Recovery from Video Game Addiction
Video games, like anything else in life, are best if enjoyed in moderation. Due to the recent application of massive multiplayer online (MMO) gaming in the last decade, many gamers have found that video games can be very addictive due to such features as text/voice chat, constantly updated game content, and active virtual communities. What was once a leisure pastime is now a virtual lifestyle that interferes with real life relationships. The road to recovery starts with understanding that you have a problem and taking the appropriate steps to fix it.
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Addiction
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The need to play video games is a psychological addiction. According to Kimberly Young, author of "Caught in the Net: How to Recognize the Signs of Internet Addiction," gaming addicts are similar to gamblers in that both activities raise dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical that increases feelings of motivation and pleasure.
Extreme Cases
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Many extreme cases involving gaming addiction have occurred in Southeast Asia. For instance, a 28-year-old Korean man collapsed and died after playing a marathon session of the online real-time strategy game "Starcraft." In another example, a Korean couple allowed their 3-month-old baby to die of malnutrition and neglect while they raised a virtual baby in an online fantasy game.
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Seeing the Signs
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Realizing that you actually have a problem is the most difficult aspect of video game addiction. Video game addiction is still considered to be a new condition, so there is no set standard to measure yourself by; however, if you have routinely overlooked your real life commitments (such as school or work), jeopardized a relationship in favor of playing video games, or become unhappy or irritable when you are unable to play, then it is clear that you have a dependence on video games.
Understanding Your Problem
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You need to know what types of games it is that you like to play the most and why. For instance, do you play MMO-style computer games to interact with other players online and discuss topics specific to gaming? If so, you desire social interaction and gaming is your outlet.
Planning a Solution
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Lay out a simple gaming regimen that you will adhere to. Like drugs or alcohol, quitting video games cold turkey can be difficult; thus, you should select a specific time of the day you will play and for how long. For example, if you originally played 35 hours a week, lower your total gaming time to 32 hours and continue to lower it by small increments each week.
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References
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- Photo Credit playing video games image by Lisa Turay from Fotolia.com
