ok. my story.

I am a computer addict. And....i've come to a point where i realize this addiction is beginning to affect my health.

My computer use began when I was young around the age of 13 due to loneliness. Up until that time i had had a group of 5 friends accompany me throughout my school years. They were all taught sign language in order to be able to talk to me. But we were split up at the end of 6th grade. So..i began to use aim...casually IMing my buddies after school. Internet use became more frequent at age 14 because i used it to overcome a trauma that occured in my life...and the usage just increased from there. Then last year i got a laptop which is wireless and I can take it everywhere i want to in the house. So i just stay in my room for hours on the internet now, going on Second Life.

I am afraid that if i get off the internet i'll be horribly lonely. lately i've begun to not eat or sleep. A few days ago i got up from the couch to get something and the floor beneath me began to spin. I was dizzy an felt like i'd fall over. I was also confused....thinking I had lost some swath of time while on the internet. My vison began to blur. I hadnt eaten for 24 hours and slept only 3 hours in 48 hours.

I am on the computer again. This dizzy spell didnt faze me i guess. I feel like i am killing myself. Another sleepness night.

What's wrong with me? Am I a coward?

I have a full ride to Gallaudet University ( an all deaf college)....should I take it? or do you think i should learn to live in a world where no one can understand what I am saying? Wouldnt I have to do that sooner or later?

I need help and advice. I am feeling very lost and heartbroken at the moment.