For many, video games are a relaxing pastime that allows you to unwind or connect with friends. However, this seemingly harmless hobby can evolve into an unhealthy video game addiction for some. In fact, much like a drug or alcohol addiction, excessive video game playing can affect your health, self-care, relationships, education, and career.
So, is playing video games bad? In moderation, video games are beneficial for both kids and adults. Extensive research indicates that they increase brain matter, enhance problem-solving skills, and improve hand-to-eye coordination. However, today’s video games are designed to be addictive. They provide immersive experiences that can keep you hooked for hours on end. This has increased concerns, especially because lots of video games are marketed towards children.
This article explains what you need to know about video game addiction — from the symptoms, causes, and effects of this disorder to proven strategies on how to stop video game addiction.
What is Video Game Addiction?
Video game addiction is a pattern of gaming behavior that is characterized by diminished control and engaging in gaming activities compulsively despite their harmful consequences in different aspects of your life.
Video gaming is very popular, and currently, there are an estimated 3.32 billion online gamers worldwide, with Asia having the largest gaming audience. About 200 million Americans are gamers, out of which 48% are female. Clearly, gaming is no longer a hobby that is limited to the male population. Also, this activity has been adopted by different age groups. One-third of American gamers are aged between 18 and 34 years, while a quarter are under 18.
Given these numbers, there is no denying the prevalence of modern gaming. And while most people enjoy healthy gaming, a small percentage struggle with disordered gaming. A question that arises is how to differentiate between passionate gaming and a gaming addiction. You may also be asking, “Is video game addiction real?”
The World Health Organization recognized gaming disorder as a behavioral addiction in the 11th edition of its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in 2018. Here are some differences between passionate gaming and a gaming addiction.
| Gaming Disorder | Passionate Gaming |
| Inability to cut back or quit playing video games. | Enthusiastic gamers are in control of their gaming habits. |
| Withdrawal symptoms if they reduce or stop gaming. | No withdrawal symptoms since it’s not an addiction. |
| Jeopardizing or losing relationships or opportunities due to gaming. | Able to maintain a healthy balance between gaming and other responsibilities. |
| Giving up previously enjoyed interests. | Participating in both gaming activities and other hobbies. |
Causes of Video Game Addiction
Playing video games is fun and harmless for most individuals. So, what makes video games addictive? Let’s discuss some of the factors that can cause disordered gaming.
Psychological Factors
- Escapism: Video games provide an escape from reality. When life gets difficult, gamers can choose to play to distract themselves from negative feelings. This becomes a problem if they adopt gaming as their primary method of coping with stress, boredom, anxiety, or other unpleasant stimuli.
- Dopamine release: Playing video games triggers a surge of dopamine in the brain, leading to feelings of gratification and fulfillment. However, constant gaming results in dopamine desensitization, making it hard to cut back or enjoy other activities. You may find yourself playing longer to experience the same level of gratification you’re accustomed to.
Environmental and Social Factors
- Peer pressure: Peer influence can have an enormous effect on gaming habits, especially with kids and the young population. If you’re trying to fit in with peers who are predominantly gamers, chances are you’ll play video games more to feel accepted and valued by your social group.
- Social isolation: Motivations for gaming will vary from person to person. For some, video games provide an avenue to compete, interact, and connect with gaming friends. Others may get into gaming because they lack friends or social connections. In such cases, video games may be a coping mechanism for loneliness.
- Easy access to gaming: When video games made their debut in the 1950s and 1960s, you would typically play at arcade machines that were not accessible 24/7. Today, video games are more accessible than ever. You can indulge at any time, thanks to personal computers, cell phones, and video consoles. This increases the risk of video game addiction.
Underlying Mental Health Issues
- ADHD: There is a correlation between ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and video game addiction. Gamers with ADHD are more prone to video game addiction. In fact, the severity of the ADHD symptom impacts the degree of addiction.
- Genetic predisposition: Some people are more likely to develop an addiction than others. This is because addictions can be linked to genetic factors through inherited dopamine levels. Therefore, people with a family history of addiction may be more susceptible to developing an internet gaming addiction.
Symptoms of Video Game Addiction
If you’re concerned about your gaming patterns, a video game addiction test can help you assess your habits. These tools are designed to identify potential symptoms of addiction, including:
Behavioral Symptoms
- Preoccupation with gaming — One of the most obvious video game addiction symptoms is an unhealthy fixation with gaming. An individual might be overly obsessed with video games at the expense of other aspects of their life. The addict may be persistently consumed with thoughts of previous gaming experiences and anticipation for their next session.
- Withdrawal symptoms when not playing — Like any other addiction, you may experience withdrawal if you stop playing video games. Individuals going through video game withdrawal may experience irritability, aggression, headaches, restlessness, and a lack of motivation.
- Loss of interest in other activities — A sign of possible video game addiction is declining interest in other activities that you previously enjoyed. As your body becomes accustomed to the high levels of dopamine you get from gaming, other activities may feel “dull” in comparison. Neglecting all other activities in favor of gaming points to a gaming disorder.
Physical Symptoms
- Sleep disturbances — Late-night gaming sessions are a common occurrence for many video game enthusiasts. However, this habit can negatively affect an individual’s sleep. Overstimulation, inconsistent sleep schedules, and light exposure often lead to difficulty falling asleep, lower sleep quality, and tiredness.
- Poor personal hygiene — Curious about how to spot a gamer who is struggling with addiction? Poor personal hygiene can be a dead giveaway. A severe internet gaming disorder may manifest as a steady decline in personal hygiene. People who are hyperfocused on video games may shower, wash their hair, or brush their teeth less frequently.
Emotional Symptoms
- Defensiveness and anger — Gaming addicts can display irritability or anger if they are compelled to stop playing, even for short durations. Kids with an unhealthy video game obsession may become moody, angry, and violent if a guardian tries to restrict gaming.
Effects of Video Game Addiction
As we’ve mentioned, gaming is not all bad. In fact, some players turn this hobby into a profession and get paid to play video games. However, in recent years, concerns have emerged about the negative effects of excessive gaming. These adverse outcomes can affect relationships, education, careers, mental health, and physical health.
Here are some of the consequences of video game addiction:
Short-term Effects
Disrupted Sleep
Problematic gaming goes hand-in-hand with sleep-related issues. The combination of bright screens and the mental and physical stimulation associated with video games makes it harder to fall asleep. Also, late-night gaming can cause sleep deprivation, leading to fatigue and increased daytime sleepiness.
Neglect of Responsibilities
Internet gaming disorders can vary widely, but it’s not uncommon for a gaming addict to indulge for at least 8 to 10 hours per day. These lengthy gaming sessions typically mean that the individual is overlooking certain life responsibilities.
Long-term Effects
Interpersonal Conflict
Excessive gaming can affect your relationships with those around you – including parents, spouses, siblings, and friends. Conflict may arise if you have differing priorities and if gaming is at the expense of other aspects of life.
Health Complications
It’s easy to neglect self-care when you’re consumed by video games for hours on end. You may skip meals, forget to drink water, and get inadequate exercise. This can lead to physical problems such as dehydration, heart problems, obesity, backaches, and carpal tunnel.
Co-occurring Disorders
Depression
Disordered gaming has been extensively linked to depression. This is because gamers often spend extended periods alone, disregarding real-life interactions, and this causes isolation. Loneliness and social isolation can cause or contribute to depression.
Social Anxiety
Excessive gaming can cause or exacerbate social anxiety. If you’re spending most of your time gaming, you tend to have fewer real-world social interactions. This can affect your social skills, causing overwhelming discomfort and fear of social situations.
Substance Abuse
A person playing video games may also struggle with other addictions. Individuals who use gaming to escape from reality may also turn to alcohol or other drugs as another form of escape. Another common distraction is mobile sex games, which can be very addictive.
Treatment for Video Game Addiction
If you’re struggling with a video game addiction, there are several treatment options available to you. These may involve talk therapy, medication, or a combination of these distinct approaches.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps you manage your problems by modifying dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In other words, you talk to a mental health professional who works with you to examine your thoughts and emotions. You’ll come to understand how negative or inaccurate thoughts can lead to unhelpful behavior.
CBT has proven highly effective for various problems, including addiction. It gives you the tools you need to reshape negative and obsessive thoughts and behaviors around video games. You also get to learn problem-solving skills to help you cope with unpleasant situations.
Support Groups and Counseling
Addiction counseling is an effective treatment for many gaming addicts. Disordered gaming is linked to many underlying issues that can be helped with counseling. Working with a licensed counselor empowers you to escape cravings and manage life’s challenges without leaning on video games.
Online support groups are also a beneficial recovery tool that can supplement in-person treatment. Joining a support group allows you to discuss issues with other individuals who are experiencing the same struggles. This can help you feel less alone while maintaining your anonymity. Popular gaming support groups include;
- On-Line Gamers Anonymous (OLGA)
- Game Quitters
- Gaming Addicts Anonymous (CGAA.org)
Medication
There appears to be a link between gaming addiction and undiagnosed ADHD, anxiety disorders, and depression. Treating these mental health disorders can help reduce gaming cravings in an addict. Some medications that have shown promising results in reducing gaming addiction symptoms include;
- Buproprion
- Atomoxetine
- Escitalopram
If you’re considering medication for video game addiction treatment, you need to see a psychiatrist. Self-medication may worsen your problems over time.
How to Stop Video Game Addiction
Once you recognize that you’re struggling with disordered gaming, there are steps and strategies that you can implement to regain control. They include;
Self-help Strategies
- Impose strict time limits on video game use: Decide how much time you want to spend playing video games daily. You can even pick a specific block of time and assign it to your gaming activities. Setting a timer before each session will let you know when it’s time to stop. If you need some extra help, consider recruiting a friend to keep you honest.
- Pick up other hobbies: If you’re always looking up “places to play video games near me” you can try other activities to fill your free time. Reading, creative arts, walks, movies, and even exercise can provide a distraction when you’re craving video games.
- Designate a ‘gaming area’ in your home: Playing video games in your bedroom makes them too accessible. Further, it increases the temptation for late-night gaming, which affects your sleep schedule. Instead of playing in your bedroom, you can choose a dedicated gaming space in another area of your home.
- Adopt other stress-relieving activities: If you use gaming to escape from life’s unpleasant realities, you can try other healthier coping mechanisms. Effective relaxation techniques that can help reduce stress include breath focus, mindfulness meditation, yoga, tai chi, and guided imagery.
Family and Social Support
Family and friends play an important role in addiction recovery. Therefore, if you’re trying to manage your gaming habit, you can start by informing your loved ones about your decision. Here are some benefits of sharing your struggle with your circle of support:
- They can provide a listening ear when you need to talk about your recovery journey and struggles.
- Family and friends can help keep you accountable by ensuring that you’re sticking to your recovery plan.
- They can avoid playing video games around you.
- Your loved ones provide the support and encouragement you need to keep going.
Professional Help
Implementing self-help strategies and leaning on your loved ones can help you cut back or quit playing video games altogether. However, it’s also important to recognize and acknowledge when you need technical assistance.
If you’re experiencing a loss of control over your gaming tendencies, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you get an official diagnosis and recommend a suitable treatment plan for your specific case. Video game addiction treatment typically addresses the underlying cause of the disorder. For the best outcome, ensure that you’re sticking to your treatment program.
Finding Video Game Addiction Treatment Near Me
Resources and Programs
If you’re unsure about where to start, here are some resources to help you find video game addiction treatment near me.
- Choosing Therapy has a comprehensive online directory that allows you to find a suitable therapist based on location and insurance. With additional filters such as language, price, treatment modalities, ethnicity, and more, you’re bound to find a perfect match.
- Game Quitters offers courses for both gamers and families to help you navigate the challenges of addiction. They can also help you find therapists who specialize in video gaming addiction treatment. Their online directory covers the USA and other parts of the world.
Medicaid and Insurance
If you or a loved one is struggling with disordered gaming, you may be wondering if the Medicaid program can help. The answer is yes, Medicaid can provide coverage for addiction treatments, including inpatient treatment, outpatient services, medications, and mental health services.
Generally, other health insurance plans also cover the full or partial cost of addiction treatment. It’s essential that you ask the right questions before starting treatment so you’re aware of the level of coverage.
Conclusion
Video game addiction is often trivialized compared to other addiction disorders. However, the reality is that problematic gaming habits can negatively affect your health, relationships, education, and even your career.
This is not to say that video games are inherently bad. Moderate gaming can be a part of a healthy, well-rounded life. However, if you notice the signs of video game addiction in yourself or a loved one, you need to seek help from a medical professional. There are various treatment plans designed to help you gain freedom from compulsive gaming.
