As access to high-speed Internet continues to grow, so too does Internet addiction. An expanding number of individuals are seeking substance abuse help to assist them in their fight against online dependency. The situation has also left policymakers scrambling for a solution.

As part of the growing epidemic, the problems of many Internet addicts is fueled by easy access to vast amounts of pornography. Some users have said that this is one of the biggest parts of their problem. To battle the high prevalence of pornography, lawmakers in the UK recently announced a plan that would block all such sites, according to the Sun.

Under the proposed law, Internet subscribers would have to call their service provider to regain access to these sites. Officials said that they believe this would be an embarrassing step that many would avoid. A similar law in the U.S. could help reduce the number of Internet users who regularly access pornography and limit underage viewing.

A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that 42 percent of 10- to 17-year-olds had viewed pornography. Furthermore, the study found that this type of early exposure can increase the risk of addiction later in life.