When the internet was first invented it was used as a great tool. The usefulness of the internet has only increased since the time it was developed. Now everything from personal banking to shopping to research for a term paper can be conducted on the internet. But what happens when you turn on the computer to get online and just can't seem to turn it off? It may be a sign that you are an internet addict.

Addicts are people that partake in activities despite their negative consequences. If you are spending all night online and can't pry yourself out from under the bedsheets in the morning to go to school or work, you might be an internet addict. Internet addicts use the internet instead of tending to their responsibilities and often suffer the repercussions of their decisions, yet continue to partake in the same behavioral cycle. Internet addicts use the internet as an escape from their lives the same way that alcoholics use alcohol to cope with their issues.

The first step to beating your addiction if you are an internet addict is to admit that you do, in fact, have a problem with overuse of the internet. Denial can be detrimental. Denial is the voice inside an addict's head telling the addict not to make healthy changes. When you're making changes to rid yourself of your internet addiction listen to the voice of denial, but realize what it is and don't take heed to its advice.

Internet addicts are nearly incapable of limiting their internet usage themselves. Ergo, you will need to ensure that your usage is limited and that you are unable to use the internet at inappropriate times. The easiest way to enact this is to turn off your home internet. If you really, truly need to get online you can go to a library during the day and use the internet there. Since most libraries limit their patrons' computer usage to 30 minutes or an hour a day this will be a quick and effective way of changing your habits.

Once your habits are changed you'll need to work on why you turn to the internet in an unhealthy way. You may want to seek the assistance of a counselor to guide you through this process. If you don't feel that a counselor is an option for you, you may want to check out the self-help section of a book store and pick up an in-depth workbook for internet addicts. Try to be open and honest with family and friends and seek their support. Giving up your old, comfortable ways may be difficult, even if you do realize that they are unhealthy. You stuck with your old ways because they were comfortable and they worked for you in the beginning. As your addiction progressed you probably didn't get the same benefit, but you didn't know how to stop. Reach out during the time. Help and support will only greatly increase your odds of continued success.