Identifying A Gaming Disorder
Constantly preoccupied with gaming
Spending inordinate amounts of time
Less efficient at work or school.
Less inclined to socialize except via online
Becoming depressed, anxious or irritable after having gone a stretch of time without playing video games.
Repeated attempts and failures to reduce playing video games
Being evasive and telling lies to family, friends and people in authority in a bid to try and conceal just how much time is spent playing video games.
Employing playing video games as an outlet for real life problems(coping through gaming).
Focus on tech, not the person when supporting: games use intermittent reinforcement, auto play, variable feedback, no stopping cues, artificial goals, unresolved cliff hangers (Resource: Adam Alter Irresistible book)
Gaming The System Podcast:
From Gaming Addiction to Ultramarathon Runner
Resources for Support:
Dr. Clifford Sussman
High Dopamine Activities (HDA) and Low Dopamine Activities (HDA).
Stop Gaming Community Support
A Reddit Support Community for quitting gaming
Restart Your
Life
Gaming Addiction Rehab
Dr. Hilarie Cash
Residential & outpatient
treatment center
Online Gamers
Anonymous
A 12-step self-help group
Center for Mental Health Treatment
Offers support with gaming
and internet use
Game Quitters
Helps people and parents whose video gaming is impacting their life in a negative way either quit or reduce their gaming
Healthy Gamer
Content, Coaching and Community for Healthy Gaming
Burns Clinical Life Options Inc.
Technology & gaming outpatient program in Victoria, BC
Cyber Sober:
A Caregivers Guide to Video Gaming Addiction
By Elaine Uskoski
A practical resource for parents and caregivers dealing with video gaming addiction. Drawing from her personal experience with her son’s gaming addiction, Uskoski offers insights into the signs and symptoms of addiction, the emotional and psychological impacts, and strategies for intervention and recovery. The book provides guidance on how to set boundaries, foster open communication, and support loved ones in overcoming their dependency on gaming. It serves as a supportive guide for families navigating the challenges of video gaming addiction.
Video Games & Your Kids
How Parents Stay in Control
By Hilarie Cash and Kim McDanie
A comprehensive guide for parents navigating the impact of video games on their children. This book examines the potential risks associated with excessive gaming, including addiction, social isolation, and academic challenges. It provides practical advice on setting healthy boundaries, recognizing warning signs of problem gaming, and fostering a balanced approach to technology use. With research-based insights and real-life examples, this book helps parents understand the influence of video games and empowers them to guide their children toward healthy gaming habits.
Game Addiction:
The Experience and the Effects
By Neils Clarke and P. Shayaun Scott
Exploring the phenomenon of video game addiction, examining its psychological, social, and emotional impacts. This book combines personal stories, clinical insights, and research to provide a comprehensive understanding of how gaming can become addictive and the consequences it can have on individuals and their relationships. It offers practical advice for recognizing the signs of addiction, understanding its underlying causes, and seeking help. This resource is valuable for gamers, families, and mental health professionals looking to address and manage game addiction effectively.