Video games have been around for a long time and enjoyed by many. They are, for a lot of people, a fun way to relax and relieve stress. But for others, it can become more than just a a way to enjoy their free time. For some people it can start to become a hinderance on their life and start to cause real problems that have serious consequences. Gaming addiction disorders are a real thing and if you or someone you know may be suffering from one, it is important to get help.
Gaming addiction disorder is not currently recognized as an official diagnosis by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), however, it is considered a real problem by many experts in the field. Gaming addiction disorder is characterized by a preoccupation with gaming, an inability to control gaming habits, and continued gaming despite negative consequences. Gaming addiction can lead to problems in all areas of life including work, school, relationships, and mental and physical health.
What Are the Signs of Gaming Addiction?
Gaming addiction disorders are a real phenomenon, and it can be very dangerous. People who are addicted to video games can lose touch with reality, and may even suffer from physical health problems as a result of their addiction. Gaming can be an extremely immersive experience, and people who are addicted to video games can become so engrossed in the virtual world that they lose touch with their own reality. This can lead to problems in relationships, at work, and even cause people to neglect their general health and well being.
Physical health problems can also be associated with gaming because it can be a very sedentary activity. People who are addicted to video games may spend hours at a time sitting in front of a screen. This can lead to problems such as obesity, heart disease, eye strain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Not only that but gaming can be a very isolating activity, and people who are addicted to video games may spend more time playing games than they do interacting with other people outside of video games. This can lead to social isolation and loneliness, to the point where you only feel comfortable interacting with others via the setting of a video game.
Gaming addiction can lead to problems in other areas of life including work, school, relationships, and mental health. There are a number of signs that may indicate someone is suffering from gaming addiction disorder. These include:
- Preoccupation with gaming: Gaming is always on the person’s mind and they are thinking about their next game even when they are not playing.
- Gaming to escape: Gaming is used as a way to escape from problems or negative feelings.
- Gaming despite negative consequences: The person continues to game even though it is causing problems in their life such as grades dropping, losing their job, or straining relationships.
- Inability to control gaming habits: The person is unable to stick to limits they set on themselves for how long or how often they will game.
- Lying about gaming: The person tries to hide how much they are gaming from friends and family.
- Gaming as a way to relieve anxiety: The person uses gaming as a way to relieve anxiety or stress.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, it is important to seek help from a professional who can assess the situation and provide treatment options. Gaming addiction disorder is a real problem that can have serious consequences. Getting help is essential to managing the disorder and preventing further problems.
Gaming Addiction Treatment
There are a number of treatment options available for gaming addiction disorder. Omega Recovery specializes in treatments and is considered a pioneer when it comes to successful treatment methods. Methods used to treat gaming disorder are very similar to the ones used to treat other addictions such as alcohol or drug addiction. The key difference is these methods are adjusted to fit better for somebody who is experiencing gaming addiction. Some of these treatments include:
Therapy: Therapy is a common treatment for gaming addiction disorder. The therapist will work with the person to help them understand why they are addicted to gaming and how to manage their gaming habits.
Counseling: Counseling can be helpful for people who are struggling with the negative consequences of gaming addiction. Counselors can help people work through the emotions they are experiencing due to the addiction and get down to the root causes.
Support Groups: Support groups can be a helpful way for people to connect with others who are also struggling with gaming addiction disorder. This can provide emotional support and practical advice on how to manage the disorder.
If you or someone you know is suffering from gaming addiction disorders, it is important to seek help. There are a number of treatment options available that can help manage the disorder and prevent further problems.
Gaming Addiction and Mental Health
A lot of times gaming addiction goes hand and hand with other unaddressed mental health issues, and gaming addiction disorder is used to mask these underlying mental health issues. When someone is struggling with mental health issues, they may turn to gaming as a way to escape their problems. Gaming can provide a sense of relief and satisfaction that is not found in other areas of their life. Unfortunately this sort of coping mechanism has no way of addressing the root issues of their addictions. It is important for those who suffer from addiction to recover in an emotionally supportive and practical environment to help them manage and understand their disorder. If you or someone you know is suffering from gaming addiction and/or mental health issues, it is important to seek help.
As previously mentioned, Omega Recovery is one of the leaders when it comes to gaming disorder treatment. Our founder, Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, is one of the country’s foremost experts on treating tech and gaming addiction and the author of the best-selling book “Glow Kids”. He has developed a comprehensive and immersive 8-week program designed to not only treat the gaming addiction, but to also address any and all underlying issues that may be contributing to the gaming addiction. Get in touch with Omega Recovery today by visiting our contact page or calling us at (512) 601-5407
