Gaming Addiction
Gaming Addiction today is a huge problem for our kids, teens and our young adults. This is a very cheap form of entertainment. These games are very realistic like, can have several unknown players talking to you through your headset at any given time. Some of these games have millions of players, as well as tournaments with real prize money. These games are highly addictive. It is not uncommon to hear of a client who spends 10 hours a day playing. This disconnect from the real world creates a decline in areas of academic, relationships, and the inability to communicate with others.
Gaming Addiction is real and these addicts need to learn to manage their time and engage back into the real world. When these gamers are forced into the career arena they display little to no ability in interacting and following direction. They lack of motivation. They are overwhelmed and show signs of extreme anxiety.
Gaming Addiction
and Causes
There are several causes and factors that play into gaming addiction. It is specifically designed to hook players. Just like a drug. The gaming industry is out for the money. They make the games challenging to the point you wont win and yet your hooked thinking you can. These companies look for strategic ways to gain more players. Success and winning the game is out of their reach. This is very similar to gambling addiction.
Video Gaming Addiction Signs
As with all addiction there are several warning signs to look out for. It is very important to know what these are. Parents it is up to you to help hold them accountable.
Some emotional symptoms of gaming addiction include:
- Feeling restless and irritable when not playing.
- Preoccupied with thoughts of previous games played or severe anxiety to get back on and play again.
- Lying to friends or family members regarding the amount of time spent playing
- Isolating from family and friends to play the game.
Physical Symptoms
Some physical symptoms include:
- Feeling restless and irritable when not playing.
- Migraines as a result of straining eyes.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome from using the handset
- Decrease in taking care of self and personal hygiene.
- Lack of sleep
- Decrease eating and poor diet
Gaming Addiction
How To Help
Set Firm Limits.
Set limits as to when he or she can use the game. Stick to them and be consistent.
Take it Right Away.
If setting firm limits is not working then take the whole thing away. He needs to show that he can follow the rules in order to get it back.
Set a realistic time frame for breaking the rule and stick to it.
Give it Right Away.
This may be very hard for many and may seem drastic. Your setting an example that you care enough about his well being that he needs to re engage back with the family and himself. It lets him or her know you not playing around.
Make them Earn It.
I have heard of families setting up a three for one gaming exchange. The kid must do three hours of productive work, family time, chores, sports, etc.
For each block of three hours he or she then gets one hour of the game.
Talk to Your Child
Have a discussion about why you’re concerned and why this is serious. Get him involved in conversation with the family.
Tell your child that his future is not going to be a happy one should he stay on the games.
Seek therapy and understand my approach. It is important to get all the help you can so we can stop this addiction. So many parents brush this off and say it is normal or it is “how kids are today”. I have no idea what that means. Call and lets get them reinvesting in their lives.
