Experts agree that the same treatments used for sufferers of other addictions appear to work for video game addicts. As a result, they generally recommend counseling and psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step programs and medication, either individually or in combination with other treatment methods.
Full Answer
Can mental health professionals diagnose and treat video game addiction?
Many mental health professionals are not trained in diagnosing and treating video game addiction, even though it is a growing issue. Click here to learn how many people in the world are actually addicted to video games.
How do psychotherapists treat gamers addicts?
Psychotherapists attempt to help the addict understand how gaming is related to their school or job, emotions and moods, and sense of life goals and rewards. Where 12-step programs are concerned, the primary resource available is Online Gamers Anonymous, a non-profit organization founded in 2002. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Treatment
Is there a cure for video game addiction?
No overall cure for video game addiction exists. As with alcoholism and drug addiction, the key is to enter treatment and to stay aware of triggers while continuing to participate in recovery groups, such as Online Gamers Anonymous.
Are outpatient video game rehabilitation programs right for You?
Outpatient video game rehabilitation programs share many of the traits of inpatient programs, minus the overnight accommodations. Outpatient programs offer significantly more freedom for the patient, who, at the end of each session, is allowed to return home.
What strategies could someone use to get over their video games addiction?
Set time limits for play and stick to them. Keep phones and other gadgets out of the bedroom so you won't play into the night. Do other activities every day, including exercise. This will lower the health risks of sitting and playing for long stretches of time.
Is video gaming a disease?
While the American Psychiatric Association (APA) does not recognise video game addiction as a disorder, in light of existing evidence, the organisation included video game addiction as a "condition requiring further study" in the DSM-5 as Internet gaming disorder.
What diseases can video games cause?
“Consequences of video game addiction can showcase in a number of ways, including wrist, neck and elbow pain, skin blisters, calluses and sleep disorders. Long-term addiction could lead to obesity, weakness or numbness in the hands (peripheral neuropathy) and even blood clots,” Dr.
How do you help a child with video game addiction?
Tips to manage your child's gamingencourage sport and physical activity. ... talk to your child about what they enjoy about gaming and why they want to game regularly. ... when you call your child off their game, ensure they have an activity to shift to, such as a family outing or dinner.More items...•
Should video game addiction be treated as a disease?
Treating Video Game Addiction In some cases, classifying video game addiction as a disorder could be useful, even if only a small percentage of people experience it. Such a distinction would allow clinicians to detect and treat other coexisting conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance addiction.
How is a video game addiction diagnosed?
Some of the emotional signs or symptoms of video game addiction include:Feelings of restlessness and/or irritability when unable to play.Preoccupation with thoughts of previous online activity or anticipation of the next online session.Lying to friends or family members regarding the amount of time spent playing.More items...
How video games affect physical health?
Various studies show that playing too much computer games causes physical damages and increases anxiety and depression in players. Many studies show that most adolescents who are addicted to computer games have high heart beat and blood pressure due to too much excitement and stress.
How do video games affect your mental and physical health?
Video games can act as distractions from pain and psychological trauma. Video games can also help people who are dealing with mental disorders like anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Social interaction.
Why are video games good for your physical health?
“People who played the physically active video games continued to do more exercise than the standard group because they got more enjoyment, better management of stress and depressive symptoms, felt more engaged in physical activity and were more confident about their ability to exercise than people doing Standard ...
How can teens stop video game addiction?
Ultimately, however, the most effective way to prevent teenage video game addiction is by addressing the underlying issues that make teens vulnerable to gaming disorder. Hence, parents can help teens build positive coping mechanisms such as physical activity, time in nature, yoga, meditation, and creative expression.
How can I help my child with electronic addiction?
12 steps to taming and living with the addiction:Determine how much screen time you will allow. ... Be clear and consistent. ... Never let them on electronics if they haven't finished homework or chores, or if they've misbehaved. ... Lock computers and check phones at the door. ... Be vigilant. ... Explain the dangers. ... Allow for boredom.More items...•
How do you manage video game time?
5 ways students can better manage gaming timeDo: Complete Your Work First. Research has shown that student gamers spend 30% less time reading and 34% less time on their homework. ... Do: Set a Time Limit. ... Don't: Spend Too Much Time Alone in Your Room Gaming. ... Do: Get Exercise.
What is the best treatment for video game addiction?
As a result, they generally recommend counseling and psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step programs and medication, either individually or in combination with other treatment methods.
How to help someone with video game addiction?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Treatment. Many experts recommend cognitive behavioral therapy as the ideal treatment for video game addiction. The therapy allows the addict to shift their thoughts, replacing those that lead to compulsive gaming with healthier thinking patterns. As its name implies, cognitive behavioral therapy allows a person ...
What is outpatient rehab for video games?
Outpatient video game rehabilitation programs share many of the traits of inpatient programs, minus the overnight accommodations. Outpatient programs offer significantly more freedom for the patient, who, at the end of each session, is allowed to return home. Such a structure permits patients to maintain commitments to work, school, friends and family. Another benefit of an outpatient program is that the patient can enjoy a support network without needing to reveal to coworkers or fellow students that they are undergoing treatment for an addiction.
How does video game addiction affect your life?
However, video game addiction can negatively affect a life in the same way a substance addiction can. Those who play for hours each day become withdrawn and isolated, foregoing work, school and other responsibilities to play.
What are the physical effects of video game addiction?
The physical effects of video game addiction include poor personal hygiene, hormonal disturbances from sleep deprivation, and what the American Physical Therapy Association refers to as video gamer’s thumb, a repetitive use injury characterized by tendonitis and swelling.
How long does it take to recover from a video game addiction?
Some people only require a 30-day stay, while others benefit from a minimum of 60 days at such a center.
Is video game addiction a disorder?
As with gambling addiction, video game addiction is a clinical impulse control disorder. According to psychiatrist Michael Brody, MD, the criteria for video game addiction is the same as that for addiction to a substance. In both cases, the person requires more of the source as time goes on and becomes irritable and despondent when they cannot ...
What is the disease model of addiction?
The disease model of addiction is currently the most widely accepted school of thought when it comes to how we understand addiction. More importantly, the disease model informs how we approach recovery and treatment. So to make sure you’re up to speed, let’s have a discussion about the disease model of addiction. In particular….
What were the first treatment centers?
The earliest treatment centers were actually churches, convents, and other religious centers. People who were chemically dependent were brought to these kinds of locations to give them a safe space to detox. From there, they were encouraged to join support groups and recovery fellowships.