What is Video Game Addiction?
Many people like playing video games on their home consoles, tablets, or smartphones, and it can be hard to tell when that simple and enjoyable past time turns into an uncontrollable compulsion. While experts have yet to agree on a concrete set of criteria that define video came addiction, the following set of behaviors can serve as warning signs and symptoms of a problem:
- Feeling restless or anxious when unable to play
- The need to play more often and more involved games in order to achieve the same level or pleasure and/or satisfaction
- Lying about the time spend playing or the amount of money spent obtaining fames
- Preoccupation with playing, finding time to play, or finding games to play
- Withdrawing from society, friends, or family in favor of playing
- Shirking duties at work, home, or school because of game playing
The Toll that Video Game Addiction Takes
While it make seem like playing too many video games is simply a quirk or, at worst, a waste of time, video game addiction can be disruptive and physical damaging. Video game addicts can become so preoccupied with playing that they lose track of time and fail to attend school, go to work, or keep social obligations. These small mistakes can snowball, leading to a failure to graduate school, the loss of a job, and even the loss of friends and family. Without treatment under the care of qualified professionals, physical symptoms can run rampant, including:
- Tiredness
- Eye strain or pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome or hand/wrist pain
- Poor personal hygiene
- Neck and back pain
- Headaches or migraines
Kicking the Habit
While video game addiction may not be specifically covered under your Value Options video game addiction coverage, you may be able to receive treatment under the guise of a mental or behavioral disorder. A combination of medications designed to curb impulse and therapy can help you stop playing and start concentrating on how to better control and improve your life. Recovery is never easy, but with the help of qualified professionals you can kick your video game addiction and start living the happy, healthy life you were meant to. Explore your Value Options video game addiction coverage today and start yourself on the road to a better you.