Vital Statistics on Video Game Addiction: Treatment and Recovery
Few people realize that they run the risk of experiencing video game addiction. Most of us think of addiction as something that happens to alcoholics or drug addicts. There is no medical diagnosis for video game compulsion, the way there is for alcoholism.
How can something so fun and interesting actually cause video game addiction? Treatment begins with the realization that playing these games has gotten way out of hand. Once the person faces that, he can begin the road to recovery.
Quitting isn’t easy, because video game manufacturers want people to use their products. Just like tobacco companies or distilleries, they can’t stay in business if people don’t keep coming back for more. If you’re trying to help an addicted friend, remember that you really don’t understand how difficult it is to break away from this habit. But you should try to help anyway.
Recognize the Symptoms of Addiction
- The person lies about the time he spends playing video games. If he plays video games on the computer, he makes up reasons to get online and then he switches over to gaming sites.
- The person completely loses track of the time that passes. He cannot believe that, in the wink of an eye, hours have elapsed.
- Someone who plays video games addictively spends too much money on them. When he realizes he’s overspending on games or equipment, it’s time to stop.
- Just like any other addiction, the person feels great—an actual sense of euphoria—as soon as he sits down to play. That euphoric surge results from a flood of endorphins that takes place when he begins. After a while, however, he will feel guilty and angry at himself.
- The person neglects other areas of his life. The video gaming adult runs the same risk as an alcoholic of getting fired. In a study of high school students who were addicted, 60% of them admitted they went to bed too late because they couldn’t stop playing.
- The person who is addicted lashes out at family members or friends who tell him he is playing too much. If he’s mean enough to them, they will leave him alone, right?
- Sometimes people who have problems in their lives use video games as a distraction from their depression or anxiety. Playing video games can be a soothing way to avoid reality.
Special Issues in Video Game Addiction
Just as many alcoholics cannot quit without rehab, video game addicts often must participate in a treatment program that effectively interrupts their exposure to games. In most cases that means the addict must go away from home. For teens it can be a summer camp where there are no video games. For adults, a retreat of some sort working with a therapist can make the difference. Also, there are some issues that affect gamers specifically.
Most of them become socially awkward and lose their ability to communicate well with others. Maybe the addiction grew out of their awkwardness in the first place, or maybe they never developed self-confidence because they played too often. The person or therapist who is helping the video game addict seek treatment will help him address social issues.
Another problem is the exposure to computers. Computers are very much like video games, in that they often feature bright colors, lights, and music. Even if a person thinks he will just go online and use a homework website, for example, he has to face the fact that the computer is a portal to his gaming addiction. If he is online for any reason, he’s just a click away from a video game website. So video game addiction treatment really cannot be successful unless the person addresses his relationship with computers.
Do You Have a Video Game Addict In Your Household?
First of all, even if video game play has caused friction in the household, try to communicate with the addict without passing judgment. The person will literally not hear you if you shout at him. It’s acceptable to talk about the understanding you have for the gamer’s passion. After all, he is far from the first person to experience this addiction. Do draw boundaries, however, for times when your spouse or partner can play. Try to verify whether household funds have been used toward video games or equipment, or whether time has been lost from work due to video games.
If the addict is a teen, separate him from his computer but do not substitute punishing activities such as extra chores. Instead, engage him in a new hobby that he can enjoy with you or with other people in the family.
Last, consider contacting an addiction treatment center in your community. Call your local Alcoholics Anonymous group to get the name of a community service agency in your area that can provide guidance. Most addiction treatment groups use variations of the same 12 steps toward recovery, so even if you don’t have a video game addiction treatment group, the person can still benefit from exposure to any kind of recovery program.
Ultimately, remember that addiction of any kind is a disease with a medical diagnosis. Whether your family member is addicted to drugs or video games, he will have to learn to manage his addiction over the long-term future. It will help if he learns what activities trigger his urge to play so that he can avoid those activities. A big part of his treatment will involve restoring a good relationship between the addict and his family. Moving forward together, you can help your loved one overcome video game addiction.
{ 0 comments }
