How to Overcome Internet Addiction on Your Own?

Factors That Influence Our Behavior 

There is no universal advice or method that can help change our behavior forever. It's always a complex combination of different factors that determine why we behave the way we do. So, we need to balance and specifically tap into factors which protect us from problematic behavior.

One such factor is developing stress and unpleasant emotions managing skills. Instead of using games, the Internet or gadgets as a mechanism to cope with negative emotions, we can turn to other ways such as physical activity, hobbies, spending time with friends and family, relaxation techniques, etc. It is important to master new skills to be able to manage our discomforting emotions.

Another protective factor is support from those around us. If we are not alone with our problem and have the support of close friends, this is a powerful factor contributing to the improvement of our behavior. However, if we have co-occurring conditions such as depression or severe anxiety and we suffer difficulty controlling our impulses, it is sometimes impossible to manage behavior problems without medical support and medication.

Support and Fight Against the Urge to Return to Problematic Behavior

It is important to understand that any changes in behavior take time. Before we can make a change, we need to prepare for it and develop an action plan. For example, if we feel a strong urge to use the Internet, we can think ahead about what we will do in this situation. We can call a friend or family member who can help us deal with the temptation. Or we can engage in physical activity, relax practices or hobbies.

It's important to understand that treating addiction or problem behavior is always a permanent process including both successes and failures. Breakdowns are an integral part of this process, and they do not mean that we are doing something wrong. They are an expected part of our recovery journey. The important thing is to simply get back on track.

One way to get help is to join one of the many support groups that exist for people with addictions, including online gaming addiction. 

Having people with a common goal can be a very helpful factor in overcoming various difficulties. However, if we have co-occurring conditions and problems, it can be very difficult to deal with problem behaviors on our own. In such cases we should seek medical support and consult a doctor or specialist.

Approaches Discussed:

• Develop stress and uncomfortable feelings managing skills.
• Find other ways to cope with emotional discomfort, such as physical activity, hobbies, spending time with friends and family, and relaxation techniques.
• Get support from people around you, such as close friends.
• Seek medical support and medication for co-occurring conditions such as depression or severe anxiety.
• Have a plan of action if the urge to use the Internet is strong.
• Engage in physical activity, relax practices or hobbies when the urge to use the Internet is strong.
• Join support groups for people with addictions, including online gaming addiction.
• Seek medical help and consult a doctor or a specialist if it becomes difficult to manage problem behavior on your own.

In Conclusion

It is important to realize that overcoming an Internet addiction is always a gradual process, involving both steps forward and steps back. Setbacks are an integral part of the process and do not indicate that a person is doing anything wrong. The important thing is to simply get back on track. Support from family, friends and acquaintances is very important. It is also important to learn how to deal with the urge to return to the problem behavior. The urge is always there, but it has a limited duration. It is important to wait out those few minutes or hours to get rid of it. Working with consequences can also help when you imagine the problems that could arise if you allow yourself to return to the problem behavior. You can also distract yourself with exercise, hobbies, socializing and relaxation.