Irritability - Addicts will get upset or irrational if made to miss an episode of their favorite show or are interrupted during a favorite show.

Withdrawal from responsibility - Addicts will put off their responsibilities if something is scheduled on television that they really want to see.

Loss of memory - If you have had a conversation with an addict while they were watching a show, memory loss of your conversation is highly likely, since most abusers hardly pay attention to anything other than what they're watching.

Availability and consumption of television becomes the focus of social activities - Some TV addicts won't visit friends if they don't have television or cable necessary to viewing their particular programs.

Distorted sense of time passage: Tendency to overestimate time intervals - TV abusers are hardly ever aware of time passing as they watch television. Depending on the enjoyment level of the show they're currently watching, time might feel shorter or longer during any given episode.

Excessive inactivity - Some abusers never leave their room ... instead they prefer to spend hours watching television and only leave their rooms for bathroom breaks and to get a quick snack.

Unpredictable flashback episodes even long after withdrawal - Some addicts burst out laughing at the mere memory of something they saw on TV. They remember different episodes and different shows at odd times and whatever feelings were related with the show at that particular time, reemerge once again.

Fear - Many addicts experience intense fear if they are away from home and cannot remember if they set their VCRs to tape their favorite shows.

If you or anyone you know are experiencing most or all of these symptoms ... well there's really nothing you can do other than canceling their cable or breaking their TV. All of which could lead to you being physically assaulted and maimed ... or losing a friend. The best you can do for someone with a television addiction is to humor them. Watch some of what they're watching. Plan your days around their TV schedule. Invest in a bunch of season DVDs. Embrace the television ...

Previous -- Continue