is internet addiction worse than drugs?

i'm a full time engineering student (freshman), went back to school at age 26. i go to a school where engineering is a big deal and my classmates are mostly above average, fresh out of AP classes in high school. i'm having a hard time connecting with anyone, and spend way too much time by myself reading on the internet and watching youtube videos.

part of my difficulty is the age gap (being 6-8 years older), but also because the engineering culture is foreign to me. i was super into weed and psychedelic drugs when i was younger and my group of friends was never the smart kids lol. now i don't drink or do any drugs because i developed HPPD and anxiety that gets amplified 1000x when i use substances. none of this is something i feel like anyone at school can relate to and i just don't know where i fit in now that i'm in this totally new environment. i just feel like i don't have anything in common with my peers, but i love my classes and i'm proud of my commitment to taking on such an intense challenge.

going home and spending time on the internet by myself is not my ideal lifestyle but it's such a hard habit to break. i already spend 40+ hours a week doing homework (mostly alone) so i need something to change. i'm hoping nofap will be a good first step.

anyone relate to this? or have any feedback? i appreciate the support, guys!

 

i love infinite waters!! that's the kind of shit i get stuck watching for hours though haha. it's definitely better than watching TV or something, but still only useful up to a point. LOL Golgo 13 I'm struggling with social anxiety and I don't drink - just going out to the bar and meeting girls is not exactly step number 1 for me.