Thriveworks video game addiction counseling in Chesterfield, VA helps people who have an obsession with playing video games as well as with internet gaming disorder. People may have mild, moderate, or severe internet gaming disorder if they struggle to control how often or how long they game. The symptoms of internet gaming disorder may include deceiving loved ones about when and how often they play, thinking constantly about gaming, and using video games as a distraction from real-world problems.
Video Game Addiction Counseling – Counselors and Therapists in Chesterfield, VA
Mental health professionals are still exploring whether video games meet the strict criteria of an official addiction, but one thing is abundantly clear—many people struggle with when, where, and how long they play video games and online games. Many people also experience similar symptoms and effects with video games as with other behavior based addictions such as gambling.
Another key similarity exists: many people who are struggling with compulsive video game use are benefitting from therapies traditionally used to heal addiction. Twelve-step groups modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous cater to gamers, and many people are also finding help from therapy.
The counselors at Thriveworks Chesterfield have seen many people struggling to control their video game use, and our professionals have helped many people learn how to regain that control. Contact us today if you need help.
Internet Gaming Disorder: Definition and Diagnostics
People may have mild, moderate, or severe internet gaming disorder if they struggle controlling how often or how long they game. The symptoms of internet gaming disorder may include:
- Deceiving loved ones about when and how much one games.
- Thinking constantly about games.
- Developing tolerance—playing for a longer time period to feel the same level of satisfaction.
- Soothing challenging emotions like loneliness, guilt, shame, sadness, grief, anxiety, or fear with video games.
- Going into withdrawal when curbing game play—possibly experiencing moodiness, restlessness, irritability, or depression.
- Using video games as a distraction from real-world problems.
- Attempting to quit without success.
- Giving up time with friends and family or passing on educational/professional opportunities in order to game.
- Guardians and parents, in addition should look for the following signs in their children:
- Lethargy and sleepiness during the day.
- Incomplete school assignments.
- Poor/declining grades.
- Quitting/losing interest in sports and activities.
- Playing video games alone.
When people become addicted to video games or develop internet gaming disorder, they may develop an emotional attachment to the video game. They may look to the experience that the video game offers for their need to connect.
What Leads to Internet Gaming Disorder?
The exact causes of internet gaming disorder are still being studied, but one theory is that core loops may make gaming an addictive activity for some people. Core loops, also known as compulsion loops, are a series of challenges and rewards that beckon people further into a game’s narrative. Massively multi-media online role-playing games (MMORPG), mobile games, and social media games use these loops extensively in gaming narratives.
With each challenge that players successfully complete, the game rewards them in some way, and with each reward they receive from the game, their brain also releases dopamine. Each reward is tied into the next challenge so that the cycle continues.
Scheduling Therapy for Internet Gaming Disorder at Thriveworks Chesterfield
Are you experiencing any of these difficulties as a result of your gaming? Are you ready for help to regain control of your video game habit? If you or your child needs help, Thriveworks Chesterfield is ready. We have therapy appointments available for video game addiction.
If you are ready to meet with a mental health professional, know that when you call our office, a person answers our phone. Many new clients have their first appointment within the same week of their call. We offer evening and weekend sessions. We also accept many forms of insurance.
Call Thriveworks Chesterfield to get started.
