Lamoure J. How Do You Treat Internet Addiction. Cdn J of CME 2012; 24(3): 14 more

There are not many formats or forums at this point that address Internet addiction, and there is even some debate over whether internet addiction is a true addiction. In my clinical experience and given definitions of addiction, "I would place internet as
being a very highly addictive medium."........

...... It provides a strong “hook” to those who are looking for a form of escapism. That being said, it is legal, cost effective, accessible, and provides instant gratification. It can, however, have a deleterious impact on the patient’s quality and quantity of life, with psychosocial retardation, financial challenges, and relationship challenges.

Much like patients with food or shopping addictions, there is the challenge that it cannot be easily extricated from daily life, especially in western and first/second world countries. Standard strategies that include removal of the offending agent will not work with internet addictions as there is exposure in insidious ways.......

From "Lamoure J. How Do You Treat Internet Addiction. Cdn J of CME 2012; 24(3): 14" (In press)

Dr. Joel W. Lamoure RPh., DD., FASCP
http://www.joelwlamoure.com/id6.html