What Is A Gaming Addiction?

The addiction to video games may seem as a trivial matter to many people, however, it is a serious problem affecting millions of gamers worldwide.

The negative effects of gaming addiction is even classified as a serious disease by the World Health Organization for which there are rehab programs in Ontario’s treatment facilities. At what point does a hobby become an addiction?

Gaming As A Disease

The World Health Organization, researching and intervening in world health crisis situations, recognized gaming addiction as a “Gaming Disorder” in their 2018 International Classification of Diseases. The gaming disorder is defined as:

“a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour, which may be online or offline, manifested by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”

Even though billions of people play video games, not all become addicted. As a matter of fact, video game addiction affects only 3-4% of gamers, however, it does affect their overall mental and physical health. 

Researchers have determined that unhealthy behaviors associated with problem gaming (i.e. avoiding family and social activities) which persist for a period of 12 months may point to the start of gaming addiciton. As a result, a problem gamer will neglect their personal, family, social, employment and other areas of their life vital to their function in society. 

Gaming Addiction Warning Signs

There are a few warning signs that may point to an individual suffering from gaming addiction. These signs usually include:

• Being preoccupied by video games. Gaming is the most important aspect of the person’s life. 
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms. When the gaming system or game is not there, the person experiences irritability, anger, boredom, anxiety, sadness.
• Increasing tolerance to time spent on playing video games. The goals and achievements in video games increasingly require more time spent from the person addicted to gaming. 
• Loss of interest in previous hobbies. As a result, the gaming addict is ignoring the benefits of nature, sunlight, fresh air, and moderate exercise. 
• Continued excess gaming despite the risks of psychological issues. Escaping into the virtual world of gaming creates more problems for the individual in real life. They develop paranoia when trying to hide their gaming consoles from family and are more deceitful, thus harming their loved ones in the process. 
• Jeopardizing a significant relationship: problem gambling can affect one’s job, marriage, friendships, employment, or social status. 

When To Seek Help

In many cases, gaming addiction can affect one’s physical and mental health and must be taken seriously by family and friends who want to help the gaming addict. There are physical signs that you can notice. A gaming addict may show signs of malnourishment by only relying on energy drinks and junk foods. Other common physical signs amongst gaming addicts include an overall neglected appearance and a lack of hygiene. 

In most serious cases, gaming addiction manifests itself in the form of a mental illness. Agoraphobia is one example. It is an anxiety disorder in which a person fears leaving the house. At this point, it is clear to see why gaming addiction is not a trivial matter: it is a crippling disease of the 21st century affecting millions of people. It is not virtual, but very real.  

If you or a loved one is battling gaming addiction and you would like to get help in your struggle, please contact us today and we will gladly help you.