Gaming has been big business for generations, and that's not likely to change. However, with the advent of online gaming, there's a greater possibility of getting hooked on various sorts of gaming than ever before, especially since it's no longer necessary to leave home to play. In fact, there are documented cases in which serious problem gamers haven't left home for years at a time.
With the ease of access to gaming, more and more people are finding themselves in trouble, both financially and psychologically, but it's not just standard gambling games that are causing the most difficulty. A growing number of students are falling behind in their schoolwork because of addictive games like EverQuest, Dark Age of Camelot, and others are popularly. In fact, mental health professionals have begun referring to the most often abused games as "heroinware," due to their highly addictive nature.
If you suspect yourself or someone you love of being addicted to online gaming, here are some symptoms to look for. The first is an obsession with playing a particular game. They can be spellbinding and give the illusion of social interaction to people who are challenged when it comes to personal relationships. Such games give the addicted person a feeling of power and competence that they don't feel in their real lives.
The second symptom is a neglect of work or family obligations, as well as lying to cover up for game playing. When schoolwork begins to suffer, it's a strong indication that gaming is taking up an inordinate amount of a student's time. Health problems can also be a result due to lack of sleep if the player is staying up late to pursue their addiction. Other symptoms include the inability to stop playing, lack of attention to personal hygiene, and irritability when not being able to play a game for a relatively short period of time.
Gaming can be devastating to the person involved and those who love them. Serious addiction requires extensive therapy measures, as well as the possible use of prescription drugs, much like various other addictive behaviors. The problem is complicated by the fact that not all experts agree that gaming is actually addictive. There are some who contend that gaming sharpens critical thinking skills, imagination, and creativity. However, like any other activity, moderation is the key, and if enough time is spent at anything to the detriment of other areas of a person's life, that can be construed as an addictive activity.
Like most addictions, treatment can be long and hard, with the first stage being the most difficult, which is simply getting the person to acknowledge that they're addicted. The next step involves going off the game "cold turkey," which can also be an agonizing process, because many of the most seriously addicted people are generally socially challenged and introverted, and gaming gives them their only real sense of self-worth and power.
Online gaming is becoming a worldwide epidemic, and the trend is likely to get much worse before it gets better. If you or someone you know shows signs of addiction, seek help immediately!
Computer Addiction and Children
Jeanette Fisher helps home makers create homes for healing and happy living. In her research on happiness, she found that many people today suffer from depression and one big recent problem is computer addiction.
More information about Design Psychology Expert Jeanette Fisher
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Life Beyond Computer Addiction
