Spotting Internet Addiction in Adults

Internet addiction looks nearly the same in adults as it does in teenagers. The symptoms listed in our "Teen Symptoms of Internet Addiction" all apply to adults, but the manner in which the symptoms are expressed will be different.

Relational Neglect
The spouse is the person most often affected when an adult struggles with Internet addiction. Regardless of the type of Internet activity, the excessive time spent online means personal relationships are being ignored. The addicted adult will choose to invest time online instead of with his spouse. Relational problems are compounded if a spouse is addicted to adult Web sites or is engaging in other sexually explicit activity, as sexual intimacy with his spouse is diminished.

Work/Career
Work performance typically begins to decline as Internet addiction takes hold. An addicted adult begins staying up later and later, often because she has lost track of time (another classic symptom of Internet addiction), and she goes to work exhausted. If it's not lack of sleep that affects job performance, it's Internet use while at work. An adult who is addicted to the Internet may not be able to resist "using" while she's at work.

Home
Household responsibilities also may be neglected by an adult with an Internet addiction. Basic chores, home maintenance, relationships with children and other family members, and yard work are just a few examples of the responsibilities that get perpetually put on the back burner. Like teens, adults will downplay the amount of time they spend online or they'll make excuses, saying the Internet has been especially slow, they had a lot of e-mail to read, and so on.

Finances
The family's financial situation may begin to change if an adult is addicted to Internet use, particularly if the addiction includes pornography. Not all adult Web sites are free, and an addict will do whatever is necessary to feed the addiction. Phone bills could increase dramatically, as could credit card bills. The addicted adult may try to hide bills and pay them secretly, but there will be a noticeable decrease in the checking or savings account.

For a complete list and description of general Internet addiction symptoms, please see our article titled "Teen Symptoms of Internet Addiction."

If someone you know has one or more of these symptoms, it's critical that they get help. As with any other type of addiction, Internet addiction can't be overcome alone. The addict will benefit tremendously from counseling, treatment, and encouragement from family and friends.