Video Game Addiction

Can Video Games be Addictive?

Enjoying video games does not mean that the person is addicted to this behaviour. To say that a person is addicted means that they are doing something that is obviously causing them harm, but they feel unable to stop. There are people who play video games who do fall into this category. They have moved from doing this activity because they enjoy it, to doing it because they feel they have to. Video game addiction can be a serious condition, and it can drag the individual in a downward spiral. It could even drive the person to suicide. It is vital that those who are dealing with this type of behaviour get help as soon as possible.

If you, or someone you love, is dealing with video game addiction then you can call us on 0800 140 4820 (+44 203 1511488 outside of the UK) for advice on the treatment options available for this condition.

Symptoms of Video Game Addiction

The symptoms of video gaming addiction can be similar to other types of addiction and include:

• The individual continues with the behaviour even though it is obviously causing them harm. The person may have all types of justifications for this, but these excuses will not hold up to much scrutiny.
• They regularly allow video games to get in the way of their work, family, or social commitments.
• The person may attempt to hide the extent of their behaviour. This is because deep down they know that what they are doing is harmful.
• They become defensive when other people question the behaviour.
• They have lost interest in other activities that they used to enjoy – they just want to spend all their time gaming.
• The individuals are reluctant to go anywhere if it means being unable to play video games.
• They are spending increasing amounts of time engaged in this behaviour – when they are not playing games they are thinking about playing games.
• They may lie about the extent of their video gaming behaviour.
• The individuals may sometimes feel remorseful about this behaviour.
• They find it hard to imagine how they would cope in life without gaming.
• The individual may be willing to behave unethically in order to continue playing games.
• They may feel anxious at the idea that they will not be able to play games.
• If they are unable to play games, they may experience withdrawal symptoms – anxiety and a feeling of being unsettled.

The Dangers of Video Gaming Addiction

There are real dangers associated with this type of behaviour including:

• The person may be putting their physical and mental health at risk.
• The individual who falls into gaming addiction will often be trying to hide from problems in their life. So long as they use this behaviour to hide from their problems, they will not be dealing with their problems. If the person had the tools for dealing with reality, they would no longer feel the need to hide.
• The person will be missing many of the good things in life.
• This behaviour can lead to depression – the individual may even become suicidal and follow this through.
• The person may be harming their education or work situation.
• The individual may be neglecting their relationships, and this can lead to problems in these relationships.
• If video gaming addiction made people happy, it would not be so much of a problem. The reality is that the deeper the individual falls into this behaviour the further away they will move from happiness.

How to Escape Video Game Addiction

It is vital that those people who are dealing with video game addiction are able to break away from this behaviour. There are a number of good treatment options available in the UK and elsewhere in the world. If people are ready to break away from this behaviour, we will be able to help them. We are experts in the field of addiction treatment planning, and we know what resources are available for the treatment of gaming addiction. When you call us, we will be able to assess your needs and suggest something appropriate. If you delay getting help for you gaming addiction it will just mean prolonged suffering. There is a solution – call us right now, or text “help” to 66777, and we will call you right back.