The latest addiction to trap thousands of people is Internet, which has been (31) ______ for broken relationships, job losses, financial ruin and even one suicide. Psychologists now recognize Internet Addiction Syndrome (IAS) as a new illness that could cause serious problems and ruin many lives. Special help groups have been set up to of sufferers help and support.

IAS is similar to (32) ______ problems like gambling, smoking and drinking : addicts have dreams about Internet; they need to use it first thing in the morning; they lie to their partners about how much time they spend online; they wish they could cut down, but are unable to do so . A recent study found that many users spend up to 40 hours a week on the Internet; (33) ______ they felt guilty, they became depressed if they were (34) ______ to stop using it.

Almost anyone can be at risk. Some of the addicts are teenagers who are already hooked on computer games and who find it very difficult to resist the games on the Internet. Surprisingly, however, psychologists (35) ______ that most victims are middle-aged housewives who have never used a computer before.

The latest addiction to trap thousands of people is Internet, which has been (31) ______ for broken relationships, job losses, financial ruin and even one suicide.