Gaming Addiction Come and Read all about it here!!

Gamer Addiction

Gaming Addiction is defined as an unhealthy obsession and engagement with video games which often compromises the well-being of the player. Pre-teens and teenagers are most at risk and often become obsessed with video games. Those who are addicted struggle to pull away from the screen and tend to neglect the other vital parts of life including: school/work, socialising, physical activity etc. There is a growing concern for children who are spending excessive amount of time on video games as they are the most impressionable and at risk. There is a large portion of gamers who struggle to balance their playing time. Studies estimate that up to 15 percent of gamers exhibit signs that meet the World Health Organisations criteria for addiction.

The Symptoms in Teens that suggest they have Gamer Addiction:

Preoccupation: When pulled away from the video game, they could seem distracted, irritable or disinterested. They may also constantly talk about the game.

Downplaying computer use: They may make excuses, saying she needs to be online or may outright lie.

Lack of Control: They struggle to control the amount of time spent. They may have the intent to stay online or playing video games for 15 mins and end up staying or playing for hours.

Loss of Time: This is quite common for Gamer addicts who may have the intent to play for a couple of minutes and end up playing for hours and unconsciously realise it until something interrupts them like a family member or the sun rising up or down.

Negative Impact on Other Areas of Life: Because the person spends so much time on the computer or video game console, other areas of life are neglected. He may grow distant from friends and family who had previously been close. Homework may go unfinished, causing grades to slip. In more extreme cases, the teen may even neglect personal hygiene, choosing to play video games rather than taking a shower.

Hiding from Negative or uncomfortable feelings or situations: Teens may use Gaming as therapy to distract them from negative or uncomfortable feelings or use it as a way to hide from situations they feel that they cannot cope.

Defensiveness: When confronted by about the game, they may be defensive. Denial is often an indication that something is wrong, especially if the person seems unconcerned that friends and family feel neglected or left out of his life.

Misuse of Money: If they are using excessive funds to purchase games or new software instead of paying for bills or groceries, this could be a huge concern for the individual's well being.

Mixed Feelings: The teen may feel that it brings excitement and happiness for a short term and then afterwards may feel guilty for what they were doing or the excessive amount of time spent gaming.

The Symptoms in Adults that suggest that they have Gamer Addiction:

Its not a big surprise that adults do feel stressed and overwhelmed from their responsibilities. Its natural to play a game for a few hours. But it comes a great concern when you realise that the individual starts ignoring their responsibilities.

Below are some indicators to let you know if an adult is at risk of Gamer Addiction.

-Lying about how much time you spend playing computer or video games

-Playing computer or video games results in intense feelings of pleasure or guilt that seem uncontrollable

-Spending more and more time playing video or computer games to get the same enjoyment

-Withdrawing from friends, family, or your spouse to the point of disrupting family, social, or work life

-Experiencing feelings of anger, depression, moodiness, anxiety, or restlessness when youre not gaming

-Spending significant sums of money for online services, computer upgrades, or gaming systems

-Thinking obsessively about being on the computer or playing video games even when doing other things

Physical Symptoms in Adults over Games

-Difficulty in getting sleep.

-Migraines

-Back and neck aches

-Dry eyes

-Carpal tunnel syndrome (Painful condition to the wrist and fingers with constant pressure on the wrist.)

-Forgetting to eat, shave, shower. Basic needs are forgotten.

Behavioural Symptoms at work

-Lack of energy at work to be productive and finish assignments on time.

-Sleeping at work is common due to exhaustion. (Could lead to termination)

-May play games during work hours.

Treatment Options for Gamer Addiction

-Take Gaming appliances away so the object of the obsession isnt right in the persons face and could tempt them.

-Supervision from someone trustworthy like a parent could help cut down hours and give control back to the individual.

-Will require assistance from loved ones to guide them to explore more sociable activities such as playing sport with friends.

-Seek a therapist to help with your addiction.

Below there are two links for both age groups for advice for Gaming Addiction for further help.

Note to Teens:

https://www.video-game-addiction.org/note-to-teens.html

Note to Adults:

https://www.video-game-addiction.org/internet-addictions-adults.html

References:

https://www.video-game-addiction.org/

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/carpal-tunnel-syndrome

https://www.video-game-addiction.org/video-game-addiction-treatment.html