Internet Addiction Support Group

Hi Tess,
You have already taken the first step by recognizing that you do have a problem. So you need to get to the next step. Seek help! Go to AA meetings, seek a therapist, most importantly, talk to your spouse! Your addication is a symptom of something much bigger going on in your life. Find the root of the problem, and then the internet addiction will follow naturally.

My husband and I are separated due to his addition on internet. He never actually met anyone but when I read his emails to this "fantasy" women, it was like I walked in on him in bed with someone else. It can destroy your marriage and your family. On the internet you can be whomever you want and in reality your spouse knows the real you, and that is hard.

Our marriage was on rocky grounds as well and I believe he thought he was not doing anything wrong because he never physically touched these women. This is simply not true. You are emotionally giving yourself to these people. Who and how much of your time are spending with fantasy people vs the real people in your life? If you should get hit by a bus tomorrow, who would attend your funeral, those that are real or those that are fake? Then why are investing so much time and energy to those that won't be there for you in REAL life?

Please understand that I am not judging you! I understand what you are going through but listen to a person who has been hurt by this and take the next step and get help. Find out what is causing you to go to these other people and what they are giving to you that you are not getting at home. Talk to your husband and get counseling together. Be honest with him and be respectful. He deserves that and you will feel better by doing so.
Take care and good luck!
Dawn

tess, one thing i've found that works is getting out of the house and spending time with real people - kind of forcing myself into the situation.

when my addiction gets bad, it seems like i have to make a MAJOR BREAK to break the cycle. going to a coffee shop, sitting down and talking with other people, heading into the office (i often work from home), going to anything that has real people and kind of forces me to have a conversation with people makes a big difference - but usually it works best if i am meeting people i've never met before - i'm not as bored, and everything is new, kind of like making a new relationship on the internet.

i'm a believer in creating new patterns around the ruts i get myself in and it makes it easier to get out of them. meaning, forcing myself to get to bed earlier, waking up, showering, going for a run or a walk before 7am, etc, breaks the cycle. exercise more, embrace reality and real people, etc.

Also join a support group for addicts... they do not need to KNOW what your addiction is just that you are addicted... might help!