Thriveworks video game addiction counseling in Knoxville, 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.
Counseling for Video Game Addiction in Knoxville, TN
Mental health professionals are still gathering data on whether compulsive gaming meets the formal criteria to be an addiction, but one thing is clear: many people have trouble controlling when and how long they play video games. They may also be replacing real-world relationships with an emotional connection to online gaming and an online persona.
Many treatments for compulsive gaming are also being formed. Several twelve step programs that are based upon Alcoholics Anonymous have formed to support online gaming addicts. Many people are also seeking out mental health therapy for themselves or their child. At Thriveworks Knoxville, we see many clients who struggle to control their gaming habits, and we have equipped them with the coping skills and healing they need to regain their self-control. If you are struggling with video game addiction, please reach out to us for help–we can get you scheduled right away.
Compulsive Internet Gaming
What many people refer to as a video game addiction, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) calls internet gaming disorder. DSM-5 gives criteria for diagnosing internet gaming disorder as well as severity modifiers. It also calls for more research, including it in the section, “Conditions for Further Study” instead of in its official list of disorders.
Internet gaming disorder is similar to other behavior-based addictions, like gambling. The problem is with control: whether people can self-regulate their game play. Depending upon how many of the following signs people display, they may have mild, moderate, or severe internet gaming disorder:
- Gaming instead of dealing with real-life responsibilities or problems.
- Choosing videos games over one’s education, career, friends, or family.
- Feeling withdrawal (irritable, moody, aggressive, restless, or depressed) when one cannot play.
- Deceiving loved one’s about game use.
- Trying to quit gaming without success.
- Obsessing over the game, even when not playing.
- Easing hard emotions (guilt, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, depression, et cetera) with video games.
- Gaming longer to feel the same satisfaction.
- Parents also need to be on the lookout for the following signs in their children that have resulted from gaming:
- Unfinished school assignments.
- Sleepiness throughout the day.
- Lowering grades.
- Disinterest in previously enjoyable activities.
- Gaming by themselves.
Compulsive Gaming and Potential Problems
Compulsive gaming can lead a to a host of emotional, relational, and physical challenges. The effective of internet gaming disorder are very similar to those who struggle with addiction face:
- Relational problems: Loved ones are often driven away when people lie about their gaming and prioritize it over other relationships.
- Emotional problems: Gaming may initially soothe difficult emotions, but it never resolves them. They often grow worse when unaddressed.
- Physical problems: Playing video games can lead to health challenges including sleep disruptions, irregular eating habits, back pain, inattention to personal hygiene, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, severe headaches, and dry eyes.
Treatment for Video Game Addiction at Thriveworks Knoxville
Know that many people have overcome their video game addiction through therapy. If you are ready to meet with a mental health professional, Thriveworks Knoxville has appointments available.
The therapists at Thriveworks Knoxville have helped many adults and children regain control of their gaming habits. They give each client individual and holistic care. If you want to speak with one of our therapists about your own or your child’s gaming habits, know that when you call our office, you will likely have an appointment within the week. We also make weekend and evening appointments available, and accept many forms of insurance.
If you are ready to get started, so are we. Call Thriveworks Knoxville today.
