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DEFINITION
Video
game addiction, also known as video game
overuse, is excessive or compulsive use of computer
and video games that interferes with daily life.
Instances have been reported in which users play
compulsively, isolating themselves from, or from
other forms of, social contact and focusing almost
entirely on in-game achievements rather than broader
life events. There is no diagnosis of video game
addiction, although it has been proposed for inclusion
in the next version of the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), according to the
Wikipedia web site for the definition of video game
addiction. According to WebMD, the definition of
video game addiction is:
| 1. |
The person needs more and more
of a substance or behavior to keep him/her
going. |
| 2. |
If the person does not get more of the substance
or behavior, he/she becomes irritable and
miserable. |
Game addicts often demonstrate withdraw symptoms
similar to drug addiction: angry, violent, or depressed.
THE PROBLEM – VIDEO GAME ADDICTION
Video game addiction is one of the fastest growing
types of addiction. Playing your favorite
games can seem like a harmless way to spend your
free time, but this behavior can sometimes spiral
into a serious video game addiction. Since the problem
is a relatively new phenomenon, the exact cause
of video game addiction unknown. However, the treatment
is the same as drug addiction and often requires
a 28 day residential addiction treatment program.
This addiction appears to be most common among younger
male players. It is quickly becoming an addiction
for younger females too. Adults are also included
in the rising number reports of video game addiction.
DETOX – VIDEO GAME ADDICTION
As strange as it may seem, there is a Detox process
for video game addiction. This behavior is a clinical
impulse control disorder, identical to gambling
addiction. The Detox process commonly occurs in
a residential addiction treatment center.
As in all addictions, the goal is to remove the
source of the addiction. In drug rehab,
when substance is the addiction, it is the alcohol
or drug that is removed. When it is video game addiction,
the video games and source of gaming is removed.
As the removal of the source of addiction occurs,
other psychological issues are examined in order
that an individual treatment plan can be created
and clinical therapeutic approaches can begin. Often,
patients or clients are “self-medicating”
or seeking a feel-good feeling in response to life
stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, or other
catalysts for the need to feel good. The need to
“feel good” increases and the source
(video gaming) of the feeling becomes addictive,
resulting in daily life responsibilities and relationships,
suffering and eventually making daily life functions
nearly impossible.
TREATMENT
AND THERAPY – VIDEO GAME ADDICTION
People who are addicted to video games
know that their behavior is causing strain on relationships,
employment, and personal health, yet they feel powerless
to change their behavior. Therapy is the most common
course of treatment for video game addicts. It is
also the course of treatment in the residential
addiction treatment program. Although most
clients in drug rehab are there for drug abuse or
drug addiction, they often demonstrate other addictions
and further, the addictive behaviors are identical
to the traditional cycle of addiction. Since this
addiction has only been in the spotlight for a short
time, many mental health professionals
are unaware of the extent of the problem. It is
important to choose a treatment program that has
integrated video game addiction and other addictions
into the traditional substance addiction
treatment, recognizing the association
between the behaviors and addiction treatment.
The therapeutic approach is the same Psychotherapy
with a solution oriented approach to working with
the client to resolve life problems. Therapy includes
individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.
Therapies might also include
solution focused therapy, trauma
therapy, EMDR, music
therapy, art
therapy, and other therapeutic approaches. Video
game addiction treatment also includes
groups on addiction education, coping skills, decision
making skills, anger management, stress reduction,
meditation, and yoga.
ADDICTION WARNING SIGNS - VIDEO GAME ADDICTION
Video game addicts can become isolated,
drop out of their social networks, refrain from
hobbies, family gatherings, experience a decline
in academics and grade point average or college
classes and diminished self-esteem and communication
skills is also common.
Warning signs for video game addiction include:
• Playing for increasing amounts of
time
• Thinking about gaming during
other activities
• Gaming to escape
from real-life problems, anxiety, or depression
• Lying to friends and family to conceal gaming
• Feeling irritable when trying to cut down
on gaming
• Loss of time with family
and friends
• Loss of time in academics
• Loss of time in employment
•
Isolation
If you or a loved one, are experiencing the warning
signs of video game addiction,
contact Cove Center for Recorey - Addiction
Treatment Center, the most recognized and
nationally accepted program for Video Game Addiction.
Adult Video Addiction, contact www.covecenterforrecovery.com
1-888-387-6237
or
e-mail us.
Teen Video Addiction, contact www.inspirationsyouth.com
1-888-757-6237
.
Reach out to us. Recovery from addiction is just a click or a phone call away.
If the information you are looking for is not found here and you need immediate
attention you may contact us:
Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237
Addiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
You may also send us e-mail.
Please keep in mind that e-mails are answered within 24 hours Monday
through Friday.
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