Compulsive Gaming

Compulsive gaming and internet addiction are recognized as an uncontrollable urge to keep engaging in a video game and /or on-line activity despite the consequences it creates in your life. Compulsive gaming and internet addiction have the potential to stimulate the reward system of the brain, similar to the use of drugs and alcohol. The compulsive gamer and internet addict continually attempts to achieve a potentially unattainable victory, “high score,” or escape for hours in a conflict-free virtual world while trying to cover up and hide behaviors.

The Following Are Some of the Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Compulsive Gaming and Internet Addiction:

  • Experiencing a “high” from achieving a victory, new “high score,” or anonymously interacting on-line with another.”
  • An overall preoccupation with gaming and on-line activity which leads to an impairment of social, work, and family responsibilities.
  • Using gaming and on-line activities in a self-medicating manner as a way to cope with underlying personal issues.
  • Lying about gaming and on-line activity while attempting to conceal whereabouts in an effort to “cover-up” gaming activities.
  • Experiencing feelings of irritability, fatigue, and anxiety due to prolonged online activity and game play episodes.
  • Recurrent unsuccessful efforts to cut back on gaming and other on‑line activities.

Compulsive gaming and internet addiction generally progress over a period of time. Although many people may have the ability to enjoy social and recreational gaming and internet use, the compulsive gamer and internet addict may find themselves gaming and on-line during periods of stress or depression, experiencing an uncontrollable urge to gaming and engage in online activities. The compulsive gamer appears to become “intoxicated” by the excitement derived from the gaming experience.

Suppose you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of compulsive gaming or internet addiction. In that case, you are encouraged to call Behavioral Help Solutions now for a confidential review of your case.

Overcome the Addiction

Compulsive gaming and internet addiction generally progress over a period of time. Although many people may have the ability to enjoy social and recreational gaming and internet use, the compulsive gamer and internet addict may find themselves gaming and on-line during periods of stress or depression, experiencing an uncontrollable urge to gaming and engage in online activities. The compulsive gamer appears to become “intoxicated” by the excitement derived from the gaming experience.

Suppose you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of compulsive gaming or internet addiction. In that case, you are encouraged to call Behavioral Help Solutions now for a confidential review of your case.