Gaming Addiction

If you play a lot of video games, it does not necessarily mean that you are addicted. A gaming addiction depends less on how often you play and more on whether or not you are able to control how much you play.

What is a Gaming Addiction?

A gaming addiction consists of the inability to control gaming habits. Gaming addicts typically sacrifice sleeping and other basic human functions for playing video games. It becomes an all-consuming priority in people’s lives and dictates their day-to-day lives. Although a Gaming Addiction is not defined by how often you play, it does cause an increase in time spent gaming because like any other addiction, you typically build up a tolerance to the substance (in this case, video games).

A Gaming Addiction can be detrimental because if started at a young age, it can inhibit normal development socially, emotionally, and intellectually. For those who are older and are unable to limit gaming habits, the addiction can negatively impact jobs and put strains on relationships. Additionally, gaming addicts typically neglect to take care of their physical health and hygiene.

What are the symptoms of a Gaming Addiction?

– Poor performance at work or school
– Using video games to alter mood or escape problems
– Lying about amount of gaming
– Unhygienic
– Playing for a longer time each day
– Irritation when not allowed to play
– Concealing amount of gaming from others

What are the causes of Gaming Addictions?

Like some drugs, video games increase dopamine levels and induce a euphoric state when a mission is completed, for example. There is also a gaming community in which people are connected over multiplayers games. Some people addicted to gaming view the gaming community as their main social circle and struggle to connect with people offline. People often use multiplayer and single-player video games to improve their moods and therefore, become reliant on the game for pleasure.

Additionally, some mental health conditions are associated with addictions, such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Gaming Addictions are commonly correlated with mental illnesses because gaming is a portal for escaping life’s problems.

How can therapy help?

Psychologists are trained to treat addictions by searching for the root of the addiction and altering the way in which people think. Therapy has proven to treat many individuals with addiction issues. Addiction therapy is appealing to many clients because it does not necessarily require medication. Your therapist will begin by assessing the degree or intensity of the addiction. Next, your therapist will search for the root of the addiction, as some are genetically more susceptible to addiction. Your environment and mental health can also cause addictive behaviour. Therapy is a non-threatening method which has been proven to treat addictions while addressing other issues, such as mental health conditions.

Types of therapy offered for Gaming Addictions at The Blue Tree Clinic?

– Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
– Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy
– Counselling
– Family counselling
– Psychiatry
– Group therapy

How can The Blue Tree Clinic help you?

Our therapists are well-versed in treating addiction and have played a part in many success stories. We offer many different types of therapy to address a Gaming Addiction so that you have the freedom to shape your therapy. The type of undivided attention that we are able to provide you with is rare to come across. We are available by phone and email during all hours of the day in order to support you at any hour in which you are tempted to play video games. If you have a Gaming Addiction, it can be difficult to learn to control the frequency of and reliance on gaming on your own. Your therapist will hold you accountable and will also providing you with tools to holding yourself accountable. Don’t let gaming dictate your life!

 

Contact our friendly team of experts for a safe, comfortable conversation.

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