Video Game Addiction: Essential Information You Need

What is Gaming Addiction?

WHO defines gaming disorder as “a pattern of gaming behaviour (“digital-gaming” or “video-gaming”) characterised by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”

It is important to notice if your child is losing a sense of reality as a result of being completely engrossed in a digital world of characters. 

Experts widely debate if internet and video gaming addiction should be classified as an addiction or a mental illness. Many researchers argue that video game addiction aligns more closely with behavioural addictions, such as gambling disorders. In these cases, the exhilaration from winning frequently serves as a major motivation for continued play, similar to the thrill gamblers seek. 

Some experts argue against comparing video gaming to gambling addiction. They note that video games usually don't involve financial risk and require skill and reflexes, unlike gambling, which depends mostly on luck. This difference could influence how video gaming addiction is viewed.

Gaming Addiction in Children

Gaming addiction in children is marked by excessive gameplay, diminishing their interest in academics and social activities. Key signs include irritability without gaming, neglect of hobbies, and poor school performance. Early measures such as setting gaming limits and promoting physical activities are vital. For severe cases, seeking professional counseling can be crucial in helping them regain a healthy lifestyle balance, thus preventing long-term developmental issues.

What Makes Gaming Addictive?

Any app, whether gaming or social media, is designed to make the user spend as much time as possible. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter produced by our body and plays a major role in making us perceive feelings of excitement, pleasure, and well-being. Video games eventually become a major stimulator of dopamine in our bodies as they instill feelings of thrill, winning, and validation in our minds. 

Video games turn into an addiction when an individual resorts to a game to seek these emotions instead of having real-life experiences. (like playing a real sport). They would start refraining from real-life social interactions but would be making online friends with a mindset that the people in their gaming world are the only ones who truly understand them. The sense of belonging one gets from these gaming platforms makes it addictive. There have been multiple cases where individuals have been found fantasising about gaming characters in a way that they start treating them as real-life personalities. 

When should Gaming become a Concern for a Parent? 

“Observation plays a major role in identifying what your younger one is going through in actuality. The number of hours he or she is spending on the game might not be the only parameter that can be considered a red flag,” says Neha Cadabam, Psychologist, Cadabams Group.  You must discern your child's overall routine. Look out for anything that strikes out as an abnormal change. Is your child able to distinguish between the real and the gaming world? Does it affect his/her decision-making or behaviours? These can be some questions, to begin with, while trying to identify signs of video game addiction. 

Online Gaming Addiction Symptoms to Watch for

Recognising online gaming addiction symptoms early can help address the issue before it escalates. Below are key signs of gaming addiction that may indicate a need for intervention:

Emotional Distress When Denied Gaming Access

One of the early signs of gaming addiction is a noticeable change in mood when gaming is restricted. Individuals, especially those experiencing gaming addiction in children, may display anger, irritability, or anxiety when they cannot access video games.

Neglecting Personal Hygiene and Well-being

People with video game addiction often disregard personal hygiene and self-care. This lack of attention to basic well-being is common among those deeply engrossed in online gaming addiction.

Loss of Interest in Other Hobbies

As gaming addiction takes over, individuals may lose interest in previous hobbies or activities. Instead of enjoying a variety of interests, they focus solely on gaming, disregarding other passions and pastimes.

Avoiding Friends and Family

Isolation becomes more prevalent as individuals with video game addiction distance themselves from friends and family. The drive to game outweighs the desire to socialise, reducing face-to-face interactions and weakening relationships.

Preoccupation with Gaming Thoughts

A classic symptom of online gaming addiction is mentally zoning out, often absorbed in thoughts of past or future gaming sessions. This preoccupation can make individuals seem distracted or disengaged from their surroundings.

Decline in Academic and Work Performance

Gaming addiction in children can impact academic performance, while adults may notice a decline in productivity at work due to their gaming addiction. Responsibilities are often neglected as gaming becomes a primary focus.

Gaming as a Coping Mechanism

Those struggling with gaming addiction may use video games as an escape from stress, guilt, or emotional burden. This coping strategy can reinforce the cycle of addiction, as individuals rely on gaming for emotional relief instead of facing challenges directly.

Isolation and Excessive Time Dedicated to Gaming

Isolation is common with video game addiction, as individuals often prefer being alone to maximise their gaming time. This excessive focus on gaming can lead to disconnection from family and social circles.

Uncontrollable Urge to Play and Win

The need to play and win becomes obsessive in individuals with gaming addiction. This intense desire can lead to long gaming hours, often at the expense of other essential life activities.

Using Games to Avoid Negative Emotions

Turning to video games to escape feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or sadness is another sign of addiction. Video games become a tool for managing negative emotions, reinforcing the dependency on gaming for emotional stability.

Dishonesty about Gaming Time

Lying about the amount of time spent on gaming is a red flag. This is often seen in gaming addiction in children, where they may downplay or hide their gaming habits from parents or teachers to avoid restrictions.

Causes of Video Game Addiction

Video game addiction stems from several psychological and neurological factors, making it challenging to resist excessive gaming. Below are vital causes contributing to this form of addiction:

Dopamine Release and Reward System

Video games trigger dopamine release, the brain's "feel-good" chemical. Winning or progressing in games creates a reward loop, motivating continuous play, much like what occurs in gambling and substance addictions.

Escapism and Coping Mechanism

For many, gaming provides an escape from real-life challenges, stress, or emotional difficulties. This reliance on gaming as a coping tool can reinforce addiction, making individuals dependent on virtual achievements for comfort.

Social Connection in Online Gaming

Many online games offer a sense of community through teamwork or social interactions. For some, particularly younger players, these virtual relationships become a primary source of social connection, reinforcing gaming addiction.

Competitive Nature and Achievement

Games are designed to provide rewards, levels, and achievements, creating an environment where players feel compelled to progress. This desire for accomplishment drives continued play, intensifying the addiction.

Risk Factors for Gaming Addiction 

Excessive gaming habits can hamper the overall development of the mind and body, especially in the case of teenagers and young adults. Adults who are addicted to gaming also suffer due to long sitting hours, no physical activity, and minimal social interaction. 

Personality

Spending an unregulated amount of time on video games steals away time that must be dedicated to keeping the body and mind healthy. Most gaming addicts grow up with weaker personality types, which result from isolating themselves from the world. 

Lifestyle

Gaming obsession not only affects physical and mental health but also disrupts every aspect of your lifestyle—from sleeping and eating habits to hygiene care and much more. Most of the time, attention is drowned in gaming, barely leaving the scope to incorporate other activities that constitute a healthy lifestyle. 

Confidence

Most gaming addicts develop an introverted or underconfident personality. This is not only toxic for their self-image but also makes it difficult for them to have healthy relationships in the future. Learning to communicate and deal with other individuals is a critical growing-up skill. With barely any social interaction and exposure, such individuals are prone to losing trust in themselves. 

Health

Due to compromised mental and physical health, gaming addicts are more likely to suffer from health issues like low immunity, anxiety, vitamin deficiency, poor metabolism, depression, and even seizures. Many children are seen developing anger issues and choosing violence as a solution to their problems.

Career

Many video game lovers have started dreaming of a career in gaming. While it may be a great career choice for some, it should not be at the cost of one’s education. We live in an extremely competitive environment where it only becomes more difficult for individuals who are addicted to the gaming world. 

Diagnosis of Video Game Addiction

To diagnose video game addiction, also known as internet or online gaming addiction, healthcare providers may refer patients to mental health professionals such as psychologists or psychiatrists. These professionals assess the severity of the gaming behaviour and its impact on personal, family, social, educational, or occupational functioning based on established diagnostic criteria. For a diagnosis, these behaviours must significantly impair various aspects of life and typically persist for at least one year.

Video Game Addiction Treatment

The first step is to consult a psychiatrist or child psychologist. The course of therapy can only be derived once the individual suffering from the disorder has been assessed and diagnosed thoroughly. Gaming Addiction Treatments vary from patient to patient depending on the behavioural symptoms and the severity of the problem. 

Treatment for video game addiction typically involves the following approaches:

• Talk Therapy (Psychotherapy): Several methods are available to identify and modify problematic thoughts and behaviours. This process typically includes working with a mental health professional who provides support, education, and guidance.
• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A structured, goal-oriented, psychotherapeutic treatment that helps you examine and modify your thoughts and behaviours. It focuses on replacing negative and obsessive thoughts with healthier patterns.
• Parental Counselling: Educates parents on the nature and impact of video game addiction and equips them with strategies to support their child's recovery. It helps strengthen family dynamics and communication.
• Medication: If there's an underlying condition like depression or anxiety, medications may be prescribed to manage these symptoms.

Preventive Measures: What can be the First Steps to Control Online Gaming Addiction 

If you start noticing any of the above-mentioned traits in your child or family member- know that it's never too late. It is always better to start acting at the earliest to prevent things from worsening. Here are a few ways to prevent gaming addiction:

• Children do what they see around them: Try cultivating an environment where discipline is practiced in a non-forceful manner. Think of new ways of encouraging them to pursue sports or a hobby of their choice.
• Set the rules right from the beginning: Take charge of how much time your child will spend on video games. Be aware of the games he/ she is playing and the activities he/she is involved in on the internet.
• Have activities that involve participation:  It could be a picnic or a Sunday brunch, movie nights, camping, or even a short trip to the nearby park. With such planned activities, your child or family member will look up to these and be excited to participate.
• Enroll them in a course: There is a wide range of art forms, sports, or skills that your younger one or family member could master. You can enroll them in any such course so that they can interact with new people while learning and also be productive at the same time.
• Communicate: Communication is the most important thing when dealing with an individual who is prone to gaming addiction. The more you try to hear, the more they will trust you. You can only persuade them when your opinion matters and they aren't scared of you.

Get Help with Video Game Addiction at Cadabams Anunitha

Countless individuals globally enjoy video and internet gaming. While the vast majority do not encounter issues, it's important to be aware that excessive gaming can overshadow everyday responsibilities and affect personal well-being.

If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabams Anunitha’s De-Addiction Centre can help you with its team of specialized experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help individuals effectively with video game addiction. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 96111 94949

FAQs 

How do I know if someone is addicted to video games?

Video game addiction can be recognised by several indicators, such as excessive gaming, ignoring other responsibilities and relationships, feeling withdrawal symptoms when not playing, and persisting in gaming despite adverse effects.

Can video game addiction be treated?

Yes, video game addiction can be treated through various methods, including psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioural therapy), counselling, and support groups. Treatment focuses on managing the addiction and any underlying issues that contribute to excessive gaming.

Can gaming cause anxiety?

Yes, excessive gaming can lead to increased anxiety. Prolonged periods of intense gaming can heighten stress and anxiety levels, especially if it affects sleep patterns, social interactions, and daily responsibilities. Games that are highly competitive or have demanding environments may also contribute to anxiety symptoms.

How many hours of gaming is considered an addiction?

There is no specific number of hours that definitively marks gaming as an addiction, as it more significantly depends on the impact on the individual's life. Addiction is characterised by gaming interfering with personal responsibilities or causing distress. It's the loss of control and continuation despite adverse consequences that signal addiction rather than just the number of hours played.