One of the common myths in American culture is that addiction is a physical phenomenon. In fact, as countless studies have borne out, even addicts who prefer narcotics tend to switch often between them. So, too, it should not be surprising to find someone whose addiction suddenly switches from narcotic an Internet addiction. Vastly different psychopharmacology underlies these different compounds, giving the lie to the theory of physical dependency altogether.

That's not to say withdrawal isn't real, however—just that its role in true psychological addiction is minimal at best. Addicts often go through detox dozens or even hundreds of times before ever being "cured" of the addiction—proof positive there is something deeper at work. In this light, it makes perfect sense that other acts may function the same way psychologically as drug abuse can, including sex, gambling and even Internet browsing.

There was a time when people considered Internet addiction something of a joke, but experience dictates it can be very grave indeed. The good news is that a growing number of drug addiction treatment programs have expanded to include behavioral addictions such as these, offering addicts outstanding and dedicated care for weeks at a time. The best of them even include holistic healing with that talk therapy to create a collaboration of sorts between ancient techniques and the newest ideas.

If you want to get good help right away, do yourself a favor and research your local choices on the Web. Often you can find better care if you're willing to go outside your area, so don't be afraid to ask about psychologists and other professionals wherever you reach.

One of the common myths in American culture is that addiction is a physical phenomenon. In fact, as countless studies have borne out, even addicts who prefer narcotics tend to switch often between them. So, too, it should not be surprising to find someone whose addiction suddenly switches from narcotic an Internet addiction. Vastly different psychopharmacology underlies these different compounds, giving the lie to the theory of physical dependency altogether.

That's not to say withdrawal isn't real, however—just that its role in true psychological addiction is minimal at best. Addicts often go through detox dozens or even hundreds of times before ever being "cured" of the addiction—proof positive there is something deeper at work. In this light, it makes perfect sense that other acts may function the same way psychologically as drug abuse can, including sex, gambling and even Internet browsing.

There was a time when people considered Internet addiction something of a joke, but experience dictates it can be very grave indeed. The good news is that a growing number of drug addiction treatment programs have expanded to include behavioral addictions such as these, offering addicts outstanding and dedicated care for weeks at a time. The best of them even include holistic healing with that talk therapy to create a collaboration of sorts between ancient techniques and the newest ideas.

If you want to get good help right away, do yourself a favor and research your local choices on the Web. Often you can find better care if you're willing to go outside your area, so don't be afraid to ask about psychologists and other professionals wherever you reach.