Computer games

Addiction to computer games

The development of addiction can be divided into several stages:

Recreational stage – the person starts gambling for fun or to reduce stress.

Habit formation – the person spends more and more time gambling and may start neglecting other activities.

Compulsive gaming – the urge to play becomes uncontrollable. The person is unable to reduce their gaming time, even though it is already causing problems in their studies, work, and personal life.

Addiction – at this stage, gaming has a destructive impact on all areas of life; the person can no longer control their behavior and experiences negative emotions when trying to stop playing.

When do we say that a person is dependent?

✔ Constant preoccupation with gambling – the person is always thinking about gambling and planning when they will gamble next.

Loss of control over gaming time – the person is unable to reduce the time spent playing, despite trying.

Negative emotions in the absence of gaming – irritability, depression, anxiety, or boredom when unable to play.

Neglecting other activities – the person stops meeting friends, pursuing hobbies, studying, or working because of gaming.

Continuing to play despite negative consequences – even when gaming may lead to academic failure, family conflicts, or health problems, the person still continues to play.

Deception – lying to family members or friends to hide how much time is spent gaming.

Disruption of sleep and eating patterns – lack of sleep or neglecting sleep, irregular eating, and resulting health problems.

Risk factors and possible causes:

Psychological factors:

Low self-esteem or lack of emotional support.

Trying to escape stress through gambling.

Impulsive behaviors and lack of self-control.

Biological factors:

Gaming is associated with pleasure because it increases the amount of dopamine released in the brain’s neural synapses.

Hyperactivity of the brain’s reward system.

Social factors:

Pressure from society or friends to engage in gambling.

Lack of social support in real life.

Technological factors:

Game design that aims to maximize player engagement.

Possible consequences of computer game addiction:

Mental health problems:

Anxiety, depression, emotional burnout.

Dissatisfaction and disappointment with oneself.

Worsening of physical health:

Chronic insomnia and irritability.

An irregular eating pattern and lack of physical activity.

Excess weight and related health problems.

Financial difficulties:

Job loss due to a reassessment of priorities

Financial losses, especially when the addiction is related to in-game purchases or paid subscriptions.

Social difficulties:

Strained relationships with family, friends, or colleagues.

Isolation and withdrawal from social life.

Academic and professional difficulties:

Neglect of academic or work-related responsibilities.

Treatment methods for computer game addiction

Psychotherapy:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT):

Reducing dependence on computer games and developing new behavioral patterns.

Reducing dependence on computer games and developing new behavioral patterns.

Group therapy:

Sharing experiences with other people who face similar difficulties.

Sharing experiences with people who have similar difficulties.

Medication therapy:

When needed for managing anxiety or depression, appropriate medications are prescribed.

Physical activity:

Regular exercise and sports, which help channel your energy into healthy activities.

Family and social support:

Involving family members in the treatment process and supporting them throughout the journey of change.

Relapse prevention

Coping and support

Set a primary goal: do not gamble.

Avoid taking risks: tell yourself that even turning on a game for five minutes is very dangerous, because one game often leads to another.

Seek support from people close to you: recognize that willpower alone is not enough to overcome gambling. Ask a family member or friend to help you follow through with your treatment plan.

Know and avoid your triggers: identify the situations or emotions that lead to the urge to gamble, and try to keep your distance from them.

Preparing for your visit with the doctor

Write down all your feelings and thoughts: note what triggers your urge to gamble, whether you have tried to resist it, and how gambling has affected your life.

Write down your personal information: include the main stressors or life changes that may be affecting your behavior.

List all medications: bring information about every medicine, vitamin, herbal product, and supplement you are taking, including their doses.

Recall any other health problems: write down your physical or mental health conditions and how they are being treated.

Questions for your doctor: prepare a list of questions so you can make the most effective use of your appointment time.