Most people do not understand why it is so important to get gaming addiction help. Gaming can be seen as no big deal these days, as technology has become part of our daily lives it seems. From entertainment to tools used in schools for learning, games are utilized by almost every age these days. What may have seemed alarming a decade ago, is now mainstream and accepted by most. Gaming at the dinner table with your Playstation may have seemed absurd not too long ago, but now can be done conspicuously with a smartphone. In fact, it is fairly common to see children on a device whilst eating their meal. However, there is substantial concern about the role of gaming technology in a person’s mental health. Which is why get gaming addiction health as soon as possible, as lack of treatment can worsen the concern.
For those seeking recovery from a life of gaming addiction there is hope, and Omega Recovery makes sure of it. Gaming addiction treatment is more available today than ever before, as more and more evidence is showing cause for concern. Whether it is your own life, or someone you care deeply about, there is a light at the end of the gaming tunnel. Addiction treatment facilities offer a safe environment, with qualified and experienced professionals available at every step of the way toward recovery. Sometimes the biggest step an addicted individual can take, is the first small one in the right direction. Recognizing a problem, and taking the initiative to seek help in improving one’s life is a remarkable accomplishment. And a sure sign that recovery is obtainable, and confirmation as to why get gaming addiction help as soon as possible. Whether for yourself or someone you love, seek the support to change a life.
What Qualifies Someone As Having A Gaming Addiction?
Perhaps what started as an innocent form of entertainment has now become a growing concern of a person’s mental health. There are signs that can indicate if a person may be struggling with an unhealthy gaming addiction. According to the WHO (World Health Organization) and as defined in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), a gaming disorder is a pattern of gaming behavior – whether it be digital-gaming or video-gaming- characterized by impaired control over gaming use. Also defined as an increasing priority given to gaming over more important activities such as work, family, and personal obligations. Indeed to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences. But, for a gaming disorder to be diagnosed, the behavior pattern must be evident for at least 12 months. With sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning. No matter how defined, cause for concern is why get gaming addiction help as soon as possible. Time is of the essence with any addiction.
Oftentimes family and friends of someone struggling with gaming addiction are the greatest insight into how quickly treatment is necessary. These are the people who notice when someone has checked out of their life. Red flags of potential gaming addiction include when someone spends every moment of their free time gaming. Other red flags include when a person’s work life shows signs of struggle. Signs such as drop in performance, lack of effort, and a short temper that is easily flared up from anxiety from not gaming. A lack of interest in activities that were enjoyed before the gaming addiction; such as outside walks, social gatherings, and genuine conversation is also concerning. For couples, a partner suffering from gaming addiction may show a lack of interest, and intimacy in their relationship. For a parent, an addicted child may seem like a disinterested stranger- easy to anger, and hard to pull back into their daily normal activities. However you or a loved one is experiencing gaming addiction, there is hope for recovery. Reaching out for gaming addiction treatment addiction services is a step in the right direction.
Why Get Gaming Addiction Help As Soon As Possible
Games are meant for entertainment and educational purposes, or at least that is the hope. However for some, gaming can lead down a dangerous path of mental addiction. The ways in which games can have an impact on our brain is numerous, as studies are now showing. And this is especially true for those still developing their young brain, our future depends on them. Humans are social creatures, we need positive feelings of interaction and belonging. Video games can offer that important piece for those of us shy, struggling with isolation, feeling estranged, or stressed. But at what cost? There is rising concern for humanity in the ways in which we interact with each other. Games are for some replacing conversation, genuine relationships, and needed rest from an alternate reality world.
When using critical thinking it can bring you to the conclusion as to why get gaming addiction help as soon as possible. Though there is more research to be done, gaming has been associated with sleep deprivation, insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders, depression, aggression, and anxiety. This is especially true for children and young adults, as the brain is still developing and literal ‘re-wiring’ damage can be done. Gaming addiction has been shown to be similar to substance and alcohol abuse in that dopamine is released upon immediately. Brain health is an incredibly important part of an individual’s well being. Allowing games to fill in the gaps of our emotional coping mechanisms may prove to be more harmful than beneficial.
Treatments Used Today For Gaming Addiction Recovery
There are both conventional and holistic forms of treatment used in gaming addiction recovery. Just as each gamer is different, and their roots or cause of abuse, so are the needs of treatment. Omega Recovery for example takes humble pride in offering both commonly used and accepted forms of mental health treatment as well as holistic. Which is why Omega endorses the need as to why get gaming addiction help as soon as possible. Outstanding facilities treat the whole person rather than just the disorder immediately upon arrival. Below are examples of both conventional and holistic forms of gaming addiction treatment used today.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – DBT teaches clients how to regulate their emotions to reduce the self-destructive behaviors that derive from extreme, intense emotions. Primarily a skill-building approach, DBT focuses on the development of four key skill sets; Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, Mindfulness (to live in the moment and fully experience emotions), and Interpersonal Effectiveness.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – A very common therapy for individuals struggling with gaming addiction and/or experience destructive and negative thinking or maladaptive thought patterns. Since our cognition affects our wellbeing, changing harmful thought patterns will help clients recognize their ability to practice alternative ways of thinking. An active therapeutic modality, CBT is present-oriented, problem-focused, and goal-directed.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) – Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative and therapeutic conversation between licensed clinicians and clients that addresses the common problem of ambivalence for change. As defined by William Miller, the creator of MI, its purpose is to strengthen a person’s own motivation for and commitment to change, in a manner that is consistent with the person’s beliefs and values. Imperative for recovery and another reason why get gaming addiction help as soon as possible.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) – Similar to CBT, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) helps clients identify, challenge, and replace their destructive thoughts and convictions with healthier, adaptive thoughts. Empirical studies demonstrate that this process incites emotional well-being and goal achievement. This can be especially helpful for those suffering from gaming addiction, as refocusing goals can be supportive for successful recovery.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MSBR) – Developed by Dr. Jon Cabot-Zinn, MSBR is a sequential method that teaches the individual who is struggling with racing and impulsive thoughts on how to be in the “here and now”. By focusing on the breath or on an object in the room, the client slowly becomes able to collapse their awareness into the present moment.
Experiential Therapies Including Psychodrama – Many clients, especially younger clients, trapped in addictive and dysfunctional lifestyles, often benefit greatly from action-based and potentially transformative experiences. In psychodrama, the client can relive scenes from earlier in their lives that may have been turning points or “stuck” points in their addictive slide. The client is able to relive and (through the help of the clinician) change the toxic scene into one of breakthrough and empowerment.
Recovery-Oriented Challenge Therapy – Sometimes also called adventure therapy or outdoor behavioral health (OBH), this evidence-based technique is centered on an activity or “adventure” in which a clinical professional can actively engage with clients. Examples include group challenges, outdoor activities, ropes courses, games, or other skill-building healing activities. Healing is done in a group setting, which is also especially supportive for those who normally isolate themselves to just online gaming interactions. Which is why get gaming addiction help as soon as possible, for the sake of people skills at the very least. These activities are designed to help clients identify strengths and skills, build social support, strengthen their sense of focus or control, and address basic recovery issues. These groups also assist with the development of self-care, boundaries, accountability, and trust. In addition, just being outdoors and immersed in nature has itself been proven to be therapeutic for a person stuck in a sedentary and addictive indoor lifestyle.
No matter which form of treatment you agree or align with, the opportunity to experience support is necessary for successful recovery. Gaming addiction is a slippery slope, and one that should be addressed sooner rather than later. Why get gaming addiction help as soon as possible? Because your future, or someone you love that is struggling with addiction, may very well be determined by it. Gaming addiction left untreated can damage relationships, school, responsibilities, performance at work, and overall mental health. Thankfully, there are many gaming treatment centers that are available for their patients’ best interest. The first step is of course acknowledging a problem, but one of the most crucial steps to recovery is seeking help. Omega Recovery is not just a rehabilitation center, it is a profound facility with incredible staff that help their clients reclaim their life back. We take confidence in treating the whole person, and not just their addiction for whole self healing.
Why Omega Recovery Is The Best Place For Gaming Addiction Treatment
At Omega Recovery, we aim to ensure long term recovery for gaming addiction with the best forms of treatment available today. Utilizing both proven evidence-based methods and experience led holistic methods of treatment, our programs are unmatched. Omega’s founder and Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, has spent almost 20 years in New York helping thousands of young people and adults to overcome their mental health and/or addiction challenges. Dr. Kardaras and his team aim in helping clients of all ages to discover their true potential and to live their best life. At Omega Recovery in Austin we have one of the most cutting-edge and powerful therapeutic programs in the country. Designed by one of America’s leading clinicians and a thought leader in gaming addiction treatment. Dr. Kardaras understands first hand how gaming addiction can impact a person’s life, and he uses his experience to help others all around the world. Another reason to get gaming addiction help as soon as possible!
Omega Recovery offers the best gaming addiction programs found today. By using a variety of traditional evidence-based therapies and endeavors to shift a person into a deeper, more meaningful and embodied way of being. Therapies such as; (CBT & DBT), Experiential (psychodrama, nature immersion, mindfulness), and12-Step work are utilized. IN combination with holistic forms such as Nature immersion (aka Outdoor Behavioral Health), REST-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (Floatation therapy), Archetypal Work (Hero’s Journey), Martial Arts, and Psychotherapy, Logotherapy, and Yoga. We offer PHP, IOP, and wellness programs for Adults and Adolescents and also specialize in treating Millennial and the attendant mental health and screen addiction issues that many young people are struggling with. At Omega Recovery, we are the best gaming addiction recovery center and understand why get gaming addiction help as soon as possible.
Don’t wait any longer to get the help that you or a loved one may need. Give us a call at (512) 601-5407 or visit our website at www.omegarecovery.org today to learn more.
