Is Video Game Addiction Real?
Is Video Game Addiction Real?
You may have heard of video game addiction before and wondered if it’s even real. Can you actually become addicted to video games? The answer is, “Yes.” Video game addiction is very real, and your loved one or you may be suffering from it.
But what is video game addiction? And is there treatment available?
What Is Video Game Addiction?
Video game addiction is a subset of what is called “process addiction.” Process addiction can express itself in many different ways, including:
· Shopping
· Gambling
· Internet/phone use
· Social media
· Pornography
· And more
If there is a strong impulse to engage in a behavior even when it causes negative consequences, it may be due to process addiction.
As mentioned in a Psychology Today article when discussing Internet Gaming Disorder and the DSM-V, there are some signs of addiction to consider. These include:
· Preoccupation or obsession with Internet games.
· Withdrawal symptoms when not playing internet games.
· A build-up of tolerance—more time needs to be spent playing the games.
· The person has tried to stop or curb playing Internet games but has failed to do so.
· The person has had a loss of interest in other life activities, such as hobbies.
· A person has had continued overuse of Internet games even with the knowledge of how much they impact a person’s life.
· The person lied to others about his or her Internet game usage.
· The person uses Internet games to relieve anxiety or guilt—it’s a way to escape.
· The person has lost or put at risk and opportunity or relationship because of Internet games.
While this list refers to “Internet” Gaming Disorder, the same criteria can be considered to determine if your loved one or you may be suffering from offline video game addiction.
Reach Out for Help
If you notice the symptoms above in your own life or in the life of a loved one, consider reaching out to Front Door Health to learn more about video game addiction, Internet Gaming Disorder, and process addiction.
If you believe you are suffering from video game addiction, Front Door Health is here to help. We will send out a specialist to determine if you are suffering from process addiction. If it is determined that you are suffering from process addiction, we can enroll you in our treatment program.
Our outstanding addiction specialists and mental health providers can provide you with in-home treatment, so you can receive the help you need without taking time off or disrupting your routines.
If you would like to learn more about video game and process addiction, contact Front Door Health today. We’d be happy to answer any questions and get you started on your road to recovery.
info@frontdoorhealthcenter.com
