Cyberaddiction

Excessive or pathological use? There is no quantitative standard for determining this. We speak of pathological activity when the person feels alienated, is aware of his or her situation, suffers from it and tries to escape. Except in rare cases, cyberaddiction does not exist on its own. You're not "addicted" to technology, but to one or more of its uses. We're not "compulsively wired", but we do use the Internet for another addiction: addiction to work, to shopping, to communication, to sex, to gambling or adventure ... For an activity to qualify as addictive or compulsive, there has to be a loss of control: it's stronger than you are, you have to do it. We are no longer in the register of satisfaction or pleasure, but in that of obligation. What's more, the activity in question becomes the center of the person's existence, occupying their thoughts, energy and time.

Like all addictions, cyberaddiction is a symptom of suffering or difficulty. To get out of the trap, you first have to realize that addictive behavior is a cover for a problem, and then accept to face up to it. What am I looking for? What am I after? What's at stake? What am I running away from? How do I feel about myself? Who am I? Etc.

It's obviously far from easy! There are, however, a number of structures available to help people who need it.
If you need help, don't hesitate to contact the Maison du Social de la Province de Liège, which will be able to point you in the right direction.

http://social.prov-liege.be/