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Thriveworks video game addiction counseling in Columbia, SC 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.
Thriveworks video game addiction counseling in Columbia helps those who suffer by assisting them in regaining control over video gaming. In addition, it can help them cope with the negative effects of video game addiction counseling from anxiety to depression, insomnia, and more.
Video game addiction counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and through Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of video game addiction counseling depends on the individual’s needs as well as the extent and severity of their problem and those that might stem from it. That said, people can make meaningful progress in the first weeks to months of therapy.
Mental health professionals are studying what people commonly call video game addiction. While there is much more to learn, many things are clear: a significant amount of people struggle to regulate their video game play. The signs and symptoms they display with their gaming is similar to other impulse control addictions like gambling.
Just as there are support groups and therapies for addictions, interventions are being developed to help people who struggle with gaming. Twelve-steps programs such as Computer Gaming Addicts Anonymous and Online Gamers Anonymous are based upon Alcoholic Anonymous. Counseling practices are also seeing more and more clients, helping them develop the skills to control their gaming habits.
Thriveworks Columbia sees many clients who know that video games are taking over their lives. Our therapists have guided them to take back control from gaming. If you need help with a video game addiction of your own, reach out to Thriveworks Columbia today to schedule your first session.
When people talk about video game addiction, they are often speaking of the official diagnosis of internet gaming disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) gives signs and symptoms for internet gaming disorder, but it also calls for more study officially calling it an addiction.
The following list outlines the DSM-5’s diagnostics for internet gaming disorder. In each sign, there is a common theme: control. The main question is whether people can control their video game use or whether video game play control their lives. How can people know the difference? If they display the following behaviors, they may have lost control of their gaming. They may have mild, moderate, or severe internet gaming disorder:
Just as a gambling addiction can lead to devastating consequences in a person’s life, so can internet gaming disorder. If left untreated, emotional, physical, and relational difficulties may result:
As you read through the symptoms and signs of internet gaming disorder, did you recognize any? Maybe you are struggling. Maybe your child is. Men, women, boys, and girls can struggle with their impulse control regarding video games. It affects the lives of many people, but many people are also finding support and help from mental health professionals. You are not alone.
If you are ready to talk with a counselor, our professionals are ready to listen. We work with teens and adults. Our office has done what we can to make scheduling an appointment as easy as possible.
When you call our office, you may be meeting with your therapist the same week. We also accept many forms of insurance. Let’s work together to take back control of your or your child’s video game habits. Call Thriveworks Columbia today.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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Wednesday | 8:00am - 9:00pm |
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Monday | 8:00am - 9:30pm | |
Tuesday | 8:00am - 9:30pm | |
Wednesday | 8:00am - 9:30pm |
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