Addiction to electronic games.. causes and the best treatment methods
It's great to occasionally indulge in some hobbies or entertaining activities, like playing various online video games. But to what extent can we go so that it transforms from just a fun hobby to an addiction to video games? Video games are now available to everyone everywhere; whether on mobile apps and social media or on PlayStation and various video game consoles that require an internet connection. Every day, these games attract millions of children and adults into their virtual worlds.
Like all games and hobbies, the best approach is moderation in their use during leisure time. Unfortunately, both adults and children can develop patterns of obsession and addiction to these games. When does an individual get classified as addicted to these games and require medical and psychological care to overcome this pathological attachment? This is what we will discuss in detail in the following lines.
What is video game addiction and why is it considered controversial?
Video game addiction, also known as VGA or internet gaming disorder, is defined as: A pattern of compulsive use of games (digital games or video games), resulting in a impairment in the individual's ability to control the time spent on these games and an increased priority given to gaming over the performance of essential functions in various areas of life, leading to a significant amount of time spent immersed in these games over a long period and continuing to play or escalating despite the presence of negative consequences.
This type of addiction is considered somewhat controversial in scientific circles, as there is still no scientific consensus on when excessive use of video games becomes an addiction. However, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has classified Internet Gaming Disorder as a 'potential diagnosis requiring further review' and has left the door open for the possibility of changing the classification in the future. This is attributed to the fact that there is currently not enough conclusive research to classify excessive video gaming as a type of addiction.
On the other hand, the World Health Organization added "gaming disorder" to its medical reference book in the International Classification of Diseases in 2018, while the American Psychiatric Association has not yet done so, as it classifies gambling as a single behavioral activity listed as a potential addiction! To end the debate, it can be said that even if the disorder of video game addiction is not officially recognized by some entities, there is no doubt that many lose their jobs and relationships with their surroundings and families due to complete immersion in and addiction to those games. Therefore, real-world experiences and the increasing global awareness of behavioral addiction confirm this dangerous type of addiction, which is the main reason for its inclusion by the World Health Organization in its classification of diseases.
Reasons for Addiction to Video Games Many studies indicate that the vast majority of those suffering from symptoms of video game addiction play multiplayer online games, as these games offer endless adventures in a complete virtual world where players can live a different life as new individuals, separate from their problems and the real reality.
From here, several reasons for this type of addiction can be identified, the most important of which are: Social isolation and introversion, as well as poor communication with parents or those around. The feeling of happiness and false euphoria resulting from playing those games and the constant desire to feel that way. The desire to escape reality due to the social rejection of the addicted person. People who suffer from mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders are more susceptible to this type of addiction. It can also be said that gaming companies belong to an industry that is valued in billions of dollars, specifically designed to cause a certain type of addiction, as the more people play those games, the more money investors make without considering any ethical concerns. Simply put, you start to live in a virtual reality where you experience a variety of entertaining experiences and adventures that provide you with very high levels of dopamine, and it is easy to engage in play for long hours without a sense of time, as they are essentially social games that create an environment where you feel safe and in complete control.
What are the warning signs that indicate you have reached the stage of video game addiction?
As with all types of addiction, especially behavioral addiction, there are a set of symptoms that raise alarms for you and indicate that you have reached a state of addiction. Here are the most prominent symptoms that highlight the dangers of addiction to video games: First: Emotional and Social Symptoms- Feeling irritable and extremely upset when unable to play.- Lying to your close ones about the amount of time you spend playing.- Social isolation and spending long periods playing without boredom.- Inability to stop or even reduce the time you spend playing.- Continuously turning to these games to feel in a better mood.- Having problems at work or in studies due to the long time you spend playing.- Continuing to play even though you realize that you are starting to face academic or social problems.
This type of addiction is considered somewhat controversial in scientific circles, as there is still no scientific consensus on when excessive use of video games becomes an addiction. However, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has classified Internet Gaming Disorder as a 'potential diagnosis requiring further review' and has left the door open for the possibility of changing the classification in the future. This is attributed to the fact that there is currently not enough conclusive research to classify excessive video gaming as a type of addiction.
Now that you have learned about all the information related to the risks of addiction to electronic games and the most common symptoms of this addiction, it is time to look for solutions to this problem and how to overcome it. The good news is that although studies on electronic gaming addiction are still in their early stages, there are many treatments that help in treating electronic game addiction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is among the top therapeutic types that significantly help in overcoming this type of addiction to assist in changing your behavior and perspective on thinking about things based on clear scientific psychological strategies.
In some cases, it may be necessary to intervene with medication for certain drugs that work to alter brain chemistry, which can significantly help reduce the intense desire to engage in those games. Here, of course, we advise you to seek the necessary psychological and medical care from professionals and not to take any medication on your own to avoid worsening the situation. There are also some basic tips that you should try before resorting to medical help, which include attempting to engage with your surrounding community, family, and friends—especially for teenagers and children—reducing the time spent playing, and separating the internet from home or not making it accessible throughout the day. However, if these solutions fail and the situation becomes unmanageable, don't worry!
Recovery may not be easy, but it is possible and achievable. If you or anyone you know exhibits the aforementioned symptoms with an inability to control them, please do not hesitate to seek immediate help from professionals. Written by Dean Justar
0 Comments
Thanks for your interest