Games can be fun, but they should not control one’s life. Many people worldwide enjoy video games as an activity in their spare time. There are several benefits to taking part in interactive video games, but what happens when it becomes out of control and is categorized as an addiction?
Video game addiction is a relatively recent phenomenon that has been identified as one of the fastest-growing addictions. This article will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for video game addiction at PROMIS UK.
Someone with an internet gaming addiction spends a lot of time playing video games online, often to the detriment of other interests and daily routines. There are different types of video game addictions as well, and these are treated differently. We will talk about them here.
WHAT IS VIDEO GAME ADDICTION?
Video game addiction can be described as a pattern of behaviour in which an individual derives pleasure from playing games to the exclusion of almost all other activities. It is also a pattern of behaviour in which an individual plays games for more extended periods and derives diminishing pleasure from playing. It can be further described as compulsively playing video games despite the negative consequences coupled with attempts to quit.
In addition, gaming addictions have additional consequences beyond those from other behavioural addictions, such as compulsive gambling. Video game addiction may lead to other issues, such as obesity, aggressive behaviour, depression and anxiety.
A recent study found that gaming addiction may be linked to reduced grey matter in critical areas of the brain important for memory and attention and that young adults who suffer from this addiction may be more likely to perform poorly in school or at work.
Youths under 18 are more susceptible to this particular addiction because their brains are not yet fully developed and can be easily influenced. Gaming addictions can also lead to other forms of dependency, such as drug or alcohol abuse.
CRITERIA THAT CLASSIFY VIDEO GAME ADDICTION
- The individual has failed to control the use of games despite negative implications, such as not meeting responsibilities at work or school and damaging relationships with family and friends.
- The individual has an intense need to play games. When they do not get access or their access is stopped, the person becomes irritable and anxious and may show signs of withdrawal.
- The person has lost control of their gaming behaviour.
- The individual is preoccupied with games and continues to play despite substantial negative consequences.
- The individual has experienced a loss of interest in school, hobbies or other activities they used to enjoy.
- There is a significant decline in academic performance.
- The individual has missed work or school due to game-playing.
- They have a strong need to play the games, and when they do not get access to them, their mood changes from happy or contented to sad or irritable.
- They keep playing the games even when they feel tired.
The World Health Organization has classified “gaming disorder” as a mental health condition that requires clinical intervention and attention. The “gaming disorder” is a potential diagnosis for people who compulsively interact with video games to the exclusion of other daily activities.
At PROMIS’ video gaming addiction treatment centre, we offer one-on-one cognitive behavioural therapy sessions that use motivational interviewing to help patients overcome their addictions. We also provide family coaching and support so parents and loved ones can understand how to support their children in overcoming this addiction.
WHAT CAUSES A VIDEO GAME ADDICTION?
It is not fully understood as of yet how an addiction to gaming is formed. The potential causes of this disorder are complicated and include biological factors like brain structure or genetics, environmental factors such as family history (or lack thereof) of addiction, and psychological factors such as mental health problems or mood disorders. In general, those who develop an addiction to gaming are considered to have a type of behavioural addiction that is characterized by impaired control over gaming along with a continuation of the behaviour despite adverse consequences.
SIGNS OF VIDEO GAME ADDICTION
A person can become addicted to video games in many ways. One way is if the player has an underlying mental health issue that they are not aware of, such as attention deficit disorder or depression.
Those addicted to video games may find that they stop participating in other activities, such as sports or schoolwork, and spend all their time playing them. They might also neglect basic hygiene habits, such as showering or brushing their teeth.
Many gamers will also need to increase the time spent playing video games to get a high from the activity, even though they may have had no trouble playing or reaching that high before.
The addiction to video games is a problem for many people all around the world, but there is help available. Although games are fun, they can also become an unhealthy addiction. People with an addiction to video games may stop participating in social behaviour.
People who are addicted to video games need to get help, and it can be done through a gaming addiction treatment centre such as PROMIS in the UK. When someone works with an expert at the centre, they can quit playing and start living a more fulfilling life.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Participating in other activities declines.
- They stop participating in school or sports.
- They experience mood swings when they are not playing.
- They experience pain, discomfort, or irritability without playing.
- They lie about how much time they spend playing.
- They experience withdrawal when they are not able to play the game, such as mood swings or cravings for more video games.
- Playing more and more often for extended periods or even all day.
WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF A GAMING ADDICTION?
An internet gaming disorder often starts in early childhood, with a child simply enjoying these games. At some point, the child may find themselves playing video games more and more until they become compulsive about playing them. There are several stages that a gaming addiction can go through.
STAGES:
- Early stage: You might have a child who is just starting to enjoy playing video games. They may not spend too much time with them, but they still enjoy it. It is not the only thing they are doing.
- Moderate stage: A child may be spending more time playing video games than they are with other things, but there is no addiction yet. Getting help at this stage is an option.
- Late stage: Now, the child is definitely addicted to gaming, and they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms if it is taken away. Getting them help should be done immediately, or the situation will worsen.
VIDEO GAME ADDICTION STATISTICS IN THE UK
In the UK, there are around 2 million people addicted to video games. This is a staggering number, and it is only increasing steadily. Video game addiction is not just about time spent gaming but also about how it impacts other aspects of a person’s life.
A video game addiction can affect a person’s relationships, finances, and mental health, so it should not be taken lightly and dismissed.
VIDEO GAME ADDICTION WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
Video game addiction is a term that describes the excessive and chronic use of video games. Those with video game addiction may be so absorbed in their virtual world for hours that they neglect eating or sleeping to pursue playing more games.
The symptoms of video game addiction can vary from person to person. For some, they may experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop playing games, such as nausea, headaches, and muscle pain. Others might experience social isolation, irritability, and a sense of guilt.
VIDEO GAME ADDICTION AND CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS
Video game addiction is a relatively new term in the English language and refers to excessive, compulsive use of computers and video games that interfere with daily life. Video game addiction is a subset of Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD). It is often present with other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
HARMFUL EFFECTS OF VIDEO GAME ADDICTION
Those who have this addiction will play for hours or even days without stopping. Video game addiction is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Often, video games are used as an escape from reality because gamers can create whatever they want and be whoever they want to be in the game.
They will neglect their family, friends, and responsibilities at work or school to play video games. Video game addicts may not realize they have a problem until they are no longer able to control their gaming habits.
LONG AND SHORT-TERM IMPACTS OF VIDEO GAME ADDICTION
The following are some of the impacts that may be seen with this addiction:
- Social isolation
- Low grades in school
- Poor sleep habits
- Obesity and depression
At PROMIS, we provide video game addiction treatment, counselling and rehab programs for individuals who want help with this condition. We also offer resources and advice to family members dealing with loved ones who have this kind of addiction.
ADDICTION TREATMENT FOR VIDEO GAMES
Addiction treatment programmes for gaming are available at Promis for those experiencing difficulties stopping. We provide an array of options, from inpatient treatment to outpatient treatment services, that are tailored to each individual’s needs and requirements.
Gaming addicts can expect different forms of therapy, such as CBT, family therapy and group therapies, that will help them develop the behavioural skills to beat not only the addiction symptoms but also the thoughts about gaming and how to manage the compulsions. Our video game rehab provides all the tools to secure a bright future away from the world of online gaming and playing computer games.
Reach out to Promis and begin your gaming addiction help today.
FAQ ABOUT GAMING ADDICTION
WHAT MAKES VIDEO GAMES SO APPEALING TO CHILDREN?
Some children find video games to be a form of escape, and they do not understand the consequences. Parents should define rules about what is allowed when it comes to gaming time for their children.
HOW CAN I REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF TIME MY KID SPENDS PLAYING VIDEO GAMES?
To reduce the amount of time your child spends playing video games, parents can set a timer for 30 minutes and have them turn off their device at the end of this time. This will help to gradually decrease the amount of time they are playing. You can also set limits on the number of hours or minutes they spend at a time.
DO VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES LEAD TO AGGRESSION?
The answer to this question is very complicated. There are many different studies that have been conducted with varying results. Some show a correlation between violence in video games and aggression, while others do not.
One study found that there is a correlation between playing violent video games and increased aggression in children. However, the authors of this study were unable to find out if playing violent video games caused more aggression or if children who were more aggressive played these games.
Another study found that there was no correlation between playing violent video games and aggression in teens. This study also found that kids who play a lot of video games are more likely to have a risk factor for depression or anxiety.
IS VIDEO GAME ADDICTION A FORM OF BEHAVIOURAL ADDICTION?
A common question is whether video game addiction can be considered a form of behavioural addiction.
Behavioural addictions are ones where the addictive behaviour or substance use leads to changes in brain chemistry that cause a person to want more and more of the addictive substance or behavior. Behavioral addiction is described by the DSM-5 as “a non-substance or chemical based addiction to behaviour that involves repetitive rewarding stimuli.
Behavioral addictions can lead people to do things that put themselves in dangerous situations, like abusing drugs or gambling. Video game addiction is not currently considered a behavioural addiction because it does not lead people to do things that put them at risk of harm. However, some researchers are interested in the idea of classifying video game addiction as a behavioural addiction and are studying it.
If you are having trouble controlling your or your loved one’s gaming habits, we can help. Our video game addiction treatment program at PROMIS can provide counseling and therapy for those who are looking to recover.
Video game addicts may not realize they have a problem until they are no longer able to control their gaming habits. We also offer resources and advice for family members of addicts, who may want help in understanding the addiction process and how to provide support.
