Thriveworks video game addiction counseling in Johnson City, TN 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 in Johnson City, TN – Thriveworks
Not all addictions are chemical dependencies; some are behavior compulsions, such as a gambling addiction. The research is not definitive on whether video games fit the strict definition of an addiction, but many mental health professionals agree that many people can begin struggling with impulse control regarding their use of video games. Whether the label is addiction or not, many people are replacing their real-world connections with friends and family with their emotional attachment to video games.
Thriveworks Johnson City offers therapy for video game addiction, and our therapists have helped many people regain control over their use of video games and learn healthy coping skills for handling life’s challenges. If this sounds like something you could benefit from, reach out to Thriveworks Johnson City today to schedule your first session.
Internet Gaming Disorder Symptoms
Symptoms of internet gaming disorder may include…
- Developing a gaming tolerance—playing for longer periods of time in order to feel satisfied.
- Obsessing about games.
- Using video games to soothe difficult emotions such as guilt, sadness, anxiety, or fear.
- Playing video games to avoid real-life problems.
- When playing less or trying to stop gaming, feeling withdrawal symptoms—moodiness, irritability, restlessness, or depression.
- Passing on time with loved ones or professional/educational opportunities in order to game.
- Lying about how much and when one plays.
Parents, especially, should know about these signs for their children:
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- Sleeping during the day or at school—general lethargy.
- Not completing school assignments.
- Poor/declining school performance.
- Lost interest/quitting previously beloved activities and sports.
- Gaming by themselves.
These behaviors may signal that someone is losing control of their gaming. Video game addictions and internet gaming disorders are about control: whether or not a person can control when, where, and how long they play video games.
Causes of Internet Gaming Disorder
There is much research to be conducted on why people develop compulsive gaming use, but one possible cause is the use of core loops within games. Social networking games, massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG), and mobile games have compulsion, or core loops, within their game’s narrative. These loops draw people further into the game through challenges and rewards that release dopamine within a player’s brain, and thus the loops connect gaming and satisfaction.
Effects of Compulsive Gaming
Compulsive gaming can greatly affect a person’s life—causing relational, emotional, and physical challenges:
- Relational: Lying about video game use, spending too much money on gaming, or prioritizing gaming over time with loved ones can drive relational wedges between people who struggle with compulsive gaming and their loved ones.
- Emotional: Having a double life online with an alter-ego or avatar can lead to depression or an anxiety disorder in real life.
- Physical: Health problems can plague people who cannot control their gaming. They may experience sleep disturbances, dry eyes, severe headaches, back pain, and Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.
Are you experiencing these challenges because of your gaming? Is your child or someone you love experiencing these challenges? Help is available. Thriveworks Johnson City offers therapy for internet gaming disorder.
Seeking Help for Compulsive Gaming at Thriveworks Johnson City
If you are ready to overcome the disruptions in your life that gaming is causing, know that when you call Thriveworks Johnson City, you may be able to meet with a therapist within the week—many new clients do. We also accept many insurance plans.
Are you ready to overcome your compulsive gaming habits? We are ready to help. Call Thriveworks Johnson City today.
