Real Solutions for Overcoming Internet Addictions (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

As soon as the Internet became accessible to the mainstream, online support groups began to receive requests for help from those whose Internet habits had become out of control. Today, increasing numbers are experiencing real problems with Internet usage, particularly in the areas of distraction/obsession with new technology (surfing, chat rooms), money (online trading, auctions, and shopping), games (gambling and multi-user dimension games), and sex/relationships. Author Stephen Watters examines the problems commonly experienced by today’s Internet users, the advice given by professionals who deal with such addictions, and the steps individuals are taking to achieve victory over their addictive behaviors.

About the Author

Stephen Watters is currently the Internet Research Analyst for the department of Legislative and Cultural Affairs at Focus on the Family. He has written several articles about the pitfalls of the Internet for Focus on the Family.

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: Vine Books (May 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569552681
• ISBN-13: 978-1569552681
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,273,086 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Internet Addiction: More Common Than You Think, March 7, 2003

By	L. M. Hadacek "lhadacek" (IOWA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Is the Internet disrupting your family life? Are you worried about a loved one's preoccupation with the Internet? Your fears may not be unfounded. According to Real Solutions For Overcoming Internet Addictions by Stephen Watters as many as 10% of all Internet users may be addicted to either cybersex, online gambling, online games, or other problem areas.
Psychologists noticed that as soon as having Internet access became as common as having a microwave in the kitchen, online support groups started receiving requests from people seeking help for out of control Internet habits.
It may be that more people than we realize are struggling with Internet usage problems particularly in the areas of distraction/obsession with new technology (surfing, chat rooms), money (online trading, auctions, and shopping), games (gambling and multi-user dimension games), and sex/relationships.
Watters, an Internet Research Analyst for the department of Legislative and Cultural Affairs at Focus on the Family, admits that Internet addiction is not an officially recognized as a psychological disorder. However, this does not mean it does not exist; it took twenty years before gambling was listed on the DSM-IV (Diagnotic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
If you're wondering if this is a problem for you or a family member, Watters says ask yourself some probing questions. "Have you embraced the excitement and novelty of some area on the Internet only to find yourself on a roller coaster where the highs are followed by the lows of anxious thoughts, guilt, and a growing sense of dependency? Or are you the person on the outside looking in, watching someone you love abandon you, hobbies and activities, and everything else that used to be important, to spend countless hours staring at a computer monitor?"
Watters, says to determine whether there is a potentially damaging Internet problem assess your `Internet life'. Is it affecting your relationship with God and your family? Is it affecting your work, health, and reputation? If you have answered "yes" to any of these questions, it is likely you have a problem that is worth addressing.
Watters emphasizes that Internet obsession needs to be nipped in the bud. "Your first step is to delete any accounts, special downloads, or profiles that you have created in order to indulge your addictions-especially if you have been hiding them from your friends and family. Remove programs for games that have gotten out of control, profiles used in chat rooms, accounts created for gambling or day-trading, and other arrangements that directly fuel your addiction." He also recommends setting up a filtered Internet service.
The author goes on to suggests that people with Internet addiction get professional help-Christian counselors, support groups, and accountability partners.
Solutions For Overcoming Internet Addictions is a thoughtful self-help book that will aid you in determining whether you or a family member needs help with an Internet addiction, in addition to providing you with down-to-earth solutions to get life back on track.

5 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ FOR ALL CHRISTIANS, July 26, 2003

By A Customer

This book not only gave me insights into the addictions that I see happening around me but also real ideas of how I can be of help and encouragement to those who are being sucked into these life destroying habits. If you don't need this book now, you or someone you love will soon need it. Since I started reading it, my eyes have been open to many friends that are struggling.

17 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Avoid this book at all costs!, February 14, 2003

By A Customer

There is nothing but one-side christian propaganda here. Especially on the article regarding pornography. It has the typical right wing christian response toward it. "Any porn whatosever is wrong...blah blah blah.

Just for that i'll replace my addiction to the net...by smoking cigarettes.