Gaming addiction
Choose help for gaming addiction
Gaming addiction
Nearly everyone plays a video game from time to time, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s an enjoyable way to pass the time. However, gaming behavior can also develop into a gaming addiction.
Depending on the types of games you play, gaming can even help improve certain cognitive skills, such as reaction time, concentration, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and analytical ability.
Gaming behavior can also shift into an addiction, turning gaming from a relaxing activity into a (compulsive) obsession. This can have deeply problematic consequences in all areas of your life.
I’d like to speak with a staff member
If you have any questions about The Grange and would you like to get in touch with one of our staff members? Send us a Whatsapp message.
I would like to receive a callback
Would you prefer one of our team members to call you back? Please leave your details in our callback form.
When do we speak of a gaming addiction?
Although there is currently no official definition of when someone is addicted to gaming, experts estimate that tens of thousands of (young) adults and children experience some form of gaming addiction. We speak of a gaming addiction when a person becomes obsessively focused on gaming, neglecting themselves, their work, or studies in the process.
When you are addicted to gaming, you may have little or no control over your gaming habits. If you try to quit, you may experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those of other addictions. These symptoms can make it even harder to resist picking up the controller again.
Am I addicted to gaming?
The symptoms of a gaming addiction may manifest differently for you than for others. However, we often see many common signs:
- When you are struggling with a gaming addiction, you may lose sight of everything and everyone around you while gaming.
- You may enter a sort of trance, losing track of time.
- Because of your intense focus on gaming, you may neglect school, studies, or work.
- Gaming becomes your top priority, and you see less of your partner, friends, and family.
- Gradually, you may experience social isolation, leading to feelings of loneliness, depression, and helplessness.
- Gaming eventually impacts your daily life, personal hygiene, and sleep patterns.
- Spending hours in the same position in front of the computer can lead to back pain and repetitive strain injuries (RSI).
- Excessive gaming may also lead to weight gain.
- To continue gaming for long hours, you might consume caffeinated drinks, and if those no longer suffice, you may turn to drugs.
This is how a gaming addiction can lead to a drug addiction. You recognize that the drawbacks of your gaming addiction outweigh the benefits, yet you cannot stop on your own. Professional help can be a valuable resource in these situations.
Achieving lasting recovery
We believe that lasting recovery from a gaming addiction is possible. To achieve this, our approach may differ from what you are used to, breaking patterns from the very start. It’s time to take control and reclaim your life. Take the first step toward genuine recovery.
Stephen, 21
My family suggested the option of receiving treatment at The Grange. It certainly hasn’t been a smooth journey, but I’m so glad I made that choice. Now, I’m studying and beginning to rebuild a real social life. It’s still not always easy, but going back to a dark room with only computers is no longer an option for me!
Quitting gaming
Are you gaming so frequently that your school, studies, work, or social life are being impacted? If so, it’s time to take action. You don’t have to tackle this problem on your own; at The Grange, we work together. Our specialists have extensive experience in addiction care, and some of them are also experienced experts. This means they understand exactly what you’re going through. You too can overcome your gaming addiction.
Would you like to learn more about what we can do for you? Or do you need more information about treatment for gaming addiction? Feel free to reach out to us, or sign up for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A gaming addiction can raise many uncertainties. Below, we address some frequently asked questions regarding gaming addiction.
What is a gaming addiction?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines gaming addiction as:
“A pattern of gaming behavior (‘digital gaming’ or ‘video gaming’), characterized by a lack of control over gaming and an increasing priority given to gaming over other activities, to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities. The gaming behavior continues or escalates despite the negative consequences it entails.”
How do I know if I'm addicted to gaming?
Below, we have listed a number of questions regarding gaming behavior. If you can answer “yes” to two or more questions, it is likely that you are addicted to gaming.
- Do you often get insufficient sleep because you stay up late gaming?
- Do you sometimes lie about your gaming behavior?
- Do you feel guilty about your gaming habits or are you ashamed of them?
- Do you react irritably and/or defensively when others suggest that you play too often?
- Have you ever argued with housemates, partners, or family members because of your gaming behavior?
- Have you ever called in sick so you could (continue) gaming?
- Do you often make excuses to avoid social activities so you can game?
- Have you given up hobbies or sports activities that you used to enjoy so you could game more?
- Have you forgotten important appointments or deadlines because you were gaming?
- Do you notice that you are spending more and more time gaming?
- Do you calm yourself by gaming when you are upset?
- Do you sometimes become (disproportionately) angry or aggressive when someone interrupts your gaming or disturbs your game?
Are gaming addictions common?
What Makes Gaming So Addictive?
Since the 1980s, extensive research has been conducted on problematic gaming behavior. However, due to the use of inconsistent definitions in this research, relatively little is known about the development of gaming addiction. There are several plausible theories that may explain the addictive nature of gaming. Many of these theories focus on the presumed ‘reward systems’ of video games, such as the so-called ‘compulsion loops.’ Compulsion loops are deliberately employed in video game design as an extrinsic motivation for players.
What Are the Most Addictive Video Games?
In theory, you could become addicted to almost any game. However, it seems that certain types of games carry a higher risk of addiction. Massively multiplayer online games (MMOs), for example, allow players to interact comfortably with others in a competitive or collaborative setting. Role-playing games (RPGs) can also be addictive, as players can fully immerse themselves in the roles they play. This way, many players feel they can escape from reality. World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, Fortnite, League of Legends, Pokémon GO, and Candy Crush are some examples of modern games known for being addictive.
What are compulsion loops?
Need help?
Schedule an initial consultation
Do you need help? We are here to assist you with your addiction. Please leave your details below, and one of our team members will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Prefer to speak with someone right away? Whatsapp us.
Privacy Policy: By submitting your application, you agree to our privacy terms. The Grange handles your data with the utmost care. You can request deletion of your data at any time. View The Grange’s privacy statement here.