Escape The Grip: How To Overcome Video Game Addiction

Break free with our guide on how to stop video game addiction, balance gaming habits and reclaim your life.

Published On

May 31, 2024

Dove Recovery's Team

Escape The Grip: How To Overcome Video Game Addiction

Understanding Video Game Addiction

In the digital era, video games have become a popular form of entertainment for many. However, when gaming starts to interfere with daily activities and personal responsibilities, it may indicate a problem. This section aims to provide an insight into video game addiction, its prevalence, and the causes behind it.

What is Video Game Addiction?

Video game addiction, also known as internet gaming disorder, is a behavioral addiction characterized by an excessive and uncontrollable preoccupation with video game playing. Individuals with this condition often prioritize gaming over other activities, leading to significant distress and impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the main treatment option for video game addiction is talk therapy (psychotherapy), which aims to help individuals identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

Prevalence and Causes

Video game addiction is a growing concern, affecting a significant portion of the population. Researchers estimate that video game addiction affects between 1.7% and 10% of the U.S. population. The estimated range varies due to disagreements on the diagnostic criteria for internet gaming disorder. Video game addiction can affect children, teens, and adults, with adults being the most likely group to have this condition. People assigned male at birth are more prone to video game addiction than those assigned female at birth.

As for the causes, researchers are still trying to determine the exact cause of video game addiction. However, they believe that playing and winning video games may trigger a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in other use disorders like gambling disorder and substance use disorder. This release of dopamine might create a pleasurable experience that the player wants to repeat, leading to excessive gaming behavior.

Furthermore, the rise in calls to the SAMHSA's National Helpline in 2020, which saw a 27 percent increase from 2019, indicates a growing need for support and treatment for behavioral addictions, including video game addiction.

Understanding video game addiction is the first step in addressing it, whether it's for oneself or a loved one. Recognizing the signs and seeking professional help can pave the path to recovery and help restore balance in one's life.

Recognizing the Effects of Addiction

Acknowledging the impacts of video game addiction is a crucial step in understanding how to stop video game addiction. These effects can be categorized under three main areas: mental health, physical health, and social and relationship implications.

Impact on Mental Health

Excessive gaming can lead to negative mental health consequences, including increased aggression, disrupted sleep, unhealthy escapism, depression, and social anxiety. These impacts are more likely to affect people playing video games for multiple hours every day than casual gamers.

Problematic gaming behavior, such as excessive gaming, is linked to depression. If a young person spends hours alone gaming, ignoring their real-life friendships and connections, this can lead to isolation, which is a risk factor for depression. Excessive escapism through video games is also related to depression.

Social anxiety and excessive gaming sometimes go hand in hand. Young people with social anxiety may be more likely to play video games in a problematic way, and young people who game too much may experience increased social anxiety. Spending more time gaming than engaging in face-to-face interactions can fuel social anxiety and cause discomfort with in-person socializing.

However, it's important to note that while concerns about the negative effects of video games on mental health are valid, playing video games in moderation can have positive impacts as well. Some potential benefits include improved problem-solving skills and creativity, social connection, stress and anxiety relief, and reduction of depression symptoms. It's important to take a balanced approach to gaming and play in moderation to reap the benefits while preventing adverse effects [3].

Physical Health Consequences

Excessive video game use can lead to the brain being revved up in a constant state of hyperarousal. This hyperarousal can manifest in various ways including difficulties with attention, managing emotions, controlling impulses, following directions, and tolerating frustration. It can also lead to decreased empathy, lack of interest in learning, and even violence, impacting both children and adults [4].

Chronic hyperarousal from excessive video game use can have physical symptoms such as decreased immune function, irritability, depression, and unstable blood sugar levels. In children, this can lead to cravings for sweets while playing games, affecting their diet and weight. Additionally, children may avoid restroom breaks due to gaming, leading to hygiene issues.

Relationship and Social Implications

Video game addiction occurs when individuals are engrossed in screen time or gaming to the point of ignoring normal activities despite negative consequences. The brain releases dopamine in response to pleasurable experiences during gaming, leading to a strong drive to seek that pleasure repeatedly, similar to substance addiction [4].

Symptoms of screen time or video game addiction can be similar to those of addiction to substances like tobacco, alcohol, or drugs. Continued excessive use of screens can result in long-term changes in the brain, potentially requiring extensive treatment to reverse the effects.

Excessive gaming can negatively impact relationships by reducing time available for nurturing relationships with friends and family, hindering communication, and potentially leading to isolation, emphasizing the importance of seeking help to prevent the neglect and destruction of relationships.

Establishing Healthy Gaming Habits

Overcoming video game addiction involves forming healthier gaming habits. This can be achieved through setting time limits, balancing gaming with other activities, and treating gaming as a privilege.

Setting Time Limits

Gaming, like any enjoyable activity, can consume more time than intended if not monitored. Experts suggest setting clear boundaries for game time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 60 minutes of video gaming on school days and 2 hours on non-school days for children older than 6 years. For children below 6 years, the suggested limit is less than an hour per day.

Balancing Gaming with Other Activities

While gaming can be a fun and engaging pastime, it's essential to balance it with other aspects of life such as study, work, physical exercise, meal times, and sleep. If gaming begins to infringe on daily activities, it might be indicative of a problem. Encouraging participation in non-gaming activities and rewarding these efforts can help to shift focus away from gaming.

Making Gaming a Privilege

A useful strategy to manage game time is to treat it as a privilege that is earned. This approach implies gaming should only occur after other responsibilities, such as homework or chores, have been completed. Clear limits should be established, and some days should be gaming-free to encourage engagement in other activities.

Integrating these strategies into a daily routine can help individuals and families navigate the issue of gaming addiction. It's essential to remember that while games can offer an enjoyable escape, they should not replace real-life interactions and responsibilities. If gaming starts to significantly interfere with daily life, it might be time to seek professional help.

Seeking Professional Help

At times, efforts to control excessive gaming or understand how to stop video game addiction may require professional guidance. This section discusses when to consult a healthcare provider and explores various therapeutic intervention options.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

If signs of video game addiction are noticeable in oneself or a loved one, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider or mental health professional. This step becomes paramount if video game habits are negatively impacting daily functioning, such as interfering with work, studies, sleep, or relationships. This interference can manifest in many ways, such as an inability to control gaming-related spending, feelings of being out of control, or using drugs to prolong gaming sessions [7].

Moreover, if gaming begins to eclipse other aspects of life, such as exercise, eating, or sleep, it can indicate a problem. Therefore, discussing these concerns with a trusted person and seeking support from a healthcare provider is a recommended course of action.

Therapeutic Intervention Options

The primary treatment for video game addiction, also known as internet gaming disorder, is talk therapy or psychotherapy. This therapeutic approach aims to help individuals identify and modify troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

A part of therapy can also involve setting reasonable limits on screen time and the types of games played, especially if screen use interferes with other activities. Encouraging active screen time, such as playing educational or fitness-related games that require interaction or movement, over passive screen time like scrolling through social media, is often advised.

Moreover, help from behavioral or addictions specialists can assist in determining appropriate treatment options for individuals struggling with excessive screen time or video game use [4].

In summary, seeking professional help can provide a structured and supportive environment to navigate the path to recovery from video game addiction. Recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps towards seeking help can go a long way in managing this increasingly prevalent issue.

Exploring Support Networks

As part of the journey on how to stop video game addiction, support networks play a crucial role. These networks provide a platform for individuals to gather, share experiences, and find encouragement from others who are facing or have overcome similar challenges. This section focuses on the role of Gaming Addicts Anonymous and the benefits of utilizing online resources in managing video game addiction.

Role of Gaming Addicts Anonymous

Gaming Addicts Anonymous (GAA) is a community of individuals recovering from issues related to excessive gaming. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop video gaming. GAA does not have a hierarchy or strict rules, but emphasizes sharing collective experiences and principles to aid recovery.

The approach of GAA involves sharing personal experiences, strengths, and hope among members, without the obligation to offer advice. Members are encouraged to find their source of strength and guidance, choosing their path to recovery, which may include spiritual practices, principles like honesty, open-mindedness, willingness, or seeking professional help.

GAA's program is structured to encourage recovery from the destructive effects of obsessive gaming by providing support, guidance, and a Twelve Step program of recovery. Members are free to use various tools and approaches based on their preferences, such as relying on the fellowship, religious beliefs, or professional counseling for support in overcoming gaming addiction.

GAA meetings are conducted by recovering members who volunteer their time to run the sessions. The organization is focused on aiding individuals in recovery from the negative impacts of compulsive gaming through shared experiences, strength, and hope, while maintaining a supportive and voluntary environment.

Utilising Online Resources

In addition to support groups like GAA, there are numerous online resources that can assist those struggling with video game addiction. These can range from informational websites, blogs, forums, to online counseling services. These platforms provide a wealth of information about the nature of gaming addiction, strategies for managing it, and stories from those who have successfully overcome it.

Online resources offer the convenience of accessibility, allowing individuals to access help and information at any time, from anywhere. They also provide a sense of anonymity, which can be comforting for those who may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing their addiction in a face-to-face setting.

In conclusion, support networks and online resources can be invaluable tools in the journey to overcome video game addiction. They provide a supportive environment to share experiences, learn from others, and gain the encouragement needed to maintain a healthier relationship with gaming.

Parental Guidance for Children’s Gaming

Parents play a crucial role in managing their children's gaming habits and preventing potential video game addiction. Here are some effective strategies to guide children in healthy gaming behaviors.

Monitoring Content and Time

The first step towards ensuring healthy gaming habits in children is to monitor the content of the video games they play. Parents should know and approve of the games their children are playing to prevent exposure to games with extreme violence or explicit content.

Next, parents should set specific time limits for gaming. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends setting time limits for children over six years old to no more than 60 minutes on school days and two hours on non-school days. For children under six, the limit should be less than one hour per day.

Encouraging Non-Gaming Activities

In addition to setting limits on gaming, parents should also encourage their children to engage in other non-screentime activities. This might include physical activities, hobbies, or creative pursuits. Gaming should only occur after children have completed their other responsibilities for the day, such as homework and household chores, thus making gaming a privilege that is earned. Clear limits should be set, and some days each week should involve no gaming [6].

Open Communication and Rewards System

Open communication about gaming habits is essential for preventing potential problems. Parents should discuss with their children the potential risks of excessive gaming and set clear boundaries and expectations.

A rewards system can be effective in managing gaming time. Parents can reward children for participating in non-gaming activities, which can help replace gaming with other recreational activities. This approach can also improve the parent-child relationship if gaming has been causing harm [6].

In conclusion, parental guidance is a key factor in preventing and overcoming video game addiction in children. By monitoring gaming content and time, encouraging non-gaming activities, and maintaining open communication and a rewards system, parents can help their children develop healthy gaming habits.