Do you spend a lot of time thinking about the game instead of focusing on important tasks? Are you sacrificing cherished hobbies and relationships because of gaming?
Gaming Addiction
Since the 1970s, when computer games first emerged, they have evolved into multifaceted experiences captivating children, teens, and adults alike. Yet, as enthusiasm soared, so did concerns about the time commitment these games demanded. By 2019, the World Health Organization acknowledged “gaming disorder[i]” in its International Classification of Diseases.
Initially confined to arcade machines, the advent of the internet made gaming accessible 24/7 on personal computers, smartphones, or other handheld game devices worldwide. While most players engage responsibly, there is a real risk of gaming spiralling into an all-consuming habit, potentially disrupting daily life. In particular, introverted individuals, whether children, teens, or adults, might discover they can sidestep interactions with real-life peers by immersing themselves in online communities, assuming personas with extraordinary abilities and magic powers.
What is gaming addiction?
Video game addiction is a pattern of gaming behaviour characterised by severely reduced control over gaming habits, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that it takes precedence over other interests and daily activities despite negative consequences[ii].
Is it really an “addiction”?
There is some controversy about whether video gaming constitutes an addiction comparable to alcohol abuse, drug addiction, or gambling. Still, investigating the root causes and addictive properties of internet and video games, experts have thus far established that the process of “playing, taking risks, and winning” stimulates the release of dopamine. This brain chemical, also implicated in addictive disorders such as gambling and substance abuse, is typically released after something is experienced as rewarding for the first time. Subsequently, dopamine serves as a signal of impending reward and is directly involved in increasing the “wanting,” or rather, motivation for gaming. Over time, our biological drive for pleasure-seeking can spiral into a cycle where the pursuit of positive experiences becomes all-consuming.
I love playing video games – but am I addicted to it? What are the signs?
If gaming is your passion you should monitor the time you dedicate to it, especially if it starts overshadowing other daily responsibilities. Additionally, pay close attention to any shifts in your physical or mental well-being. For a gaming addiction or disorder to be diagnosed, the behaviour pattern must be severe enough that it results in significant impairment to your functioning in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas and would normally have been evident for at least 12 months[iii].
Key signs of gaming addiction
To make informed decisions and effectively address addiction, watch out for the following signs[iv] in yourself or someone you care about – whether it be your partner, child, or friend:
Pre-occupation with gaming and loss of interest in other activities
Withdrawal symptoms
Do you feel a sense of emptiness when you cannot play a game? Does the urge become so overwhelming that it leaves you emotionally volatile, restless, and anxious when you have to step away from it?
Tolerance
Do you invest more and more time in gaming, seek out more thrilling games, or upgrade your equipment, just to feel the same level of excitement or enjoyment you once had?
Lie about how much you game
Are you dishonest with your loved ones or others about the extent of your gaming? Do you go to lengths to hide your gaming habits from family and friends?
Escape stressful situations or adverse moods
Do you view video games as a refuge from real-life challenges? Do you turn to gaming as a means of escaping personal issues or alleviating feelings of stress, helplessness, or depression?
Continue despite negative consequences
Often, gamers feel compelled to be the best player in a game. Achieving victory or surpassing other players becomes their primary focus, even if they recognise the negative consequences, such as lack of sleep, being late to school or work, neglect of personal hygiene, or excessive spending.
Health risks & concerns
Compulsive gaming, marked by extended periods of sitting on the couch or at the computer desk, can adversely impact not only your mind and body but also various aspects of your life circumstances:
Risk to lose relationships and/or career opportunities
Are you jeopardising significant relationships or missing out on career and educational opportunities due to gaming? Does your preoccupation with gaming lead to poor performance in school, work, or daily tasks?
Lack of physical activity
The sedentary lifestyle associated with video gaming poses a higher risk of weight gain, poor posture, and an increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
Lack of social engagement
While video games involve interacting with others in virtual environments, they don’t necessarily promote real-life socialization with peers. Engaging with others in face-to-face interactions is an important social skill that may be neglected if you spend too much time in your online gaming community.
Increased aggression or violence
If you devote a lot of time to playing video games centred around combat, fighting, or violence, you may display more signs of aggression than those who don’t engage in these types of games.
Seizures and hearing loss
Studies indicate that the flickering graphics, lights, and colours of video game displays could potentially induce seizures in certain players.[i] Additionally, there’s evidence to suggest that prolonged exposure to high-intensity sound levels and extended gaming sessions may increase the risk of irreversible hearing loss and/or tinnitus among video gamers.[ii]
Sleep deprivation and sudden gamer death
In rare and extreme cases, deaths may result from excessive video game playing as acute and chronic sleep loss, tiredness, and stress might lead to acute autonomic dysfunction and deadly arrhythmia.[iii]
NEOVIVA’s approach to gaming addiction treatment
Compared to other addictive disorders, video game addiction might appear less severe, often dismissed with phrases like “It’s just a game” or “They’re just playing.” However, the parents, partners, and children of those affected by this compulsive behaviour can bear witness to its adverse impacts.
Counselling and psychotherapy can assist you in overcoming gaming addiction. At NEOVIVA, our therapeutic programme targets both the behaviour itself and any associated underlying social and psychological issues. Understanding the root causes of the behaviour and identifying other stresses or problems you may be attempting to avoid are crucial aspects of our approach. This exploration occurs through group therapy, one-on-one sessions, and participation in fellowship programmes. Additionally, we will aid you in constructing a personalised toolbox of techniques and resources to control your urge to play, handle real-life challenges healthily, and explore more balanced ways to utilise your time.
Reach out to discover more about the support we provide.
[i] Ferrie CD, De Marco P, Grünewald RA, et alVideo game induced seizures.Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 1994;57:925-931.