I don't think I'm addicted to the Internet but when I first got America Online,I tended to spend a lot of time on the 'Net, it got so I wasn't going to my adult daycare at a time when I was medically unstable and my self-esteem and people skills were basically down the spout...I cared about nothing but the Internet. Needless to say my staff, thank god, saw that I was floundering and gave me an ultimatum..Go to program or end up sick and in a nursing home. I know for me I have to have a life off the Internet or else I'd be unhappy and bored...Being out and about is way better for me than sitting at home on AOL every day. In my opinion having 'face to face' people skills is very necessary for me to communicate effectively and be able to be open and honest with the people I care about and those who care about me. I know that my strength comes from being able to live my life, do the things I've always wanted to do, be involved in my community, even going to college, would not be possible if I lived my whole life on the Internet. I hope I am not coming off as mean or attacking...I just know what ALMOST happened to me. It's scary. I am happy with my life now, I feel as if I'm doing great things for myself...and when I do become a peer counselor, for others like me.