Video Game Addiction Rehabilitation

Video game addiction symptoms

There are two types of video games available; those which involve a mission and online multiplayer games.

Standard, single-player video games usually involve missions in which an individual has to complete in order to advance in the game. The addition this game holds is that those who play the games are constantly looking to ‘level up’ in the game and therefore find it hard to stop due to the number of stages some games have.

Online multiplayer games are another type of video game. These games allow you to build an online persona in a virtual world and play with other individual carrying out the same activity. Addiction occurs in these video games as they usually have no ending and therefore if there is no end to the game, there is no need to stop for some individuals.

Video game addiction symptoms

A video game addiction can carry many tell-tale symptoms that act as warning signs for those with the addiction and those around them. Due to the nature of the addiction, it carries both physical and emotional symptoms.

Some physical symptoms include:

• Migraines.
• Fatigue.
• Eye strain.
• Carpel tunnel syndrome.
• A decrease in personal hygiene.
• Gaming Addiction
• Some emotional symptoms include:
• Isolating one’s self from family and friends.
• Restless and irritable behaviour when unable to access video games.
• Thoughts of past online activity when away from the game.
• Pre-planning next gaming session.
• Lying to those around you about the amount of gaming you carry out.

Long term effects of video game addiction

Just like any addiction, gaming addiction has long term effects including some that could be irreversible. One long term effect of a video game addiction is damage to an individual’s health. If a gaming addiction becomes too obsessive an individual may value playing their game over eating, sleeping and hygiene. Due to this, a video game can cause eating disorders such as malnutrition and sleeping disorders such as insomnia. Disorders such as this are detrimental to a person’s health and can eventually lead to other conditions that are also damaging to health.

Long term effects of Video Game addiction

Another long-term effect of gaming addiction is the effects it has on all aspects of your lifestyle. If an individual is addicted to video games, they tend to put playing the game above other activities within their life. This means they may not attend their job which therefore affects their financial situation in the long term if they do not return to work. As well as affecting their occupation, those addicted can also damage relationships with those around them.

It is important to play a moderate amount of video games and to ensure you seek help if behaviour becomes excessive.

Video Game Addiction Withdrawal

Withdrawal from video game addiction can present a range of emotional and psychological symptoms when excessive gaming is reduced or completely stopped. Recognising these patterns is key for understanding the impact of this behavioural addiction and seeking appropriate support.

Some of the emotional withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Anxiety or nervousness
• Feelings of loss or emptiness
• Depressive symptoms, including sadness or isolation
• Craving and preoccupation with gaming
• Irritability and agitation
• Frustration and restlessness
• Mood swings

Other symptoms that may be experienced can include sleep disturbances, struggles with concentration and focus, and social withdrawal from real-world interactions.

If you or a loved one is struggling with excessive video gaming and appears to be experiencing some of these withdrawal symptoms, speak to our team today at New Leaf Recovery for help and support. Call today on 0300 999 0330 or complete our online contact form.

Video game addiction treatment

At New Leaf, we provide bespoke rehabilitation programmemes to those suffering from gaming addiction. Our video game addiction treatment allows individuals to break out of their addiction by taking residency within our rehabilitation centre in Birmingham.

Our residential rehab provides you with the ideal environment to take your mind off gaming and with our dedicated support team here to guide you through your rehab and gaming detox, we can ensure you leave us with more control over your video game habits.

If you are concerned that yourself or someone you know is suffering from a video game addiction, call us on 0300 999 0330 to get the correct help.

Support for Video Game Addiciton

While video game addiction isn’t a substance-based dependency, it is a significant behavioural addiction that can sometimes intertwine with or even lead to other addictive behaviours, a phenomenon known as cross-addiction. Recognising the indicators of video game addiction is crucial to prevent it from negatively affecting your lifestyle, relationships, and overall well-being.

Addressing video game addiction can pave the way for a more balanced and healthier lifestyle. Seek support for yourself or a loved one at New Leaf Recovery today. We offer confidential rehabilitation treatment and various therapeutic approaches tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.

Contact our dedicated team today to explore how we can provide guidance and support on your path to recovery. Call us on 0300 999 0330.