Video Game Addiction Treatment at The Edge Treatment Center

Nowadays, drugs and alcohol are accompanied by a relatively new addictive substance: digital media. From binge-able streaming services and social media feeds to video games, these platforms flood our brains with dopamine and validation, leading to addiction-like effects. This is especially true when it comes to gaming, because it’s so interactive. Before you know it, you’re behind your TV screen or computer monitor day and night, leveling up as life passes by outside your window. 

Gaming is fun in doses, but a video game addiction can lead to damaged relationships, a reduced desire to connect with others, sleep disorders, and even obesity. There are ways to break this addiction on your own terms, but if you’ve tried to no avail, it may be time to seek professional support.

It can be difficult to recognize signs of addiction in ourselves, because we don’t have an outside view. If you’ve noticed yourself neglecting responsibilities like work or school, losing interest in other activities, and craving video games when you’re not online, you may be addicted to gaming. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself whether you’ve been prioritizing video games over other important aspects of your life. If the answer is “yes,” it could be time to try a 90-day detox or seek help from a behavioral therapist.

While there’s no specific number of hours that defines addiction, gaming to the point that it interferes with daily life is a red flag. If you aren’t sleeping, eating, working, or socializing as much because you can’t pull away from your console or computer, you may be addicted. Some sources say that 15-20 hours of gaming each week is approaching “overplaying,” and more than 21 hours per week – or three hours a day – is when your well-being may start to suffer.

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Many former gamers have found ways to break their addiction without professional support. Some have stopped playing after reevaluating how they spend their time, while others have simply realized how much life they’re missing out on, or completed the 90-day detox. Here are some common methods, along with what to expect if you seek professional support:

Reevaluate Your Time Investments

Take a step back and take note of how much time you spend gaming every day, week, and month. How many hours does it add up to? If the number is high, don’t be too hard on yourself – that’s not the point of this exercise. Reframe to think about other activities that you can invest your time into and have a greater benefit. Picking up a new hobby or starting a new gym routine, for example, can occupy your time while improving certain aspects of your life. This realization can be huge: that gaming offers little in return, and takes time away from hobbies and social activities that offer real-life value.

Ask Yourself: Are You a Person, or a Character?

Video games are undoubtedly entertaining, and role-playing games (RPGs) take it to a new level. Popular games like The Sims and World of Warcraft allow you to take on the role of a character in a fictional, virtual world, and often involve character development where you improve your skills and abilities over time. The irony is that the more time you invest in your game to improve your character, the less time is spent improving yourself. It’s important to ask yourself whether you’re more committed to improving yourself as a person, or the character you’ve built in this virtual world – because the latter carries little real-world benefit.

The 90-Day Detox

If you’ve recognized a gaming addiction and are ready to take steps to break it, the 90-day detox is a good first step. It involves abstaining from video games for 90 days, and replacing it with another activity or hobby. After 90 days, you can re-evaluate. Still, this method may not work for everyone, and it’s important not to be too tough on yourself if you don’t make it to 90 days. Professional help is available to help you break this behavioral addiction, tap back into reality, and boost the quality of your life.

Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried to break your gaming addiction with little progress, professional help may be your next step. A mental health professional or treatment center that specializes in behavioral addiction can provide the therapy you need, and get to the root of your addiction so that you can move forward. At our treatment center in Santa Ana, CA, we specialize in treating a range of behavioral addictions, including gaming.

With our team of mental health experts and your commitment to recovery, you’ll learn how to unplug and live a life with purpose. Treatment for video game addiction typically involves counseling and behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Medication may also be necessary if any underlying mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are identified. We’ll guide your treatment and medication management if needed, so that you can tap back into reality and level up yourself – not your character.

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Do you have more questions about video game addiction? Reach out.

CALL US: 844-620-3343

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Are you ready to break free from gaming? To get started with us, here are your next steps:

1. Call us for an initial assessment that dives into your unique needs and situation.

2. We’ll provide a personalized treatment plan tailored specifically for you.

3. You’ll be treated at our facility in Santa Ana, CA, and receive any necessary resources throughout your journey with us.

Our team of treatment and mental health professionals is ready and available to help you put the controller down and live a life with purpose. Along with a range of therapies to guide your journey, we also host a tight-knit community that has your back. Sift through our site to learn more about our community, and take a virtual tour of our facility. 

If you have any questions or are ready to get started, call us today.

We’re Here To Help You Find Your Way

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Our team can guide you on your journey to recovery. Call us today.

CALL US: 844-620-3343

Message Us