Introduction
Who does not like taking some stress off by driving around in a virtual world, playing with friends in a competitive shooter, or playing FIFA? These seem harmless, but if you let them take over, things can cascade into chaos.
Hours will turn into days, and days will turn into weeks. You will soon realize you have gamed away a considerable amount of time. That is when you recognize the problem. Video game addiction is no joke. It creeps up on you without you noticing, and eventually, you become dependent.
This article will examine how you can deal with video game addiction. However, the first step towards recovery is to acknowledge the problem. Therefore, only proceed beyond this point if you are ready to be honest with yourself.
What Is Video Game Addiction?
Video Game Addiction (VGA), also known as Internet Gaming Disorder, might seem like a fabricated issue, but it’s a genuine and growing concern. Compulsive gaming behavior can disrupt daily life, affecting mental health, cognitive function, and emotional regulation.
Unlike substance addictions, VGA doesn’t have apparent physical withdrawal symptoms, but it creates psychological dependency that alters brain chemistry. This addiction, much like gambling disorder, triggers a dopamine surge, reinforcing compulsive gaming habits and leading to behavioral addiction patterns.
Though researchers continue debating whether VGA qualifies as a formal addiction, its negative impact on mental well-being, social interactions, and productivity is undeniable. Many experts equate excessive gaming with behavioral addictions due to the thrill-seeking nature and reward-based reinforcement found in gaming loops.
If you or someone you know is struggling with video game dependency, seeking professional treatment is essential. Specialized rehab centers like Epiphany Wellness Nashville provide comprehensive gaming addiction therapy, including behavioral interventions, cognitive restructuring, and holistic recovery strategies, helping individuals regain control and build healthier habits.
What Causes Video Game Addiction?
Studies on VGA are limited as it is a relatively newer form of addiction that people have come across. The most unique aspect of this addiction is that it is a silent predator. VGA can create a sense of dependency for an individual without leaving trails.
As per press time, researchers have concluded that video games release dopamine in our brains. Dopamine makes a person feel a sense of happiness and pleasure. Dopamine is innately not deficient, but things can go wrong if left unchecked. A person addicted to the dopamine rush would seek the rush anywhere and everywhere, which can turn ugly.
Researchers have also observed that the brain scans of a VGA patient and a substance use disorder patient show similar signs of dopamine rush. Hence, researchers believe that the dopamine rush or the tendency to seek this rush creates a cycle of addiction.
General Symptoms Of Video Game Addiction
Video game addiction is silent. It does not show itself till it is too late. Therefore, it is always helpful to understand the symptoms to identify the signs before it is too late:
- Poor performance in school or place of work.
- Staying away from video games causes withdrawal symptoms like extreme anxiety, sadness, or irritability.
- The hobby of playing video games has turned into a need.
- Giving up social relationships or hobbies for gaming.
- Unable to reduce playing time even after attempting to.
- Lying about the amount of time you spend on video games.
- A sharp decline in personal hygiene due to the need to spend more time gaming
- Using video games as a form of escape.
- Using video games to relieve mental or emotional taxing situations.
Steps YOU Need To Take
If you demonstrate the aforementioned states of mind regarding gaming, you might suffer from VGA. Therefore, it may be time for you to acknowledge the problem and start taking credible steps toward a better life.
You must remember that battling addiction should come from within unless you acknowledge the problem. There can be no results. Hence, begin the journey by acknowledging the problem.
Here we go!
Step #1
The first thing you need to do is bind yourself to strict time limits. DO NOT budge from this time cap. For kids, the time cap should be an hour. Follow this at all costs and do it consistently. This will keep the dependency in check and even help you do other things.
Step #2
The bedroom must not have any gaming device. A video game console in your bedroom would make it difficult to battle the urges. As a result, you or the person suffering from VGA will eventually budge and end up not breaking the cycle. Therefore, keep the console out of your bedroom, or switch your phone off at night if you are a mobile gamer.
Step #3
Nowadays, there are many applications that people can use to time or lock video games. This is best for people who game on their mobile devices. Look for applications that block gaming applications during set times of the day. This will help you quickly get through the day and be more productive.
Step #4
Most video game addicts start their journey as hobbyists. It soon turns into a problem and dependency. Therefore, if gaming is becoming a problematic hobby, try replacing it with something different. Try to find new hobbies like reading books, cycling, swimming, etc. This will keep you engaged and help you stay off the screen.
Step #5
Treat gaming as a form of reward for being productive. If you have a dependency, it is about time to use it. Create a system where you use gaming as a reward system. You can have 30 minutes of screen time if you did well in school. Something along this line will definitely help you become more productive.
The End: Living With Video Game Addiction
Video game addiction (VGA) is a serious and real problem—not just a concept created by the internet generation. It is a genuine addiction with severe consequences, often going unnoticed until it’s too late. This makes it one of the most dangerous and insidious forms of addiction. That’s why it’s crucial not to ignore the warning signs. If you recognize any of the mentioned symptoms, take action before they escalate.