place where users can conquer others as the highest bidder, which can be intoxicating as one beats out others in the last precious seconds to win the desired prize.
In moderate cases, eBay addicts will wake up at strange hours just to be there for the last remaining minutes of an online auction. “It was 5 am and I couldn’t log on,” explains one eBay addict. “I had a complete breakdown, I started crying, and my husband didn’t know what to do with me. That’s when I realized I had a real problem.”
In more serious cases, eBay addicts feel a sense of accomplishment when they discover they are the highest bidder and begin to bid on items they don’t need just to experience the rush of winning – sometimes to the point that they go into financial debt, take out a second mortgage, or even go into bankruptcy just to afford their online purchases. One client stole funds from her husband’s 401K until he discovered her addiction. “He shut down my account and threatened to divorce me,” she explained. “I was about to lose my marriage all because I couldn’t stop myself from using eBay.”
Cybersex/Pornography Addiction
Cybersex/Pornography Addiction is a specific sub-type of Internet addiction. Estimates suggest that 1 in 5 Internet addicts are engaged in some form of online sexual activity (primarily viewing cyberporn and/or engaging in cybersex). Studies show that men are more likely to view cyberporn, while women are more likely to engage in erotic chat. People who suffer from low self-esteem, a distorted body image, untreated sexual dysfunction, or a prior sexual addiction are more at risk to develop cybersex/cyberporn addictions. In particular, sex addicts often turn to the Internet as a new and safe sexual outlet to fulfill their underlying compulsive habit.
Sunday, 9 September 2007
Sample from The Man in the Glass
"The road is long, with many a winding turn........."
Never have truer words been spoken - especially when it comes to substance addiction recovery.
When we first decide to crawl out of the darkness and take our tentative steps in the light of sobriety, it's an amazing experience. We begin to feel stronger and our reasoning abilities become a lot clearer.
......then the emotional crash, the "honeymoon" period is over.
Perhaps you have experienced this and know what I mean. The "high" of making the decision to clean up and detoxing has gone. You are now back in the community and facing it on it's terms, learning to cope.
You may be alone, isolated in your pain that "normal" people can never understand. You grieve for your lost "friend", even though that friend was actually your worst enemy. You become irritable, uninterested, depressed -perhaps even suicidal. This can lead to a "bust", a bust you may never recover from -remember, that if we are addicted we cannot control our substance intake. The "just one more time" may seal your fate. And as we all know, there are worse things in life than death -the insanity of addiction. You may not be lucky enough to die the next time.
Never have truer words been spoken - especially when it comes to substance addiction recovery.
When we first decide to crawl out of the darkness and take our tentative steps in the light of sobriety, it's an amazing experience. We begin to feel stronger and our reasoning abilities become a lot clearer.
......then the emotional crash, the "honeymoon" period is over.
Perhaps you have experienced this and know what I mean. The "high" of making the decision to clean up and detoxing has gone. You are now back in the community and facing it on it's terms, learning to cope.
You may be alone, isolated in your pain that "normal" people can never understand. You grieve for your lost "friend", even though that friend was actually your worst enemy. You become irritable, uninterested, depressed -perhaps even suicidal. This can lead to a "bust", a bust you may never recover from -remember, that if we are addicted we cannot control our substance intake. The "just one more time" may seal your fate. And as we all know, there are worse things in life than death -the insanity of addiction. You may not be lucky enough to die the next time.
Sample of the WOW survey
Indicate to what extent you agree with each of the following items CONCERNING WORLD OF WARCRAFT (WoW).
Not agree at all Very slightly agree Slightly agree Moderately agree Mostly agree Strongly agree Very strongly agree
1. Playing WoW is in harmony with other activities in my life.
2. I have difficulties controlling my urge to play WoW.
3. The new things that I discover in WoW allow me to appreciate it even more.
4. I have almost an obsessive feeling for WoW.
5. WoW reflects the qualities I like about myself.
6. WoW allows me to live a variety of experiences.
7. WoW is the only thing that really turns me on.
8. WoW is well integrated in my life.
9. If I could, I would only play to WoW.
10. WoW is in harmony with other things that are part of me.
11. WoW is so exciting that I sometimes lose control over it.
12. I have the impression that WoW controls me.
13. I spend a lot of time playing WoW.
14. I like playing WoW.
15. Playing WoW is important for me.
16. Playing WoW is a passion for me.
17. Playing WoW is part of who I am.
Not agree at all Very slightly agree Slightly agree Moderately agree Mostly agree Strongly agree Very strongly agree
1. Playing WoW is in harmony with other activities in my life.
2. I have difficulties controlling my urge to play WoW.
3. The new things that I discover in WoW allow me to appreciate it even more.
4. I have almost an obsessive feeling for WoW.
5. WoW reflects the qualities I like about myself.
6. WoW allows me to live a variety of experiences.
7. WoW is the only thing that really turns me on.
8. WoW is well integrated in my life.
9. If I could, I would only play to WoW.
10. WoW is in harmony with other things that are part of me.
11. WoW is so exciting that I sometimes lose control over it.
12. I have the impression that WoW controls me.
13. I spend a lot of time playing WoW.
14. I like playing WoW.
15. Playing WoW is important for me.
16. Playing WoW is a passion for me.
17. Playing WoW is part of who I am.
ONline Survey
1. Indicate to what extent you agree with each of the following items CONCERNING WORLD OF WARCRAFT (WoW).
Not agree at all Very slightly agree Slightly agree Moderately agree Mostly agree Strongly agree Very strongly agree
1. Playing WoW is in harmony with other activities in my life.
2. I have difficulties controlling my urge to play WoW.
3. The new things that I discover in WoW allow me to appreciate it even more.
4. I have almost an obsessive feeling for WoW.
5. WoW reflects the qualities I like about myself.
6. WoW allows me to live a variety of experiences.
7. WoW is the only thing that really turns me on.
8. WoW is well integrated in my life.
9. If I could, I would only play to WoW.
10. WoW is in harmony with other things that are part of me.
11. WoW is so exciting that I sometimes lose control over it.
12. I have the impression that WoW controls me.
13. I spend a lot of time playing WoW.
14. I like playing WoW.
15. Playing WoW is important for me.
16. Playing WoW is a passion for me.
17. Playing WoW is part of who I am.
Not agree at all Very slightly agree Slightly agree Moderately agree Mostly agree Strongly agree Very strongly agree
1. Playing WoW is in harmony with other activities in my life.
2. I have difficulties controlling my urge to play WoW.
3. The new things that I discover in WoW allow me to appreciate it even more.
4. I have almost an obsessive feeling for WoW.
5. WoW reflects the qualities I like about myself.
6. WoW allows me to live a variety of experiences.
7. WoW is the only thing that really turns me on.
8. WoW is well integrated in my life.
9. If I could, I would only play to WoW.
10. WoW is in harmony with other things that are part of me.
11. WoW is so exciting that I sometimes lose control over it.
12. I have the impression that WoW controls me.
13. I spend a lot of time playing WoW.
14. I like playing WoW.
15. Playing WoW is important for me.
16. Playing WoW is a passion for me.
17. Playing WoW is part of who I am.
40 percent of World of Warcraft’s players are addicted to the game.
"Researchers say there's little difference between drug use, excessive gambling and heavy game playing. In fact, Orzack says that as much as 40 percent of World of Warcraft’s players are addicted to the game."
Friday, 7 September 2007
Thursday, 6 September 2007
An internet gambling addict has been jailed for stealing £1m from his employers to fund his habit.
An internet gambling addict has been jailed for stealing £1m from his employers to fund his habit.
paradise for online gamers
South Korea is one of the most wired societies in the world.
More than half the population has access to the internet, and there are more than 25,000 cyber cafes - known here as PC Bangs - which are open 24 hours a day across the country.
The country is a global leader when it comes to number of people who can access broadband, or high speed internet services, with the number of broadband subscribers exceeding 10 million.
It is a paradise for online gamers, who come from all over the world to play in South Korea.
Kim Kyung-jae died after playing non-stop for 86 hours
The government haSouth Korea. s been behind efforts to promote South Korea as an IT and cyber leader. But the more negative impacts of over-reliance on the web have only been recently acknowledged and are starting to be addressed.
An extreme case of internet obsession hit the news headlines last month when 24-year-old Kim Kyung-jae collapsed and died after playing computer games at an internet cafe in the south-western city of Kwangju.
More than half the population has access to the internet, and there are more than 25,000 cyber cafes - known here as PC Bangs - which are open 24 hours a day across the country.
The country is a global leader when it comes to number of people who can access broadband, or high speed internet services, with the number of broadband subscribers exceeding 10 million.
It is a paradise for online gamers, who come from all over the world to play in South Korea.
Kim Kyung-jae died after playing non-stop for 86 hours
The government haSouth Korea. s been behind efforts to promote South Korea as an IT and cyber leader. But the more negative impacts of over-reliance on the web have only been recently acknowledged and are starting to be addressed.
An extreme case of internet obsession hit the news headlines last month when 24-year-old Kim Kyung-jae collapsed and died after playing computer games at an internet cafe in the south-western city of Kwangju.
UK Drug Policy Commission said more addicts were being treated.
The UK has an unusually severe drugs problem and the government's strategy has had a very limited impact on drug use, a new watchdog body has been told.
The report for the independent UK Drug Policy Commission said more addicts were being treated.
But it added that the benefits were limited, and there was little evidence education schemes had had an impact.
The Home Office insisted the strategy was working - with a 16% decline in drug use since 1998.
The report for the independent UK Drug Policy Commission said more addicts were being treated.
But it added that the benefits were limited, and there was little evidence education schemes had had an impact.
The Home Office insisted the strategy was working - with a 16% decline in drug use since 1998.
Nigerian women held in UK jails
The number of Nigerian women held in UK jails on drugs offences has risen six-fold in three years.
Nigerian gangs are taking over heroin smuggling
Illegal drug cultivation, trafficking and abuse are on the rise in Africa, says the United Nations. How seriously should we be taking this problem?
Worldwide, it seems that Nigerian gangs are taking over heroin smuggling. Ghanaian MP Eric Amoateng is awaiting trial in New York for allegedly smuggling over $6m worth of heroin into the United States.
In Zanzibar 8% of young people are heroin addicts, and in South Africa one-third of teenagers experiment with drugs.
Worldwide, it seems that Nigerian gangs are taking over heroin smuggling. Ghanaian MP Eric Amoateng is awaiting trial in New York for allegedly smuggling over $6m worth of heroin into the United States.
In Zanzibar 8% of young people are heroin addicts, and in South Africa one-third of teenagers experiment with drugs.
Monday, 3 September 2007
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