Boy, that's a tough one. I personally have been through a couple of rehabs for drug problems. I was told over and over again that I had an "addiction", but I didn't want to call it that. I would argue that I didn't really "need" my drug, it's just happened to have caused me some trouble in my life (some pretty big troubles, to be honest). And the reasoning of my peers was that if I didn't need the drug, I wouldn't be in so much trouble with it. I later learned through a program known as SMART Recovery (which addresses all kinds of "addictions", not just drug-related ones), that to refer to oneself as an "addict" or to call oneself "addicted", is a self-defeating way of thinking. It only sets us up for failure. One thinks "I'm an addict, so it's no wonder I can't help myself".
But it's important to know that it is worth wondering, because we as human beings can help ourselves. Many addiction specialists, and current or former "addicts" seem to be under the impression that if someone with a psychological dependency is allowed to believe that they can overcome the problem themselves, they will inevitably fail. This is to assume that most people aren't smart enough to uncover the root of the issue for themselves- and it's wrong. In fact, statistics show that 60-75% of people who have overcome a dependency to alcohol (one of the most gripping, and dangerous addictive substances) have done so without the help of any support groups or therapy. This is not to say that these are unhelpful, or unnecessary, but it speaks for the strength of human willpower.
When I realized this, I got down to business. I decided that I must have been right all along, and that I didn't "need" the drug. When I came to the revelation that I was not wrong for believing that I could kick the habit myself, I felt empowered, and I quickly became aware of just how easy life was without the drug. I became aware of how insignificant the appeal to it was when I filled my time with more productive activities. I suspect that in your case, having something to share with the real world- the people in your most immediate surroundings- may revive some of the motivation you may have lost sight of in your time spent on the internet. It sounds cliche, and it is easier said than done- but find a hobby. Something that you can do everyday. Something that you don't have to schedule in advance, like drawing, or playing an instrument. When you start to develop an art and a rhythm to life, you'll find yourself feeling like you can't wait to show the world what you've got. And that's what you need to replace the constant craving for that instant gratification. The internet is a way for you to find something entertaining, RIGHT NOW, or to find someone to talk to, RIGHT NOW, or to have something to look at, RIGHT NOW. But right now, you could be working on something. Something that you're proud of, and that you enjoy making better. Life isn't just about the pursuit of happiness, it's also about the pursuit of purpose.
