Video Games Addiction and Health Risks

Video games have captured the imagination of Americans since the 1970s, with the introduction of very
simple games. Although the graphic features of these basic programs were primitive compared to
today’s complex, multifaceted games, many children, teens, and adults quickly became enthralled with
this new pastime. It soon became apparent that video games had the potential to consume a large
amount of time as the players tried repeatedly to win. Today, video game addiction has been recognized
as a process addiction similar to compulsive gambling, in which the rush of winning becomes one of the
primary motivations for playing.
In the early days of video games, most games were available only on arcade machines, which were not
accessible 24 hours a day. These days, games are one of the most popular features of social network
sites, and they can be played almost continuously on handheld game devices, personal computers, or
smart phones. Video games have become much more elaborate, with rich alternate worlds, multiple
characters, and complicated storylines. Introverted children or teens may find that they can avoid
interacting with “real”peers by engaging primarily with other online players, in the guise of characters
with awe-inspiring gifts and powers.
When Gaming Becomes an Addiction
Not all researchers agree that video gaming is a harmful or addictive activity. Many people,
including parents, believe that video games expand the imagination, give children the opportunity to
work collaboratively, and sharpen cognitive skills. Yet when young people spend most of their time
playing video games at the expense of schoolwork, physical exercise, family events, or social activities,
the benefits of gaming seem less certain.
There is some controversy over whether video gaming is an addiction comparable to gambling,
drug abuse, or alcoholism.d
Psychology Today states that the comparison between video gaming and gambling is flawed,
because there are no financial stakes or material losses involved with video games. Winning a video
game requires cognitive skills and sharp reflexes, while winning at gambling is a matter of luck.
However, according to WebMD, video game addiction can be considered a type of impulse control
disorder.
The source of the addictive quality of gaming is still unknown, but researchers propose that the process
of playing and winning these games may trigger a release of dopamine, a brain chemical that elevates
mood and provides a rush of energy. Dopamine is the same neurotransmitter involved in other addictive
activities, such as alcohol or drug abuse.
Video game addiction is not currently recognized as an addictive disorder in the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the definitive guide to psychiatric illness. But an obsessive
preoccupation with games at the expense of real-life activities or obligations shares some of the
characteristics of addictive behavior. How can a parent tell when gaming has stopped being simple
entertainment and become an addiction? Here are a few of the key warning signs to watch for:
 Poor performance at school, work, or household responsibilities as a result of a preoccupation

with gaming
 Neglect of other hobbies or friendships
 A decline in personal hygiene or grooming
 Inability to set limits on how much time is spent gaming
 Signs of irritability, anxiety, or anger when forced to stop gaming, even for brief periods of time
 The need to spend more time playing games or to play more intensely in order to get the same
level of enjoyment
 Symptoms of physical or psychological withdrawal, such as loss of appetite, sleeplessness,
agitation, or emotional outbursts if the game is taken away
 Using video games as a way to escape stressful situations at work or school, or conflicts at home
Children and teenagers aren’t the only ones who can be vulnerable to video game addiction. Adults may
also play video games for hours instead of engaging in work activities, pursuing hobbies, or devoting
time to their partners or children. When adults are no longer able to control the amount of time they
spend on video games, or when their jobs or relationships begin to suffer as a result of video gaming,
they may have crossed the line from recreation to addiction.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Video Game Addiction
Like any other compulsive disorder, video game addiction can have severe negative consequences.
Though most of the symptoms listed above have short-term effects, they can lead to more severe long-
term repercussions if not addressed properly. For example, someone addicted to video games will often
avoid sleeping or eating proper meals in order to continue gaming. While the short-term effects of this
may include hunger and fatigue, it could eventually lead to a sleep disorder or diet-related health issues.
Similarly, those who isolate themselves from others in order to play video games may miss out on family
events, outings with friends, or other events in the short-term. If this continues to be a pattern for a long
period of time, however, addicts might find themselves without any friends at all.
Other long-term effects of video game addiction to consider are the financial, academic and
occupational consequences involved. Video games and video game equipment can be very expensive,
especially when factoring in recurring costs such as the high-speed Internet connection required for
online multiplayer games. These games can also be very time-consuming, leaving addicted gamers with
less time to focus on their education or career.
Seeking Help and Treatment
Video games have had a tremendous impact — both positive and negative — on the cultural attitudes,
psychological development, and lifestyle choices of both children and adults. While these games can be
viewed as a risk to players’ physical or emotional health, they have also been promoted as effective
educational tools and have even been used for physical or cognitive rehabilitation in clinical settings. Yet
for individuals who have become caught in a cycle of compulsive gaming, video games can become
destructive. The growing popularity of video games has created a new awareness of the problem of
compulsive gaming, which in turn has led to the development of treatment programs for this addictive
process. Treatment for video game addiction focuses on behavioral modification therapies, such as
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), that guide the client away from the obsessive thought patterns and
obsessive habits of addiction. Group therapy is a valuable source of motivation and moral support,
especially for individuals who have lost contact with friends or peers as a result of their game addiction.
Family or marriage counseling can help educate loved ones about the disorder and create a more stable
home environment.
Clients who are diagnosed with co-occurring depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric
conditions may require medication therapy with antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs. If substance
abuse is a factor, the client will need medical detox followed by specialized treatment for drug or
alcohol abuse.
Depending on the severity of the addictive behavior and the co-occurrence of other medical or
psychiatric conditions, video game addiction may be treated on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
Inpatient facilities offer 24-hour supervision in a supportive, structured environment, which may be
beneficial for individuals who haven’t been able to control their video game use. Outpatient treatment,
which includes intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), offers more
flexibility for individuals who cannot enroll in inpatient treatment due to personal responsibilities or
who are very motivated to recover from addictive behavior.
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/video-gaming-addiction
https://www.psychguides.com/behavioral-disorders/video-game-addiction/

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Video Games Addiction and Health Risks

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Video games have captured the imagination of Americans since the 1970s, with the introduction of very

When Gaming Becomes an Addiction

 Poor performance at school, work, or household responsibilities as a result of a preoccupation

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Video Game Addiction

Seeking Help and Treatment

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