What is Video Game Addiction?
Video game addicts are living with a psychological addiction to playing. This form of addiction is not currently included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) due to a lack of research and evidence indicating that it is a disorder. If it is officially recognized as a psychological disorder, it will likely be placed in the same category as gambling addiction – a disorder involving a lack of impulse control.
When they play, their brains produce endorphins, giving them a high similar to that experienced by gamblers or drug addicts. Gamers responses to questions even mirror those of alcoholics and gamblers when asked about use
Causes of Addiction
The video game addict may start off playing for fun, but get “hooked” on the fact that video games are designed to give players a series of rewards for reaching certain levels while playing. The person keeps playing in order to keep getting this payoff. The video games also allow players to develop relationships with other players, and the video game addict may find these virtual relationships more rewarding than those that take place outside of the game.
Signs that a person has become a video game addict include:
1. Do you neglect relationships with your friends and family to spend more time playing video games?
2. Do you struggle to keep up with your schoolwork and/or professional responsibilities?
3. Have you ever taken a “sick day” to play your favorite game?
4. Do you lie to others about your video game use? Have you ever been criticized by someone close to you for spending too much time playing video games?
5. When you’re not playing video games, do you feel angry or depressed? Do you spend your time wishing you could be playing your favorite game?
6. Do you get so engrossed in video games that you neglect to eat, sleep or shower?
7. Do you suffer from backaches, dry eyes or headaches after playing video games? Have you been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome?
Treatment for Video Game Addiction
1. A therapist or treatment program that specializes in adolescents would be a first place to start. For example, a summer camp or wilderness program will get your child out of his normal environment and into a situation where he is forced to experience reality.
2. Sending a socially challenged child to a rough-and-tumble military or boot camp with highly competitive activities could do more harm than good.
3. Sharing experiences and interacting with other video game addicts could also be an essential part of the recovery process.
4. Video Game Detox, treatment for video game addiction is similar to detox for other addictions, with one important difference. Computers have become an important part of everyday life, as well as many jobs, so compulsive gamers cant just look the other way when they see a PC.
5. With appropriate help and support, a video game addict can learn to stop playing games.
However, therapy involving a young child will usually focus on the parents developing strategies and setting appropriate limits for their child.
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