There is a lot of potential that this is truly an addiction and can be treated through addiction treatment. You'd have to have him *see* that though. Addicts do not understand they are addicted unless they are told over and over again that they are hurting those around them with their actions.

The definition of addiction is pretty much how you describe him playing Runescape (my 11 yo daughter plays it from time to time, not too much).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction

Japan and China have setup Internet Addiction centers for treating kids.

http://www.healthinforum.org/Interne...list-88-1.html
http://www.prlog.org/10011176-intern...s-to-grow.html

And remember - it's not your fault. Internet addiction is a huge problem for the addict (and it hurts others around them).

Either you can help guide him to getting his addiction in check - or you can put up boundaries that he has to respect or face consequences. "If you need to go on the internet after we make love - you are not respecting me and I will have to ask that you change your ways or we face ending our relationship." What I think you guys should work out is a limit of online time per day - say 3 hours - or no internet after 10pm. I'm sure he plays far more than that. I have put limits on my kids access and it has helped (they're 11 and 13 - so you have to start early).

Is he relying on you to pay the bills/rent/etc.? If you make it a consequence that hits him in the wallet somehow, maybe you can make it work. Otherwise, you're in a tough situation there. Keep in mind that he does not have the makings of a strong man and father figure if he keeps this up - so you have to look at whether you want to keep him as your ongoing love interest if this keeps up. It's not alcoholism - but it's just as hurtful.

Neglect is a very harsh form of abuse.