By Dalal Akoury, MD addiction Brain Health Integrative Addiction Treatment for Physicians natural addiction recovery NER (Neuro Endocrine Restoration) detox rapid addiction recovery Stress February 19, 2016

Understanding computer addiction as a silent killer: The negative impact of computer addiction

The title of this discussion may cause jittery and leave you asking so many question like how, why and since when is computer addiction became a silent killer? If these are your concern, then you are at the right place because in a little while we are going to help you understand even as we dig deep into understanding computer addiction as a silent killer. The negative impact comes in the sense that while some people are using computers, their usage soon develops into something compulsive which can either be online or offline thereby inhibiting their daily routines, relationships, activities and the general well-being of an individual. Besides that it has also been established that computer addiction may also come as a result of compulsive online gambling, online shopping problem, web surfing or even obsessive computer programming says doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center a facility where all addiction related complications are professionally corrected. But then again even as we get to the definition of computer addiction, we must get certain facts right. Like for instance it is not all about the hours you take before a computer makes you addicted to it that school of thought may not be 100% correct. Nonetheless experts are agreeing that even though not all people gets addicted to computers by staying on for more hours, the time factor is a serious variable of consideration. Therefore what is really computer addiction?

Understanding computer addiction as a silent killer: What is computer addiction?

Like it is with other forms of addiction, this addiction is characterized by the extreme desire and subsequent use of the internet or the computer to the extent that it causes certain significant negativity socially, financially, physically, emotionally to the users. Any excess preoccupation with computers can injure any stable relationship; bring problems with productivity or problems with self-care and hygiene. It is therefore very important to recognize that not all people who spend hours each day on the computer are considered addicted. However and like we had indicated above, there are many people who spend more time using computers and the internet on a daily basis but are still not be considered to be addicts. This is because individual situation is different meaning that, there is no set number of hours that is (or is not) considered a potential for computer addiction. Therefore if this is the case, then what are the indicators of computer addiction?

Understanding computer addiction as a silent killer: How do you identify the signs of computer addiction?

There are many ways through which individuals may recognize if they or someone they love is actually addicted to the computer. Doctor Akoury says that even though there is no specific physical dependence that can evolve from the excessive usage of computers, we do have a number of emotional or psychological issues that can be present. It will therefore means that we have to be attentive to the possible signs of computer addiction so that we can make informed decisions about the signs of computer addiction early enough and seek for help immediately. The following are some of the indicators of this problem:

Any evidence of preoccupation with the computer either online or offline
Consistent feelings of a burning desire to go online or to use the computer to play a game, to socialize or to develop programming codes
Ignoring important family functions like special events or other activities that you were once happy to be a part of in favor of spending time on the computer.
Telling lies to your family about the activities that you perform while on the computer, like for instance you could be saying that you are working on writing a proposal when you are actually playing a game.
Having anxious feelings when you want to use the computer, know you will be able to use the computer or know that your use of the computer will be limited
Mood swings or irritability when you are not allowed to spend as much time on the computer as you would like to or if your computer time is interrupted
Telling yourself that you will get off the computer at a certain time and fails to keep your own promise.

The list above can continue to be long because people are affected differently and that brings us to our next point. What are some of the effects of computer addiction?

Understanding computer addiction as a silent killer: Effects of computer addiction

If you don’t appreciate wise saying (too much of something is dangerous) then you may not think that using the computer excessively can have a negative impact on your life. Nonetheless too much use of computers or compulsive use as it is also known can actually lead to a number of lasting consequences at your work station, home and social life. Therefore if you or someone you know is struggling with computer addiction, then you or your friend may be experiencing any of the following effects of compulsive computer use:

Poor self-hygiene because you are too “busy” with your involvement with the computer to take time out to shower, eat, brush your teeth and hair or otherwise take care of yourself
Loss of a job due to a lack of productivity because time was spent on the computer performing other tasks that provided you with satisfaction
Loss of relationships due to spending too much time on the computer and not enough time with a friend or loved one
Giving up career goals in an effort to spend more time on the computer
Lack of productivity on school assignment because you are distracted by your desire to use the computer
Poor self-esteem because you feel socially inept
Inability to experience pleasure when performing tasks that are not done on a computer. You may not feel relief or gratification unless you are taking part in a task that involves using a computer
Overspending on hardware, software or other computer items
Inability to interact socially except when on the computer such as online in chat groups or social networking sites
Feelings of failure because you have tried to control your computer usage and despite your efforts have failed at your attempts

Finally even though the consequences of computer addiction can cause life’s frustration in an individual’s life social, financially and emotionally, the good news is that this problem has remedies. Many of the complications we have outlined above are treatable and can be easily reversed with time. For instance, while you may lose a relationship when you are addicted to the computer, getting the treatment you need to overcome the addiction can lead to the building of new, lasting relationships or the re-building of a past relationship that suffered as a result of your addiction. I am persuaded that this is what you are looking for and that you are purposing to redeem your lost time with your loved ones. If this description suits your case, then schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today and you will certainly be on the right truck of recovery.