Video game addiction is not unlike several other impulse obsessive behaviors such as gambling, over-eating or pyromania. Treating video game addiction can be difficult especially in today’s world where the computer has become as essential as the telephone to everyday life. Here are some things to consider when trying to break free of game addiction.
Computers aren’t going away anytime soon so it’s impossible to simply avoid them all together. A
video game addict must learn to live with technology while not giving into the impulse to play. Just as an alcoholic can’t have a drink without relapsing, a video game addict can’t play just one game. Because we have to live with computers experts suggest canceling gaming subscriptions and uninstalling electronic games from the computer. If the addiction stems from a console based game the best advice would be to sell or donate the console to a source outside your normal social circle thus avoiding the desire to game when socializing.
Plan outdoor activities particularly ones that require a group setting. Most game addictions can be linked to social insecurities or a desire to replace the outside world. By planning activities that require us to be social and go out into the world we can reverse that trend that may have compelled us to become addicts in the first place. Regular exercise and spending time outdoors is essential to the body because it releases endorphins in the brain. These natural body chemicals help us to feel better about ourselves and our environment.
Seek out information and talk about your addiction and how it affected you. Several books have been written on the subject of video game addiction. In Europe and China
video game addiction centers are becoming increasingly common. While treatments centers having caught on as well in the US, there is an abundance of mental health counselor. Talking to a friend, family member, therapist or finding a support group as a means to talk about your addiction can be very beneficial. It’s always easier to make a lifestyle change when you know you’re not alone, and that support will go a long way to assuring full recovery.
