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ALBANY, GA -- A new study finds Facebook and Google may be addicting as drugs.

The research, conducted in Great Britain, found those without an Internet connection reported feeling lonely and upset.

A local addiction counselor said that while people may use websites too much, it is not the same as being addicted to drugs. “It’s a stretch to say that social websites are an addiction,” said Andy Martin, an addiction counselor at Insight Psychotherapy and Assessment Services. “I would be more comfortable in saying that it's more of an obsessive compulsive pattern instead of an addiction pattern.”

Ashley Spry of Albany said she is addicted to Facebook and Google, and is even willing to spend more to have those services.

“I was with a phone company that only text and talk unlimited, but I’m going to upgrade now just so I can have access to the internet, Google and Facebook,” Spry said. “I could go and buy a $35 phone and be without Google and Facebook, but I’m going with a phone that costs $200 just to be with that service.”

Martin said if websites are addicting, they do not as adversely affect a person’s life. “How many people are out there checking their Facebook so much that they forget to eat? See, that happens if you're a cocaine addict,” Martin said.