Internet Addictions

I believe internet addictions are real. My little brother is addicted to an online game, Guild Wars. I love him and we used to be very close. Now he would rather play on the internet then talk to me. When my mom trys to get him to do something he refuses and will even cuss her out. I have told her he has a problem and he needs help but will just freak out on me and says we just need to get rid of all internet access. Im not old enough to move out yet but is there any way i can get him help, thats free? So i can get back MY brother and pull my family back together? I know therapy really won't help he wont go, and we cant afford it. He needs some kind of program. I need help.

Internet addictions are real. Online gaming is getting out of control. Therapy can help but real life friends are needed to break him out of the cycle.

I agree that real life friends are needed to help him out of this. I had that internet addiction, still do actually, only just starting to get out of it as my friend likes to drag me out everyday when I would rather stay home on my computer.

When you guys go to the store try to get him to come. Try to get him out and keep him out of the house as much as possible. Take lots of walks and just go out, not meaning you have to do stuff and buy things, but maybe visit a library or a local community centre and enroll him in some activities.

If all else fails, it's time to limit the internet use. Put passwords on the computer, time limits, etc. take the internet box with you when you leave the house so he has no choice but to go something other than the computer, most likely go out with you.

Best of luck!

I was and stil am addicted - i use it to avoid dealing wiht things - wonder if your brother is doing the same and if so what hes avoiding? lack of friends? lack of outside interests?

the only thing that keeps me off the computer is storms and when my computer is down - i like the suggestions made - limiting the access and/or providing other interests outside are good ideas - what did he like to do before he got hooked on games?

So far I've put in two requests to DocJohn to deactivate my account. I can't have access to the "social networking drug" I'm unable to limit my time on the computer. I get mail I need to answer. I see an interesting thread -I need to read and respond. I see people in chat, I want to talk. I'm freaken insane.

If I'm not deactivated by tomorrow I will send other request.

NEVER TURN OFF YOUR FIREWALL— NEVER IGNORE WARNINGS — NEVER LET CURIOSITY MAKE YOU CLICK ON A LINK!

I hate to see you leave like this. I just got on here and just left Facebook. I hate seeing that someone has become as addicted to this place as there.

Best wishes for an addiction free life.

Peace

Just a strange idea but um.. if that game is all he's addicted to, why not delete it? or in case that it's on a cd, then take the cd away? Preferably breaking/gifting/trowing it away.

I got addicted to a cretain site, I was really hooked on it and the best way for myself to get rid of it? I asked my brother to put a password on the site, only one he will know.Up to this day, even if I tried, I'm not able to go back to the site again, and I'm glad.I missed out on alot of school by staring at it and with my lazyness, internet caused my grades to fall.