From Mario Kart to Call of Duty, most people enjoy an occasional video game here and there. We might have a good time playing with friends or enjoy beating that level of Candy Crush while we wait for an appointment, but most people are able to stop playing with no difficulty. However, if you have a video game addiction, it’s not that simple. In this article, we’ll learn more about video game addictions, how to identify their symptoms, and what to do if you have one.
What is a video game addiction?
It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt, and that’s exactly what happens with a video game addiction. A person who struggles with a video game addiction may literally feel as though they cannot put the game down. In this respect, video game addictions function just like an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Some people can enjoy a nice glass of wine in moderation and some people can even enjoy a raucous night of partying with their friends without becoming addicted to alcohol. But other people are not able to do that and that’s how addiction begins. Video game addictions may sound like a truly new-fangled, modern problem, but the truth is that they’re no different from any other addiction that people have battled for centuries.
What are the symptoms of video game addiction?
If you’re the parent of a child who loves video games, you may often feel as though your child is addicted just because they spend so much time playing. But in practice, there is a tremendous difference between someone who is addicted to video games and someone who simply likes playing them a lot. Here are a few key symptoms that can help you identify the difference. Someone might be truly addicted to video games if:
- They feel unable to find joy in activities other than playing video games
- Their need to play video games prevents them from maintaining their relationships, jobs, or other responsibilities
- They find themselves thinking about video games all the time, even when they’re not playing
- They feel sad or depressed whenever they aren’t playing video games
Although this is not a comprehensive list of symptoms, these are a few of the symptoms someone can be expected to experience if they are battling a video game addiction.
How can I get help for a video game addiction?
If you or someone you love is experiencing a video game addiction, you might feel like your situation is hopeless. But you should know that you can always reach out for help. Taking the Mind Diagnostics’ video game addiction test is a good first step. Acknowledging that you have a problem and need help is an important step for anyone battling an addiction, no matter what type of addiction it is. So, if you or someone you love is willing to take a video game addiction test in the first place, it’s a good indicator that you might need some help and that you’re on the right path.
This free, simple, and confidential test will ask you some questions that are designed to assess your symptoms. At the end of the test, you will be provided with results that can help you determine how severe your symptoms are. And in addition to this information, the test will offer you a helpful guide for your next steps as you move forward. This guide may include information about therapists in your area and resources that will explain how to connect with a licensed mental health professional who can help you. When you reach out to a therapist who specialises in addiction, they can provide you with a personalised treatment plan to help you tackle video game addiction.
Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or for someone you love, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. You can find help and hope right now by connecting with a therapist who can guide you through this journey.
This post is brought to you by BetterHelp. Featured image: Axville/Unsplash
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