ADDICTION TO VIDEO GAMES - CAUSES AND BEST TREATMENT METHODS - Written by Dean Gustar, Relapse Prevention Specialist
It is great that we can enjoy hobbies or entertainment, such as playing video games online. But how far can we go for that to turn from just a fun hobby to a video game addiction?
Electronic games are now available to everyone everywhere. Whether on mobile applications and social media or on platforms like PlayStation devices, XBox and other video games that require an Internet connection. Every day, these games attract millions of children and adults to their virtual worlds.
Like all games and hobbies, leisure time and use should be in moderation. Unfortunately, adults and children alike can develop patterns of obsession and online gaming addiction.
When is an individual classified as an addict to these games and at what point do they require medical and psychological care to get rid of this pathological attachment?
We discuss more details in this article.
What is video gaming addiction, and why is it controversial?
Electronic game addiction is also known as VGA video game addiction or Internet gaming disorder.
These disorders are defined as:
A pattern of compulsive use of games (digital or video games), resulting in a decrease in an individual's ability to control the time spent in front of those games, an increase in the priority given to games over performing their basic functions in various areas of life. There is also significant autism development with these games over a long period of time. There is also continuation or escalation of play despite having negative consequences.
This type of addiction is considered somewhat controversial in scientific circles since, at present, there is no scientific consensus on when excessive video game use becomes an addiction. However, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has classified Internet gaming disorder as a "potential diagnosis that requires further review" and leaves open the possibility of a future classification change. The organisation attributed this to the fact that, so far, there is not enough conclusive research to classify excessive video game use as a type of addiction.
The World Health Organization added “gaming disorder” to its medical reference book in the International Classification of Diseases in 2018. This happened at a time when the American Psychiatric Association had still not done so. As yet, it places gambling as the only behavioural activity listed as a potential addiction.
To end the controversy, it can be said that even if video game disorder is not officially recognised by some organisations, there is no doubt that there are many who lose their jobs and their relationships with their surroundings and families due to complete autism and addiction to those games. There are real experiences and increasing global awareness of behavioural addiction. This dangerous type of addiction is confirmed and is the main reason for its inclusion and classification of diseases by the World Health Organization.
Causes of video game addiction
Several studies indicate that the vast majority of those who suffer from symptoms of video game addiction play online video games with other players. These games offer endless adventures in an integrated virtual world, where players can live different lives as new people, separate from their problems and real reality.
Hence, one can identify several reasons for video game addiction, the most important of which are:
Social isolation, introversion, and a lack of good communication with parents or those around them.
The feeling of happiness and false euphoria as a result of playing these games and the constant desire to feel that.
A desire to escape from reality due to a lack of social acceptance.
People suffering from mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders are more prone to this addiction.
Some could reason that gaming companies belong to a multi-billion-dollar industry and games are specifically designed to be addictive. The more people play video games, the more money the investors make without ethical considerations.
Simply put, you start living in a virtual reality through which you experience a set of entertaining and adventurous experiences that provide you with very high levels of dopamine.
It is easy to engage in playing for long hours without a sense of time. Most video games are designed as social games that create an environment where you feel safe and in complete control.
What are the danger signs that indicate that you have reached the stage of video game addiction?
As with all types of addiction, especially behavioural addiction, there are a set of symptoms that raise the alarm for you. Here are the most prominent symptoms that illustrate the dangers of addiction to electronic games:
First: emotional and social symptoms
Feeling very irritable and upset when not being able to play.
Lying to people close to you about how much time you spend playing.
Social isolation and autism while playing for excessive periods of time without boredom.
Inability to stop or even reduce the time you spend playing.
Resorting to these games continuously to feel in a better mood.
Having problems at work or studying due to the amount of time you spend playing.
Continuing to play even though you realise you're starting to have academic or social problems.
Second, the physical symptoms
Persistent headaches and blurred vision as a result of severe eye strain.
Malnutrition resulting from giving up main meals in exchange for toys or resorting to fast food.
Physical exhaustion as a result of constant gaming and not getting enough sleep.
Constant pain in the back and vertebrae.
Eye redness and poor concentration.
If your teen is exhibiting these symptoms, you should seek immediate professional medical help as soon as you think things are out of control.
How to treat video game addictions
Now that you know all the information about the dangers of addiction to electronic games and the most common symptoms, it is time to search for solutions to this problem in order to overcome it. The good news here is that, although studies on gaming addiction are still in their early stages, many addiction treatment methods help get rid of this problem completely.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is on top of the treatment types that greatly help overcome this type of addiction and help change your behaviour and your way of thinking, based on clear scientific psychological strategies.
In some cases, pharmacological intervention may be required for drugs that alter brain chemistry to ease the withdrawal symptoms. It dramatically helps reduce cravings for playing games, and here, of course, we advise you to obtain the necessary psychological and medical care from specialists and not take any medications on your own so as not to worsen the condition.
There are also some intuitive tips that you should try before resorting to medical help. These include engaging in the community surrounding you, with family and friends. This is especially good for teenagers and children. You should also reduce the time you play and disconnect from the Internet at home or make it unavailable throughout the day. If those solutions fail or you cannot commit to them and it has become out of control, fear not.
Recovery may not be easy, but it is possible and achievable. If you or anyone you know develops the aforementioned symptoms and is unable to control it, please do not hesitate to seek immediate help from specialists.
In order to learn more about video game addiction treatment at The Kusnacht Practice contact our specialists.
