Millions of people around the world enjoy playing video games. For some, it’s a fun way to pass the time. For others, it can become an obsession that takes over their lives. If you’re one of those people who can’t stop playing video games, even when they know it’s hurting them, you may be struggling with video game addiction. This blog post will discuss treatment options for overcoming video game addiction.
Common Causes Of Video Game Obsession
Gambling addiction and video game addiction are two very different things. Still, they have one commonality: both can be caused by a sense of escape. When people feel like their lives are out of control or struggling with stress and anxiety, it can be tempting to turn to games as an escape.
It is a case of gaming as a hobby for some people, and it’s perfectly harmless. They can put the game down when they have to go back to their real lives or stop playing for days at a time without feeling compelled to pick up the controller again.
For others, though, video games are something that becomes an obsession – a habit that’s hard to break and that can lead to significant problems in their real lives.
We’ll cover the common causes of video game obsession, as well as some signs that a gaming habit has become an addiction and what you can do about it.
For a comprehensive understanding of gaming addiction, check out our article on ‘What Is Gaming Addiction: Everything You Need To Know.’
What Causes Video Game Addiction?
Many different factors can contribute to video game addiction. Some of the most common causes include:
- Escapism – as we mentioned earlier, some people turn to games as a way to escape from their real lives.
- Social isolation – some people become so obsessed with the game that they neglect their friends and family.
- Fear of rejection – sometimes people are afraid that someone will reject them if they put down the controller or won’t be able to make friends in the game.
- Emotional problems – sometimes, people struggling with mental health issues like depression or anxiety will use video games to self-soothe.
- Some people play games because it gives them a sense of achievement and makes their lives more exciting.
Signs of Video Game Addiction
If you’re worried that you or someone you know might be addicted to video games, there are a few signs to look out for. Some common symptoms of addiction include:
- Being unable to control how much time is spent playing games
- Feeling agitated or restless when not playing games
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about how much time is being spent on video games
- Neglecting responsibilities in favor of playing video games
- Lying to friends and family about how much time is being spent gaming
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not playing video games, such as feeling irritable or anxious.
Treatment Programs To Consider
You can do a few things if you struggle with video game addiction. The most important step is seeking professional help. Many therapists and counselors have experience in helping people overcome gaming addiction.
Therapy For Game Addiction
Clinical studies show that cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for video game addiction. This type of therapy helps people understand why they are addicted to gaming and change their behavior.
Support Groups For Video Game Addiction
There are also support groups available for people struggling with video game addiction. These groups can provide a safe place for addicts to share their experiences and learn from others who have similar struggles.
Medication For Video Game Addiction
While there are no medications specifically designed to treat video game addiction, some drugs may help treat symptoms associated with the disorder. These include antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications like SSRIs or SNRIs, which work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
Rehabilitation Centers For Video Game Addiction
Rehabilitation centers offer around-the-clock care and support for people struggling with all types of addiction. These centers can provide a safe place for addicts to get the help they need without worrying about outside influences or pressure from friends and family members who may not understand the addiction. In some cases, video game addiction may be so severe that a person requires inpatient treatment.
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Residential, Inpatient Centers Benefits
- Get away from the environment that triggers addiction
- Detox and treatment for any co-occurring disorders
- Learn relapse prevention skills
- Counseling and therapy sessions with experienced professionals
- Group support from peers who are also in recovery
- Recreation and holistic therapies to help soothe mind and body
- Follow-up to transition back into everyday life and avoid relapse
Outpatient Centers For Video Game Addiction Treatment
An outpatient treatment program may be more appropriate for some people than a residential one. These programs allow patients to live at home while getting therapy during the day or evening hours. Outpatient centers are often less expensive than inpatient rehab, and they provide a lot of the same benefits.
The Takeaway
There are many treatment options available for people struggling with video game addiction. The most important step is seeking professional help. While it may seem like a hobby for others, this can be a warning sign of a more severe problem. Don’t let video game addiction take over your life- get help today.
