While the American Medical Association has yet to identify gaming addiction as a diagnosable disorder, compulsive video game use has become a widespread epidemic. Stories abound on the web of gamers who have become obsessed, relinquishing typical life pursuits to continue playing. Anecdotes by self-identified gamers and their families have led scientists to conduct increasing research on the subject, and health professionals are developing programs for treatment. According to many, excessive gaming delivers a rush similar to drug and alcohol addiction.
Just like our other addiction recovery programs, those for gaming addiction rely on 12-step recovery plans. The first step is admitting that one has a problem. Recovery games for adults are a fun way to get people to open up about their addiction and start thinking about recovery. These games help break the ice and get people talking about their addiction in a safe and supportive environment. To learn about addictive behavior surrounding gaming and video game addiction recovery in North Carolina, contact Red Oak Recovery® today at 866.457.7590.
How Do You Know if You Have a Video Game Addiction?
For many young people, video gaming starts as a simple social activity. However, as playing begins to consume more and more time and attention, it becomes isolating and preoccupying and results in the following addictive behaviors.
Playing for Longer Periods of Time
Gamers report that they often neglect their responsibilities to have more time to play video games. They seem to be immune to the threat of job loss or failure in school, opting instead to immerse themselves in the game.
Neglecting Sleep, Nourishment, and Personal Care
Chronic gamers neglect their health and well-being. Families report preparing meals that go uneaten, even when set within easy reach. Often, gamers fail to do even the most basic personal tasks like bathing, dressing, and brushing their teeth or hair. Long hours at the game screen result in health problems like chronic headache, backache, and sleep deprivation.
Choosing the Game over Real Life
For young people who are still developing social skills, video game addiction can have grave and long-lasting consequences. Rather than participating in activities that form healthy relationships with peers, they may choose to isolate themselves with their game personas. They never give themselves an opportunity to mature and learn to interact with friends and family.
Can Recovery Games for Adults Be Part of Treatment?
In order to overcome an addiction to video gaming, it is essential for patients to engage in activities that promote recovery. Participation in 12-step meetings and therapy sessions is crucial, but recovery games for adults can also play an essential role in treatment.
These games help patients to:
- Understand the consequences of addiction: Recovery games for adults help patients to understand the effects of addiction. They provide a safe space in which to make mistakes and learn from them.
- Identify their triggers: Recovery games for adults help patients to identify their triggers. By playing the game, they can learn to identify the things that trigger their urge to play video games.
- Develop coping mechanisms: Recovery games for adults help patients to develop coping mechanisms. By playing the game, they can learn to identify healthy coping mechanisms that work for them.
- Build a support network: Recovery games for adults help patients to build a support network. By playing the game, they can connect with other people in recovery and form supportive relationships.
Recovery games for adults can help reduce addiction behavior and promote recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, contact Red Oak Recovery® today.
Seek Support at Red Oak Recovery®
Breaking the cycle of video game addiction can be done, but like other compulsive behaviors, it may require professional help. For some gamers, it is as easy as unplugging the computer and reconnecting with family and friends. For others, 12-step programs and cognitive behavior therapy may provide the answer. Long-time gamers sometimes need help learning the social skills and nutritional habits they failed to develop during adolescence.
In addition to recovery games for adults, our patients respond exceptionally well to wilderness therapy addiction programs such as the one at Red Oak Recovery®. Our credentialed addiction specialists also offer nutritional therapy and life skills training, in addition to clinical guidance and support. Call 866.457.7590 to learn how we can help you or a loved one escape the tyranny of addiction and learn to live a healthier and more fulfilling life.
