Understanding Gaming Addiction: Symptoms and Causes

Gaming and addiction are not two words you normally associate with each other. Gaming has become a popular pastime for millions of people worldwide. For many people, it is the ultimate form of entertainment, providing an immersive escape from reality and a fun way to connect with others online. 

However, gaming can spiral out of control for some individuals and become a serious issue. This occurs when your gaming becomes excessive, leading to a compulsive use of video games, which ultimately interferes with your daily life. It shares characteristics with other behavioural addictions, like gambling, where you continue with the activity despite the negative consequences. 

Understanding gaming addiction is crucial in recognising the problem and seeking appropriate help. At Connection Mental Healthcare, we understand the complexities of gaming addiction. We provide specialised treatment to help individuals regain control of their lives.

What is a Gaming Addiction?

Gaming addiction, also known as an internet gaming disorder, involves excessive and compulsive use of video games that interferes with daily life. It is a behavioural addiction similar to other forms of addiction, like gambling or substance abuse. One of the key components of addiction is that individuals continue to engage in an activity despite there being negative consequences.

Symptoms of Gaming Addiction

Recognising the signs of gaming addiction is the first step toward seeking help. Here are some of the common symptoms you should look out for:

Preoccupation with Gaming: You are constantly thinking about gaming, even when you are not playing. Planning the next gaming session becomes your primary focus.

Withdrawal Symptoms: Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when you are unable to play are key signs. You may be surprised to know that these emotional responses are similar to the withdrawal symptoms experienced in substance addiction.

Tolerance: This occurs when you need to spend increasing amounts of time gaming to achieve the same level of satisfaction. This, too, mirrors the concept of tolerance seen in drug addiction.

Loss of Control: This is the inability to cut down or stop gaming despite your best efforts to do so. You end up feeling compelled to continue playing.

Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring personal, academic, or professional responsibilities in favour of gaming is a common symptom. This includes missing school, university, work, or social engagements because you need to game.

Deceptive Behaviour: This is another typical behaviour when you lie to family members, friends, or therapists about how much time you actually spend gaming. This often indicates a deeper problem.

Escape from Negative Emotions: When you use gaming to escape from stress, anxiety, depression, or other negative emotions as opposed to dealing with them, you are bound to run into problems. Gaming has now become your coping mechanism.

Jeopardising Relationships and Opportunities: You will continue to game despite knowing it causes problems in your relationships or jeopardises your career and educational opportunities.

Causes of Gaming Addiction

Understanding the root causes of gaming addiction goes a long way in developing effective treatment strategies. Nothing happens in isolation, and there are several factors that contribute to the development of a gaming addiction:

Psychological Factors: Many individuals with gaming addiction use games to cope with psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The virtual world provides a sense of achievement and belonging that may be lacking in real life.

Biological Factors: Research suggests that gaming can trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This chemical response can create a cycle of dependency, as the brain craves the dopamine rush associated with gaming.

Social Factors: Online multiplayer games offer a social component, allowing players to connect with others around the world. For many people, this online social interaction can replace real-life relationships, leading to social isolation and a dependency on gaming for that much-needed social fulfilment.

Environmental Factors: A lack of structured activities or support systems can also contribute to gaming addiction. Individuals who have limited access to alternative forms of entertainment or social interaction may turn to gaming as their primary pastime.

Personality Traits: There are certain personality traits, such as impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and a tendency toward obsessive behaviours, which can increase your risk of developing a gaming addiction.

Game Design: The design of video games themselves contributes to addiction. Most games are designed to be highly engaging and rewarding, with features such as levelling up, unlocking achievements, and in-game rewards that keep players hooked. Just one more game!

The Impact of Gaming Addiction

We all tend to underestimate the impact of a gaming addiction. It can significantly negatively impact various aspects of your life without you being initially aware of them. Understanding these impacts will go a long way to highlighting the importance of seeking help:

Mental Health: Gaming addiction is often associated with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and increased stress levels. The addiction can exacerbate any existing conditions that you have and lead to new mental health challenges.

Physical Health: Prolonged gaming sessions can lead to physical health problems, including poor posture, eye strain, sleep disturbances, and a sedentary lifestyle. These issues can contribute to more serious health conditions over time.

Academic and Professional Life: Excessive gaming can interfere with your academic performance and professional responsibilities. It often leads to missed deadlines, poor grades, and, worst case scenario, job loss. All of this negatively impacts your future opportunities.

Social Relationships: Gaming addiction can strain relationships with family and friends. As a result, you may become isolated and end up preferring virtual interactions over real-life connections. This tends to lead to feelings of loneliness and social withdrawal.

Financial Problems: Some individuals may spend significant amounts of money on gaming, including in-game purchases and subscriptions. This can lead to financial strain and debt as each purchase may seem minor at the time but they quickly add up!

Seeking Help for Gaming Addiction

At Connection Mental Healthcare, we offer specialised treatment for gaming addiction to help individuals regain control of their lives. Our comprehensive approach includes:

Assessment and Diagnosis: Our team of professionals conducts thorough assessments to diagnose your gaming addiction and any co-occurring mental health issues. This helps in creating a personalised treatment plan.

Individual Therapy: Personalised therapy sessions help you understand the underlying causes of your addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is often used to address negative thought patterns and behaviours.

Group Therapy: Group therapy sessions provide a supportive environment where you can share your experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. They foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation.

Family Therapy: Involving family members in treatment can help rebuild those strained relationships and create a supportive home environment. Family therapy also educates your loved ones about gaming addiction and how they can support your recovery.

Life Skills Training: Developing practical life skills is essential for long-term recovery. Our program provides the skills to help individuals lead balanced lives.

Alternative Activities: We encourage you to participate in alternative activities, helping you find new hobbies and interests. This can reduce your dependency on gaming and promote a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.

Aftercare Support: Recovery is an ongoing process, and our aftercare support ensures you continue to receive guidance and support after completing the treatment programme. This includes follow-up sessions and access to support groups.

Conclusion

Gaming addiction is a serious issue that can have far-reaching effects on your life. Understanding the symptoms and causes is crucial in recognising the problem and seeking help. 

At Connection Mental Healthcare, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate treatment for gaming addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with gaming addiction, contact us to learn more about our services and start the journey to recovery. Seeking help is the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life.