On a Note for the Addicts

Quoting from Wikipedia:

According to the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders substance dependence is defined as: (DSM-IV),

"When an individual persists in use of alcohol or other drugs despite problems related to use of the substance, substance dependence may be diagnosed. Compulsive and repetitive use may result in tolerance to the effect of the drug and withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped. This, along with Substance Abuse are considered Substance Use Disorders...." ^[1]

Substance dependence can be diagnosed with physiological dependence, evidence of tolerance or withdrawal, or without physiological dependence. There is a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested by three (or more) of the following occurring within a 12 month period:

• tolerence (need for increasing amount to achieve intoxication or diminished effect with same amount of substance)
• withrawal/ use to avoid withdrawal
• taken in larger amount or over longer period than intended
• persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down
• excessive time to procure, use substance, or recover from its effects
• important interests/ activities given up or reduced
• continued use despite physically/ psychological problem caused/ exacerbated by substance
  

Can't stop but to wonder, if the new DSM in the future would include internet as one of the substance. LOL. I mean, a lot of people fits the criteria.

... maladaptive pattern of int use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested by three (or more) of the following occurring within a 12 month period:

• tolerence (need for increasing usage to achieve intoxication or diminished effect with same amount of usage)
• withrawal/ use to avoid withdrawal
• using over longer period than intended
• persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down usage
  
• excessive time to procure, online, or recover from its effects
• important interests/ activities given up or reduced
• continued use despite physically/ psychological problem caused

I mean, even if you don't fulfill all 7 points, there will definitely enough points already. Let me give you an example.

#1: you will definitely use longer period than intended
#2: unsuccessful efforts to cut down usage
#3: important interests given up because you want to online
#4: continue use despite physical problem e.g., obesity (LOL)

Need I elaborate more?

So how many of us are internet addicts? :D


ps: If you're the owner of these comics and decided to be furious that I linked a photo of yours onto this blog, please don't hesitate to leave a comment and ask me to remove it. Not intending to plagiarize.