Brain Damage From Internet Addiction

[DimmedBulb]

I feel like I have no focus anymore these days. I just spend 16 hours a day on my computer. I don't even like being online but I don't have the mental capacity to turn it off when I notice I'm bored, which is basically always these days. I'm scared. I used to be smart and a good srudent. Now I can't even do my simple job of putting mail in the right mailbox properly. I've just zoned out and made mistakes so many times. This is only my second week and I already have people complaining I'm not delivering correctly. All because I can't pay fucking attention. I feel like a wilted plant that can't flourish again. I'm really, really scared.

Edited December 13, 2016 by DimmedBulb

[Prabhaker]

@DimmedBulb

If you want to regain your life and cure your internet addiction, you have to cut down your daily internet time to 30 minutes. This sounds extreme. But every extreme addiction needs an extreme solution. 

[Arman]

Book recommendation: The Ultramind Solution.

If you don't like the way your brain is operating, then aim to change it by studying what impacts focus and high functioning, and aim to make those changes. 

The brain is highly adaptable and capable of tremendous recovery. 

[DimmedBulb]

@Arman i can't really read books. I lose interest and get distracted really quickly.

 

@Prabhaker tigerfreedom.com

Anyway, best I ever did cutting down time was like 8 hours a day, but that didn't last very long.

[philosogi]

Hey @DimmedBulb, two things. 

First, yes, I think "brain damage" is possible from internet addiction, the same way as is possible from any other addiction. But the crux of the issue is that there is underlying damage to the brain that makes you susceptible to the addiction. I don't fully believe in labels such as ADHD because they can tend to encourage victim mentality, but I do believe that there are certain things that happened to us in our childhoods, which when combined with our DNA result in susceptibility to certain mental weaknesses.

Actually three things.

Second, it's not permanent brain damage. It just gets more and more entrenched the longer it goes uncared-for. 

Third, probably not the whole issue is from internet addiction. I don't know your age, but I think "growing up" and having more responsibilities in life combined with an unhealthy mental view of these challenges, can combine to cause a lack of focus/procrastination through addiction.

If you haven't already seen them a few times, I recommend Leo's "Addiction" video and his "Procrastination" video.

[Joel3102]

I've been working on similar issues. Just force yourself slowly to get back from as much artificial stimulation as possible. I am susceptible to addictions, social media, Youtube, porn ect have been big issues for me but I'm making huge progress through long meditations. When you abstain from these highly stimulating things for a while you can feel your brain rebalance out and your dopamine levels become more normal, which allows you to focus on more mundane shit like books. Don't give up, the brain is highly plastic.

[Richard Alpert]

the internet affects like drugs, when you watch these youtube vids, porn etc.

Youre dopamine levels gets fucked up´d. And you are training youre brain to getting these "rewards" without you doing nothing. Same as getting paid, without working.

[Martin123]

@DimmedBulb Meditation and patience. Life is a flow, you don't have to force yourself to do things. If you have addictions you are escaping from this flow. It is time to regain access to it. It feels magical.
It's gonna take time.
It's going to take mindfulness.
It's going to take hundreds hours of meditation.
.
.
.
But what are the results?
You can for the most part completely rely on your intuition whether to do something or not.
Everyday tasks become joyful and effortless - washing dishes is awesome once again =D.
You get tears just for the joy of being alive. 
You are driven towards learning, exploring, experiencing and impacting others.
You know what your purpose is. It is to follow your intuition. Your intuition will lead you to places you've never even dreamed of.
That is the work of the heart warrior. Of the one who faces his shadow. The one who shuts up and sits down to examine his inner functioning. That is the art of meditation. The way of living mindfully and consciously. The highest purpose a human can have.

Do you have the guts to be patient and follow through?

edit: if you want something like a "quick fix" check out Athene's click. (Logic nation).
It is a cool technique that is efficient. Doesn't compare with the life of the warrior of the intuition though.

Edited December 14, 2016 by Martin123

[Epiphany_Inspired]

I don't mean to be harsh, but I feel like being blunt....and hope you respect that....this addiction is extreme....comparable to alcohol/ drug addiction....if you don't feel like you can even cut down to less than 8 hours/day, on your own, and it is negatively effecting your ability to function....then...please consider getting some rehabilitation assistance to help you surpass this phase.....nobody wants you to wither away, you are an awesome person....and the fact that you posted this, means that you are ready to move on!

I have been looking into re-hab for a friend of mine with a severe alcohol problem, and every place I called for her (she's deaf) does not allow any "screen time", it is well acknowledged now in the re-hab community - the addictive effects of the web.....there are some rad facilities that work with you in an actualizing style....I don't know where you live....here in Canada even the public ones can be totally transformational for those who are ready! The purpose is to find the emotional ROOT cause of the addiction.

Edited December 16, 2016 by Epiphany_Inspired

[DimmedBulb]

@Epiphany_Inspired No offence taken. The thought had crossed my mind before.

[abrakamowse]

I already told you this but I go here again, sit down and meditate watching your thoughts without paying attention to them.

[DimmedBulb]

@R Midhun Suresh Here's the kicker: on holiday, I experience no withdrawal. On holiday, I am pretty able to do some reading, meditating, etc. It feels great actually. I just don't continue the trend when I get back home.

[DimmedBulb]

@R Midhun Suresh Nope. There are programs for it I bought, but I sometimes rely on internet access.