- More than two billion people worldwide play video games; consequently, the revenue generated by the video gaming industry is only going up.
- Most of these players spend 6 hours every week playing their favorite games, and for most of them, it is merely a fun pastime that helps them relax and connect with friends.
- However, among these standard video games are some individuals who escalate into an addictive disorder that potentially takes over their lives.
More than two billion people worldwide play video games; consequently, the revenue generated by the video gaming industry is only going up. Most of these players spend 6 hours every week playing their favorite games, and for most of them, it is merely a fun pastime that helps them relax and connect with friends. However, among these standard video games are some individuals who escalate into an addictive disorder that potentially takes over their lives.
In recent years, smartphones have surpassed consoles and computers as the most preferred gaming device. Video games are easily available as mobile applications with different modes, such as multiplayer and online role-playing modes. Every day, these popular games draw millions of players into their virtual worlds, and many of these people become dependent on them.
Like all the good things in life, video games are also best when played in moderation. Otherwise, unhealthy habits can easily develop, forcing players into obsessive relationships with their favorite video games to the point that they start jeopardising their lives. For such people seeking gaming addiction help is the only way out of this vicious cycle that, if left untreated, can destroy lives.
FAQs
Preoccupation with video games leads an individual to keep thinking about their previous gaming activity or anticipating the next round of play. In short, gaming becomes a dominant activity in their everyday life.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the habit of gaming is interrupted. These symptoms typically include boredom, sadness, cravings, anxiety, and irritability.
Developing tolerance by experiencing a need to increase the amount of time spent playing video games.
Several unsuccessful attempts to reduce the time spent on gaming each day.
Deceiving friends and family members in regards to gaming habits.
Using video games as a coping mechanism for stress, negative events and guilt or to escape an uncomfortable situation simply.
Jeopardising or losing a job, relationship, career opportunity or education due to excessive indulgence in playing video games.
The presence of the signs mentioned above in an individual close to you raises caution, and a professional assessment must be immediately undertaken to confirm computer game addiction.
However, contrary to alcohol or drug addiction, video games are associated with computers, laptops, and other gadgets, which are an essential part of life for many. In this way, gaming addiction is comparable to food addiction, and its treatment mostly aims to control its use instead of forcing complete abstinence.
Unfortunately, no overall cure is there for video game addiction. However, the key to getting on the road to recovery is to modify behavior and stay away from triggers by continued participation in recovery groups, like Online Gamers Anonymous.
Carpel tunnel syndrome due to excessive use of fingers and hands
Backache due to prolonged sitting in front of a computer or a TV screen
Poor personal hygiene
Trouble sleeping
Migraines
In some cases, these physical symptoms may become severe enough to disrupt the body’s normal functioning severely. In such cases, getting professional help with gaming addiction is highly recommended.
