It's also been proven that being on the internet for an excessive amount of time increases one's risk to become addicted to other things as well (Fulps). Too much time on the internet can cause family problems, problems in school and relationship problems because the addict will become withdrawn and far less social. Some people feel more comfortable talking to their online friends than they do talking to their real friends. With the click of a button, one can enter a different world. Children and teenagers who lack social skills may feel more comfortable in the online world they have created. Lonely people are more likely to become addicted to the internet because they will search for the attention they're missing in their life, online. "Some physical symptoms of spending too much time online are: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, dry eyes or strained vision, back aches and neck aches, severe headaches, sleep disturbances, and pronounced weight gain or weight loss" (Saisan, Smith).
Another common overlooked addiction is the caffeine addiction. Although the effects of caffeine aren't as severe as drugs, caffeine operates using the same brain pathways as amphetamines, cocaine, and heroin. A study done by Villanova University shows that, "about 90 percent of Americans consume caffeine in one form or another every single day. More than half of all American adults consume more than 300 milligrams of caffeine every day, making it by far America's most popular drug" (About Caffeine). Many people experience irritability, headaches, fatigue, or nausea if they forget to have their morning cup of coffee and that is because they are experiencing caffeine withdrawals which are very similar to drug withdrawals. Caffeine also caused the brain to release dopamine and adrenaline into the body as heroine does also (Caffeine). Dopamine and adrenaline cause the body to feel full or energy and in a good mood.
