Addiction to video games is a clinical impulse control condition similar to that of compulsive gambling. Addiction to video games meets all the same diagnostic criteria as substance addiction.
In both circumstances, the individual develops a greater need for the source over time, and experiences more irritability and depression in the absence of it. Addicts can even go through withdrawal from playing video games. South Africa is home to a burgeoning population of recovering addicts, counsellors, and specialists, making it an excellent setting for the best drug rehabs South Africa. Get in touch with us for more information on our affordable Rehab.
Here, we take a closer look at video game addiction and discover some effective treatment methods. We offer world-class video game addiction treatment in South Africa at affordable prices.
Video game addiction, also known as Internet Gaming Disorder, is defined by a loss of control over gaming behaviour, leading to negative consequences in multiple areas of life.
While internet gaming is the most common source of problematic gaming, it can affect players using any electronic device. Some experts believe that elevated dopamine levels contribute significantly to video game addiction. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the brain’s reward system.
Therapists view addiction as functioning in a similar way across different types of compulsive behaviours. In cases of addiction to sex, gambling, and video games, the behaviour itself replaces the role of a substance. Because the addict associates the activity with positive emotions, they develop an increased urge to engage in it.
Experts in the field of video game addiction agree that the problem likely has a psychological basis. They argue that compulsive gamers use virtual worlds as an escape from real-life problems and emotions.
Recent research found that 41% of online gamers play to disconnect from reality.
Specialists working in rehabilitation centres for video game addiction are trained to identify the root causes of their patients’ struggles and work with them to find lasting solutions.
A few of the tell-tale signs of video game addiction are:
- Negative effects on academics, productivity at work, and ability to handle household chores as a direct result of too much time spent playing video games.
- The appearance of negative emotions like depression, anxiety, or anger when access to video games is suddenly cut off.
- An ever-increasing time commitment required to achieve the same degree of gaming satisfaction.
- Allowing gaming take the place of other interests or friendships.
- Being unable to cut back on gaming or stop playing altogether despite the detrimental effects it has on one’s life.
- Deceptively downplaying video game time in conversations with loved ones.
- Excessive gaming has led to a deterioration in personal hygiene and/or grooming.
- Playing video games as a distraction from tense personal or professional situations or to avoid arguments at home.
- Playing video games can help lift depressing emotions like regret or despair.
To be diagnosed with Internet Gaming Disorder, gaming habits must be severe enough to significantly disrupt daily life, relationships, academic performance, or job responsibilities. Additionally, these patterns should persist for at least a year to be considered a reliable diagnosis.
Is there treatment for video game addiction?
Yes. Psychotherapy is the primary method for treating Internet Gaming Disorder, also known as video game addiction. Psychotherapy refers to a range of interventions designed to help patients recognise and alter destructive thought and behaviour patterns.
How long must someone have a gaming disorder for it to be diagnosed?
An individual with gaming disorder must have exhibited problematic gaming behaviour for at least 12 months. This behaviour must be severe enough to cause significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other critical areas of functioning.
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