AIM addiction

When people turn to drugs, say alcohol or cocaine, they often abuse to get rid of negative feelings, or to forget their stress. They often abuse by themselves, and hide it from their friends and family. A new study says now something else can be added to the list of highly addictive and socially debilitating substances: the internet. (dun dun dunn)

Neuropsychiatrist Elias Aboujaoude, lead author of the study, says about 1 out of 8 Americans use the internet to “self-medicate,” and often hide their use from others.

The study found that 13.7 percent of respondents found it hard to stay away from the internet for several days at a time, 8.7 percent attempted to conceal non-essential internet use from family, friends and employers and 5.9 percent felt their relationships suffered as a result of excessive internet use.

In Australia, they’re taking action to fight this dangerous addiction. NetAlert, a group organized by the Australian government, even offers a free hotline—like those for potential suicides or rape victims—for those looking for help with their internet addictions.

NetAlert calls instant messaging "particularly addictive."

Hi, my name is Ginny, and I’m an internetoholic.