Gaming Addiction

2023 data suggests that hundreds of people have been treated for gaming disorders in an NHS clinic since 2019. This not only suggests that there is a strong connection between video games and addiction; it also indicates that there is a very serious demand for support. These numbers suggest a shadow figure – a population of people with a treatment need that has not yet been met. At Banbury Lodge, we offer specialist support for addictions, with rehab programmes designed to meet the needs of those with all kinds of dependency, including gaming. But what is it that makes gaming addictive? What are the specific dangers associated with this condition, and what does treatment for gaming addiction look like?

Gaming addiction

When it was first conceptualised, the idea of a ‘gaming addiction’ was perhaps dismissed by some clinicians. But as time has progressed and the number of people dealing with gaming disorders has increased, we have begun to recognise the extent of this condition in a clinical sense. Gaming addiction has been recognised as a specific type of internet addiction.

One article defines gaming disorder as meaning when ‘a person struggles to control how often they play video games.’ It states that for a diagnosis to be met, an individual must spend ‘up to fourteen hours a day or more,’ engaging with video games.

A 2023 piece of research defines video game addiction as being defined by:

‘the steady and repetitive use of the Internet to play games frequently with different gamers, potentially leading to negative consequences in many aspects of life.’

This suggests that a gaming addiction is identified when two key characteristics are present:

1. Excessive amounts of time are spent playing video games
2. Potential negative consequences of this engagement

This indicates that the distinction between heavy video game use and video game addiction lies in both the quantity of hours lost to the activity as well as a decrease in physical, social and psychological health as a result.

Is gaming addiction dangerous?

Psychological dangers

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition, states that a gaming addiction is present when gaming leads to ‘clinically significant distress and psychological changes.’ This implies that the primary danger of gaming addiction is the threat to mental health.

Physical dangers

Gaming addiction can also lead to the development of several difficult physical health symptoms, such as reduced vision, fatigue, migraines, poor posture, vitamin deficiency and muscle weakness.

Social dangers

A 2022 study found that 74% of children spend less time outside each day than prison inmates. This indicates that the rise in social media, internet access and online gaming has led to drastically reduced engagement with recreational time outside. This sedentary lifestyle can lead to physical health concerns as well as longer-term social difficulties.

Are games addictive?

Research has shown that gaming addiction can be associated with the bursts of dopamine that can occur during gaming. This stimulation of dopamine catalyses feelings of pleasure and positive mood, which can reinforce continued use. This can lead to structural changes in our neurocircuitry.

Other studies have moved away from the neurobiological aspects to consider the brain’s functional anatomy. By doing so, they have identified that engaging with video games excessively can lead to changes in several areas of the brain:

• The prefrontal cortex
• The ventral striatum
• The dorsal striatum

This indicates a strong physiological basis for gaming addiction, indicating that both the structures and the anatomy of the brain can be altered in contexts of excessive engagement with gaming. The research does not conclude if these anatomical changes are permanent; however, over time, the changes to the dopamine circuitry can be ‘rerouted’ via the kind of behaviour modification modelled in addiction rehab.

Do I have a gaming addiction?

It can be difficult to self-reflect on our behaviours, especially when we feel that these actions are pleasant, enjoyable or even helpful. Some people find that gaming – just like shopping or gambling in the context of other addictions – can offer a type of solace. When we feel like this about a behaviour, it can be very difficult to accept that it could be, on some level, unhealthy.

This means that honest introspection is an essential way of identifying an addiction. Another crucial element is being aware of the signs of gaming addiction so we can be knowledgeable about where the line between heavy use and dependency lies.

Gaming addiction symptoms

An addiction to gaming can impact our physical and mental health. It can also colour our social lives. Common symptoms include:

• Fixation on specific games
• Spending increasing amounts of time playing games
• Lying or hiding gaming
• Loss of interest in other activities
• Neglecting personal responsibilities
• Lower attainment at school or university
• Performance issues at work
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Appearing ‘emotionally unstable’
• Defensiveness
• Anger or irritability
• Low self-esteem
• A feeling of a lack of belonging
• Sense of ‘blurred’ reality between self and avatar personas
• Reduced time spent outside
• Reduced time engaging in physical activity
• Social withdrawal
• Neglect of personal hygiene
• Insomnia
• Missing meals
• Reliance on caffeine (such as energy drinks or coffee)

Some longer-term symptoms that can be experienced as a result of gaming addiction include:

• Obesity
• Severe weight loss
• Malnourishment
• Diabetes
• Coronary artery disease
• Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel
• Social anxiety
• Loss of touch with reality

Gaming addiction help: what does it look like?

It is possible to seek support for a gaming addiction. This will most likely be available from a specialist addiction service such as Banbury Lodge. Treatment for a behavioural addiction may blend two key approaches:

1. Therapy
2. Medication (where needed)

Therapeutic support

Clinical trials have suggested that the most effective method of treating a video game addiction is through behavioural therapy. The most common type of psychotherapy is cognitive behavioural therapy, an intervention frequently considered to be the ‘gold standard’ of therapy at this point in time. CBT focuses on the links between our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It focuses on challenging harmful behaviours and tackling deep-seated cognitive distortions that can lead to us perpetuating difficult thought processes. CBT can be in a group or individual setting.

Medication

If you are dealing with a dual diagnosis (a mental health condition alongside gaming addiction), then rehab treatment is likely to incorporate support for this into your programme. This may be addressed during therapy. It could also, however, be targeted through prescription medications where appropriate. This often involves using medications to soothe particularly difficult symptoms and work to improve the general quality of life. Potential medication used by individuals seeking addiction and mental health support include:

• Antidepressants
• Sedatives
• Antipsychotics
• Sleeping medications
• Medications for physical health concerns

Seek support

Here at Banbury Lodge, we can help you to take the steps towards an addiction-free future.  Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation with a member of our team. We are here to lend a listening, non-judgmental ear and guide you through potential options for specialist, holistic addiction and mental health support. We are available to talk you through the bespoke rehab packages we offer to help you find the most appropriate treatment for your current needs.

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