Perhaps you have heard of Roblox, Minecraft, Super Mario, or Call of Duty – or maybe you have even played them yourself. In this generation, video games are one of the most popular recreational activities enjoyed by people of all ages, from children and adolescents to adults.
While gaming can have potential benefits as a hobby, when done excessively, it can be destructive and lead to serious disruptions in daily life.
What is Gaming Addiction?
Gaming addiction, also called gaming disorder, is a process addiction characterised by persistent and recurrent gaming that can lead to significant distress and impairment in personal, social, educational, and occupational functioning.
Similar to other behavioural addictions, continuous video game use has the same effect on the brain as the consumption of substances like alcohol and drugs. Playing activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and reinforcing compulsive behaviour. Over time, this can lead to cravings, loss of control, and increased dependence on playing video games. People with video gaming addiction may continue or escalate their harmful practices despite experiencing negative repercussions.
Warning Signs of Gaming Addiction
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA) introduced key indicators of video game dependence. Below are the signs and symptoms of gaming addiction to watch out for.
- Constantly thinking about online games and the act of playing.
- Spending too much time or increasing time spent gaming.
- Loss of interest in other activities to have more time playing.
- Using games as a way to deal with problems.
- Struggling to control the urge to play and limit time spent.
- Repeatedly trying to quit but failing.
- Lying to others about the amount of time spent on games.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like restlessness or irritability when forced to stop gaming.
- Continuing to engage in playing games despite negative effects.
If you observe these warning signs in your loved ones, seek help immediately. The earlier you get help, the easier it is to prevent gaming addiction from escalating.
Helpful Ways to Manage Screen Time and Stop Gaming Addiction
Recognise The Problem
The first step to seeking help is acknowledging you need it. Many individuals struggling with gaming addiction fail to realise the severity of their gaming habits. This lack of awareness makes it difficult for them to know when to stop and why they need to quit. Understanding the true gravity of gaming addiction can open doors to support and treatment, both essential for recovery.
Stick to a Schedule
Spending an enormous amount of time playing video games and being engrossed in them can cause an individual to lose track of time and neglect their surroundings. Setting and maintaining a daily screen time limit of about two hours is crucial, as prolonged gaming sessions can interfere with personal responsibilities. Try tracking gaming time manually or using timers or applications with locks to restrict access to video games. Establishing a structured routine helps prevent excessive playing.
Connect with Others
Too much game use can lead to fewer social interactions, isolation, and strained personal relationships. Talk to a trusted family member or a friend about your struggles and discuss helpful strategies to reduce video game use. Try going out and participating in social events and group activities, or find productive hobbies you can enjoy with loved ones. The emotional support and guidance from others can make a significant difference in your efforts to improve.
Seek Professional Help
The best course of action to address mental health disorders is to consult a professional. It’s important to understand how gaming addiction can take a toll on one’s physical and mental health and how it can lead to more complications over time. There are mental health providers who specialise in treating addiction and can help for a smoother long-term recovery journey.
Risk Factors for Gaming Addiction
Several factors can contribute to the development of gaming addiction. These may include environmental, psychological, social, and biological influences. Below are circumstances that can increase the risk of compulsive gaming:
- Early exposure to games
- Low income or financial difficulties
- Limited support from family or peers
- Family conflicts or dysfunction
- Poor academic or work performance
- Low self-esteem
- Fewer close friends or social isolation
- Co-occurring mental health conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression
By recognising these risk factors, individuals and people around them can take proactive measures to establish a healthy balance and prevent addiction from developing.
How to Treat Gaming Addiction
Intervention for people addicted to video games is similar to how other forms of addiction, like substance use disorder, are treated. Below are some practical approaches for addiction and recovery.
Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is considered the first-line treatment for many mental health conditions. The core principle of CBT is that our thoughts influence our emotions, and what we feel shapes our behaviour. By identifying maladaptive thought patterns and changing them into more rational and constructive thinking, a person can make better decisions, improve their behaviour, and develop healthy coping strategies when faced with challenges.
Holistic Approach
Holistic treatment tackles the totality of a person, including the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects that contribute to the problem behaviour. If an individual uses gaming to avoid negative feelings, this approach teaches alternative strategies like mindfulness and meditation to manage stress more sensibly.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment offers intensive round-the-clock care in a safe, structured environment where distractions and potential triggers are removed, allowing individuals to focus on their recovery journey. An inpatient care programme integrates different evidence-based approaches personalised to an individual’s specific needs. This level of care is ideal for those with severe symptoms and uncontrollable addictive behaviours that require extensive monitoring.
Family Therapy
While one-on-one sessions with a therapist can be highly beneficial in addressing personal concerns and underlying mental health issues, family therapy can be just as valuable in the recovery process. Since addiction affects not only the individual but also their loved ones, involving the family in therapy can help improve communication and identify conflicts that may contribute to too much gaming. This approach allows family members to recognise enabling behaviours and learn ways to provide appropriate support.
Get Help for People Struggling with Gaming Addiction
If you or a loved one is dealing with gaming problems or is at risk of developing the disorder, The Orchid is here to help. We offer comprehensive and compassionate care through evidence-based therapies for successful treatment.
Our team includes experienced mental health professionals, such as medical doctors, psychologists, and counsellors, equipped with advanced skills to help people overcome video game addiction. A better future is one click away. Contact us today.
