“Mom! Just two minutes more! Then I’ll do my homework! LET ME PLAY!”.
Have you ever thought something as trivial as online games could become the cause of mental health issues? But it’s true. Gaming Addiction does exist.
What is Gaming Addiction? Who’s the target?
Gaming addiction also known as Internet Gaming Disorder refers to an uncontrollable urge to continue playing video games to such an extent, that it might hamper one’s day-to-day life activities. Video games have been known to enchant people into the virtual world effortlessly often being a source of fun and lively experiences. However, when the leisure activity starts controlling you, gaming addiction may not be too far.
Video games have been developed for the target population of young kids and teenagers. However, in the modern-day scenario, with the likelihood of every child having a phone at their disposal has increased the chances of children getting addicted to the screen – particularly, online games. Hence, not only is this disorder on the rise, but a diverse age range is being affected by this issue.
Symptoms of Gaming Addiction
Excessive and uncontrollable gaming can take the form of addiction very quickly due to its engaging nature. Falling prey to the overuse and overconsumption of time and energy put into sitting and playing has severe negative effects.
Research has shown that aggression is often linked with the kind of content children are consuming in the form of gaming and when they are told by the parents to stop or take a break, emotions of anger and frustration are on the rise.
While gaming addiction can be prevented through various steps at home, if the following symptoms do not seem to be reducing, gaming addiction treatment is advised –
- Using video games as a way to escape stressful situations or avoid conflicts.
- Using video games to get relief from negative moods, such as guilt or hopelessness.
- Decline in personal hygiene and grooming due to excessive time and attention spent on gaming.
- Decline in performance in school, work, or other related places.
- Experiencing negative emotions such as anger, hostility or irritability when the game might be taken away from the person.
- Lying to caregivers regarding the amount of time spent on gaming.
- Not enjoying previously enjoyable activities.
- Needing to play more and more to achieve the same level of satisfaction and enjoyment.
Can Gaming Addiction be prevented?
Yes. Gaming addiction can be prevented using simple techniques that need to be monitored by the person on the verge of developing those symptoms.
- Limiting Screen Time: addiction may start to develop when the child or person is exposed to the screen or video games for prolonged periods. Instead, having family bonding time, and physical game competitions to keep them busy.
- Opting Outdoor Activities: consider spending a specific amount of time outdoors and playing physical games instead of online ones. Travel to new places, explore different areas, and connect with nature!
- Keeping track of time: video games need not be banned completely, but the amount of time in playing games can be managed and other activities such as hobby-development can be encouraged side-by-side.
Can Gaming Addiction be Treated?
Yes! Internet Gaming Disorder can be treated by seeking psychotherapy. There are various techniques used in Gaming addiction treatment by psychotherapists.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) has been researched to be the most effective therapy in the reduction of the symptoms experienced in gaming addiction. Rewiring the brain to not feel the urgency to keep playing has allowed clients to slow down and rethink whether playing for so long is necessary or not. False beliefs and habits are usually the root cause of this issue and CBT helps in replacing these notions with more constructive ones.
Professionals will enable the client to control their gaming addiction by –
- Slowly lowering the time of exposure to video games
- Fostering a healthier lifestyle
- Promoting engagement in outdoor games
- Other recreational activities
- Hobby development, and so on.
Parents of children undergoing gaming addiction treatment are also advised to spend more time with their kids to bond as a family as well as prevent the loneliness experienced by the children turning them towards gaming as a solution.
Why CoachForMind?
- Experienced Psychologists: We are a team of licensed RCI-registered clinical psychologists. Our team is well-experienced in various forms of therapy such as CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, and other therapeutic techniques used in Gaming Addiction Treatment – online as well.
- Personalized Approach: We are dedicated to treating our clients in the best-suited way, carefully curated as per the client’s needs, and adhering to one-on-one, client-centered therapy.
- Scientific Techniques: Our treatment plans and therapeutic methods are based on highly researched scientific findings such as CBT, DBT, and Narrative Therapy among many other therapeutic techniques used in Gaming Addiction Treatment.
- Quality service: We at CoachForMind ensure quality services in our treatment regime and therapeutic approaches. Our clients hold most value to us, so we ground our techniques in empathy while maintaining professionalism.
For more information, please visit our website or contact us directly at coachformind@gmail.com
