Peter B. Ultimate

So how exactly is computer addiction defined? When does a hobby become an addiction? As with most other dependencies, specific questions can be asked to assess whether or not someone may suffer from computer addiction. These questions include assessing how much time is spent on the PC or playing video games, sometimes relative to how much time is spent interacting with real people.

Another way to assess computer addiction is to assess one’s quality of life before and after the computer arrived. Many people have lost jobs due to their computer addiction. Constantly logging onto the Internet at work has caused many people to be dismissed, often after repeated warnings were issued. Money is another factor. Some people have gone into debt and lost great amounts of money using online services and chatrooms.

Computer addiction is also sometimes linked to computer gambling. For some people, gambling is reliant on the computer. They cannot have one without the other. Not only do such people spend countless hours playing online poker, but they often lose thousands of dollars while playing.

As with any addiction, steps can be taken to treat computer addiction. Limiting the amount of time spent on the computer or playing video games is a simple step. If your computer is on all the time at home, switch it off. Guidelines for children suggest allowing no more than one hour per night on the PC or playing video games.

You might find that no matter how much you wanted to stay home, it’s a difficult adjustment for you and your husband. However, there are some things that you can do to make the shift more economically feasible. By lightening your load, you can make it more possible to enjoy your new job as a stay-at-home mom. First, consider how you can reduce your spending. Can you consolidate your debt into one payment? Sometimes you can even get a better percentage rate when you do this. Can you refinance your home? Rates fluctuate, so sometimes you can get a better deal than when you first applied. This is a great way to put more money into your pocket every month.

Start planning menus to help you save on grocery bills. Some locations actually have online grocery shopping. While you may spend $5 on the service, you eliminate all impulse buying and you don’t have to go inside the store. But even if that doesn’t work out, planning ahead can keep you from spending more than you wanted and keep you from heading to a restaurant on a whim.