Throughout history, games and gaming have been an integral part of human expression of culture and identity, facilitating collaboration and creativity. — Mike Brooks Ph.D.
After the recent inclusion of video gaming addiction in the list of mental health issues, every individual’s family becomes worried about the wellness of their kids. That’s due to the factors pointed out in the condition where it damages the overall function of the human brain. And since there are instances that the situation gets ignored, the necessary procedure of overcoming the addiction requires a broad approach.
It’s not that easy to accept the reality of the condition, especially if the person believes it to be ideologically incorrect. When he sees that there’s no point of asking a medical professional for help, then there is never going to be one. In some instances, a video game addict finds it hard to believe what health experts say. However, even if that’s the case, some gaming addicts tend to listen to those individuals who went through the same process of addiction and recovery. And even if it doesn’t necessarily aid the diagnosis, a simple conversation leads to a better type of counseling.
The revenue from the video game industry topped $25 billion dollars in 2010 alone (compared to Hollywood’s box office sales of $10.8 billion for the U.S. and Canada) and video games have become an important part of popular culture. — Romeo Vitelli Ph.D.
The Gaming Addiction
It is a gaming addiction when someone spends more than 8 to 10 hours a day in front of the computer. It goes for weeks and up to a couple of months and years. Though some may not see its potential damage, there are instances that it slowly creates a different life perspective. That is where a person develops an introverted personality that avoids social interactions. The busy schedule of playing video games becomes his escape for the functions he’s supposed to do outside the house.
Sometimes, others may still see themselves handling and balancing their video game addiction to their relationship with their friends and family or special someone, but there’s no assurance of a healthy commitment there. Every case of the situation tends to end up with the same results – increased mental health concerns.
The Fails Of Overcoming The Mental Condition
First of all, the process of overcoming video game addiction lies in the person’s potential to acknowledge the disorder. If he appears to recognize his need for medical treatment, then the individual can picture out positive outcomes. Because the dependency requires action, people somehow get stuck on the unhealthy way of treating the condition. Most of the time, they only rely on the internet for information not considering that every individuals’ needs differ from each other. The rehabilitation becomes useless because the person fails to determine his needs for medication and therapies.
People say that the only way to get over with addiction is by taking control over their lives. Yes, it seems very prominent and easy to do. However, for those people who are in a low aggravating situation, it’s not going to be that easy. The reality of “controlling one’s self” when there’s an addiction present in the case is merely impossible to obtain. The process requires professional diagnosis and health care assistance.
If someone holds the belief that playing a violent video game will help them to blow off steam when they are angry, then they may choose to play violent video games when they are angry. — Art Markman Ph.D.
Experts believe that one way to get rid of video gaming addiction is by surrounding one’s self with tons of people. Yes, it is conceivable to do that, and it can precisely create a change in the dynamics of a person’s life. However, the fail of choosing the right people is crucial for the progress of addiction recovery. That’s because there are times that even if the individual thinks the people he surrounds himself with can help, there’s a tendency that he might influence them negatively. There’s a possible chance that instead of them picking him up, they might end up supporting his behavior because of the reasons are thrown at them.
Treating mental health illness means accepting that there’s something wrong. However, the problem with overcoming video game addiction is the avoidance of pain and sorrow. The fear of consistently experiencing emotional turmoil becomes one of the reasons why an individual doesn’t want to recover from the condition. But because others want to point out that the particular situation needs a resolution, they forget to see that the person is somehow struggling in creating decisions for himself. It becomes a long-term issue as it grows and entirely affects everything the individual does in his life.
The other problem that concerns addressing gaming addiction lies in the eagerness of removing the habit instantly. It becomes the universal conclusion of what an addict should do. It is one of the most excellent advice that people give to those individuals who can get enough of their gaming lifestyle. However, what people in some way missed in the process is the importance of “phasing” in recovery. Nobody can instantly shift their mental state from being addicted to entirely functional. It takes time. Sometimes, it even doesn’t happen at all.
Individuals who suffer from gaming addiction needs help. But before someone tries to help them or attempt to say something to make them feel better, at least consider these things.