Signs of Video Game Addiction – Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous

Video Game addiction is the compulsive and harmful use of video games leading to distress, suffering, or other negative life consequences. It can involve online games on phones or computers, console games on platforms like Playstation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, or watching others’ gameplay on websites like Twitch or YouTube. Over time, video game addiction can lead to changes in the brain that compromise our ability to focus, prioritize, regulate our mood, and relate to others.

Those of us who have come to identify as video game addicts experienced several common symptoms. We played games for longer than we intended, despite attempts to control or cut back our use. Even when we were aware of the consequences and wanted to stop, we were unable to do so. When we weren’t playing video games, we experienced negative consequences and felt distracted and anxious, leaving us unable to enjoy and be present with our offline lives. We used video games to escape our problems and our emotions. Our addictive behaviors jeopardized our relationships with loved ones, educational pursuits, and career opportunities. We felt shame and demoralization about our gaming.

When we first noticed these troubling warning signs, we began to acknowledge that something wasn’t right. But many of us still questioned whether we really had an addiction. For those of us still wondering, the following questions may help us better identify whether there are signs of video game addiction in our lives.

Video Game Addiction Questionnaire:

Do I ever start log on to a game with the intention of only playing for a short while, and then discover that hours have passed?
Do I ever swear off or set limits around particular games or gaming habits, and then break my commitments?
Do I have gaming binges that last all day or late into the night?
Do I turn to video games whenever I have free time?
Does my use of video games lead me to neglect my personal hygiene, nutritional needs, physical health, or other important daily activities?
Do I feel lonely, emotionally absent, distracted, or anxious when I’m not playing video games?
Does my video game use contribute to conflict or avoidance in personal relationships?
Have my video game behaviors jeopardized my schoolwork, finances, or career?
Do I hide or lie about the amount of time I spend on video games or the kinds of digital content I consume?
Do I feel guilt or shame around my game playing?

Nobody should have to suffer due to their gaming behaviors. If you’ve answered yes to several of the above questions and identify with any of these symptoms of video game addiction, we encourage you to consider getting support.

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What Are The Effects of Video Game Addiction?

Video game addiction is closely related to internet addiction disorder (IAD), which was first investigated by the psychologist Dr. Kimberly S. Young, who published the original معايير التشخيص for this mental health condition in 1998. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR in APA) has formally labeled اضطراب الألعاب عبر الإنترنت as an addiction, and this finding has also been included in the latest addition of diseases reported on by the World Health Organization (International Classification of Diseases, ICD-11). There is إجماع واسع النطاق from both researchers and clinicians that the problematic and compulsive overuse of the internet, digital media, and video games has been rising over the past two decades, and that the prevalence of this behavioral addiction is associated with a variety of emotional, physical, interpersonal, and professional problems.

Perhaps most significantly, the dopamine releases triggered by video game addiction have been shown to cause التغيرات الهيكلية في الدماغ تشبه إلى حد كبير التغييرات التي حدثت في الأشخاص الذين يعانون من إدمان الكحول أو المخدرات. هذه التغييرات تؤدي إلى ضعف في صناعة القرار, منطق, توقع المكافأة, وظيفة تنفيذية, الوظيفة المعرفية, المعالجة العاطفية، و لنا الذاكرة العاملة. أظهرت مجموعة متنوعة من الدراسات أن الوصول إلى التلفزيون وألعاب الفيديو النقصان كمية مسكنات الألم التي يحتاجها مرضى المستشفى.

Of course, the effects of this addiction are not only reflected in the structure of our brains, but in our daily lives as well. Internet and technology addiction is strongly associated with اضطراب السيطرة على الانفعالات, اضطراب فرط الحركة ونقص الانتباه (ADHD), اضطرابات القلق, increased substance use، و اكتئاب. In addition to these co-occurring disorders, it’s associated with a higher risk of cardiometabolic disease and obesity, lower sleep quality, increased fatigue، و symptoms of insomnia, all of which are correlated to a higher mortality rate. ربما الأكثر مأساوية هو أن الأفراد الذين يعانون من إدمان الإنترنت والتكنولوجيا لديهم معدلات أعلى بكثير من التفكير والتخطيط والمحاولات الانتحارية -ما يقرب من ثلاثة أضعاف المتوسط.

These findings are cause for serious concern. While some might minimize the impact of video game addiction in comparison to chemical substances, the truth is that video game addiction causes significant impairment in our brains in a manner similar to the effects produced by substance abuse of alcohol, heroin, or other drugs.

Who is at risk for Video Game Addiction?

Video Game addiction is a condition that can affect people of all ages, from children and adolescents to those later in life. Our meetings include young adults, college students, working professionals, parents, and retirees, with members of all ages, genders, and ethnicities from around the world. While the risk factors are varied, video game addiction does not discriminate based on age, educational level, socio-economic status, geography, race, or ethnicity. Its negative effects impact not only the addict themselves, but also أفراد أسرهم وأصدقائهم. By damaging our potential, our self-esteem, and our quality of life, excessive use of video games can impair our lives. Additionally, by contributing to depression and suicidal tendencies, the mental health issues caused by our addiction can be life-threatening. Regardless of our background, if our video game habits are causing us to experience distress or difficulties, there are actions we can take to improve our situation and find relief.

A Solution for Video Game Addiction

في حين أن إدمان الإنترنت والتكنولوجيا قد بدأ فقط في تلقي الاهتمام في السنوات الأخيرة ، فإن مرض الإدمان ليس جديدًا. وجد الملايين من الأشخاص تحررًا مستدامًا وطويل الأمد من سلوكياتهم التي تسبب الإدمان من خلال مجموعات دعم المساعدة المتبادلة المصممة على غرار مدمنو الكحول المجهولون. حديثا مراجعة منهجية التي أجراها باحثو الصحة العامة في جامعة ستانفورد ، قرروا أن المشاركة في Alcoholics Anonymous كان دائمًا تقريبًا أكثر فعالية من العلاجات الأخرى في تحقيق الامتناع المستمر عن إدمان الكحول. تم تكييف نموذج AA بنجاح لمساعدة الأشخاص الذين يعانون من مجموعة متنوعة من الإدمان ، بما في ذلك المخدرات والماريجوانا والنيكوتين والجنس والمواد الإباحية والطعام ، من بين أمور أخرى.

In continuation of this tradition, Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous applies the proven model of AA to help those who are suffering from an addiction to video games find long-term freedom from their self-destructive behaviors. We share our experience, strength, and hope with each other through اجتماعات المجموعة و العلاقات الفردية، ونعمل على برنامج تعافي يعتمد على اثنتي عشرة خطوة لمدمني الكحول المجهولين. اجتماعاتنا مجانية ومجهولة المصدر ، ونرحب بأي شخص يعتقد أنه قد يستفيد من الدعم لزيارة أحد اجتماعاتنا.

يشارك الأعضاء خبراتهم في العثور على التعافي في ITAA

Family members and gamer schoolmates introduced me to video games when I was a kid. I loved the challenge, the learning, the freedom and the outreach I experienced. It made so much sense! However, the habit began taking control of my life while I was in sixth grade. I realized I was addicted. I tried to control my use on and off for years, but it hardly helped. Eventually, I found freedom from my addiction through ITAA.

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I came to ITAA to get help with my video game playing time. The program helped me quit and I’ve been sober for two months, my longest time without playing a game since I can remember. I even learnt that I have adjacent “addictions”, like watching streams of video games. It has been life-changing for me. I have finally been able to start applying for jobs after my wife has been paying our bills for years.

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My video game addiction took away all the time I could have used to live, have a career, have more meaningful relationships in the real world. It made me miserable. Through ITAA, I’m learning now to rebuild and enjoy my life.

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Gaming was like crack cocaine for me—when I started, I had no idea when I’d stop. It could last 15 minutes, 15 hours, or 15 days. I especially struggled with role-playing games and multiplayer online battle arena games. I came to ITAA incredibly desperate and I can’t begin to describe how life-changing the program has been. It’s been over six years since I last played a video game and my life has been immeasurably improved as a result.

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Our program has helped countless people find long-term freedom from video game addiction. For more personal stories, we encourage you to read and listen to the قصص الانتعاش على موقعنا.

How to Recover From Video Game Addiction

While there is no permanent or quick cure for an addiction to video games, there are concrete actions we can take to recover from our compulsive behaviors and restore our emotional and mental wellbeing. We have found the following actions to be of significant help in finding long-term, sustainable freedom from our compulsive and problematic use of video games.

حضور الاجتماعات اليومية. بالإضافة إلى عدد متزايد من اجتماعات وجهًا لوجه حول العالم ، تمتلك ITAA اجتماعات يومية عبر الإنترنت حيث تلتقي زمالتنا العالمية لمشاركة الخبرة والقوة والأمل مع بعضنا البعض. نحن نشجع على محاولة حضور ستة اجتماعات في إطار زمني قصير للمساعدة في تقرير ما إذا كانت ITAA قد تكون مفيدة لنا.
قم بالاتصال للمشاركة يوميًا Our video game dependence drew us into isolation and self-reliance. As we begin to recover, we learn that we can trust others and be vulnerable. استدعاء الأعضاء الآخرين خارج الاجتماعات يساعدنا على البقاء على اتصال ، ودعم ، ورصين ، ويمنحنا فرصة للمشاركة بتفاصيل أكبر مما قد نفعله أثناء الاجتماع.
امتنع. بمساعدة الأعضاء الآخرين في التعافي ، نحن تحديد والامتناع عن التصويت من السلوكيات الإدمانية المحددة التي تسبب أكبر الصعوبات في حياتنا. نحن ندرك أن هذه عملية تتكشف بمرور الوقت ، ونستفيد من الدعم المتاح لنا في ITAA لنبقى متيقظين يومًا في كل مرة.
تعلم المزيد عن التعافي. يحتوي موقعنا على الكثير مصادر حول طبيعة إدماننا وكيف يمكننا ذلك على أفضل وجه رسم رحلة التعافي لدينا, انتقل إلى أعراض الانسحاب، و الاستجابة للرغبة الشديدة. بالإضافة إلى ذلك ، هناك مجموعة غنية من المؤلفات من برامج 12 خطوة أخرى يمكننا الاعتماد عليها لإبلاغ عملية الشفاء بشكل أفضل ولمعرفة المزيد عن الأساليب التي تم اختبارها عبر الزمن والتي ساعدت الملايين من المدمنين الآخرين على التعافي.
ابحث عن مشرف واتخذ الخطوات لقد استفدنا من سؤال شخص ما نتردد معه رعايتنا و العمل الاثنتي عشرة خطوة جنبًا إلى جنب معهم ، وهو الأساس الحيوي والتحويلي للتعافي طويل الأمد من إدماننا. من الطرق الرائعة للتواصل مع الرعاة المحتملين إجراء مكالمات توعية مع الأعضاء الآخرين الذين يتسمون باليقظة ويعملون على الخطوات.
استفد من المساعدة الخارجية. Many members supplement their recovery with a variety of resources beyond ITAA, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, group therapy, psychiatry, inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment centers, other 12-Step fellowships, spiritual counsel, or other mental health wellness resources. While we do not endorse any one treatment option or intervention in particular, we encourage all members to avail themselves of any outside help that can support them in their recovery journey. A healthcare provider, mental health professional, or treatment facility may be able to give advice tailored to your situation.

What Does Sobriety From Video Game Addiction Look Like?

الرصانة في ITAA هي عملية اكتشاف تبدو مختلفة لكل واحد منا. كجزء من هذه العملية ، نحن تحديد والامتناع عن التصويت from the specific behaviors which trigger our addiction. We have also found it beneficial to establish a positive vision for our internet and technology use. For example, we may practice using technology purposefully, minimally, or only as necessary. We respect each member’s own path to recovery, and we work with other experienced members to help define what sobriety means for each of us as individuals. As part of this process, we lean on meetings and phone calls to help maintain our sobriety commitments. Rather than gaming for distraction or to numb our emotions, we seek to use technology as a tool for meeting our goals, living in alignment with our values, and developing flourishing lives. In the process, we develop and strengthen real-life friendships, our social skills, and our self-esteem.

أنواع إدمان الإنترنت

While we all suffer from a common disease, it expresses itself in different ways for each of us. The following are some common compulsive internet and technology behaviors. It’s important to keep in mind that this list is neither comprehensive nor prescriptive—it is essential to identify our own personal compulsive or unnecessary internet and technology behaviors with the help of experienced, sober members.

Social media addiction is the addictive use of social media platforms, messaging apps, newsfeeds, discussion forums, chat rooms, and online communities. Addictive social media use can include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, تيك توك, Snapchat, Discord, Reddit, Pinterest, and others.
إدمان مشاهدة الفيديوهات is the compulsive and addictive use of any streaming platforms or content. This includes online videos, movies, television, podcasts, and platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Twitch, or تيك توك.
إدمان الهاتف is the compulsive and self-destructive use of smartphone devices and apps. This may involve excessive phone use or compulsive notification checking, especially at inappropriate times such as late at night or while studying, working, or driving.
إدمان المواد الإباحية هو الاستهلاك الإدماني للمحتوى الجنسي الرقمي ويمكن أن يؤدي أيضًا إلى سلوكيات جنسية رقمية أخرى غير صحية. يمكن أن يشمل ذلك مقاطع الفيديو والصور أو الكتابة الإباحية وصور الإثارة الجنسية وغرف الدردشة المجهولة وتطبيقات المواعدة.
إدمان المعلومات هي علاقة إدمانية وغير صحية للبحث واستهلاك المعلومات. يمكن أن يشمل ذلك الإدمان على الأخبار ، والتمرير في موجزات الوسائط الاجتماعية ، والتسوق عبر الإنترنت ، والموسوعات عبر الإنترنت ، والبحث القهري عبر الإنترنت مثل البحث عن المنتجات أو الصحة.

حول ITAA

مدمنو الإنترنت والتكنولوجيا مجهولون هي زمالة من اثنتي عشرة خطوة تقوم على المبادئ التي ابتكرها مدمنو الكحول المجهولون. تعتمد منظمتنا بالكامل على المتطوعين وتدعم نفسها بنفسها. الشرط الوحيد للمشاركة في ITAA هو الرغبة في التوقف عن استخدام الإنترنت والتكنولوجيا بشكل إلزامي.

We have no opinions on outside issues, and we neither condemn nor condone any particular technology. We are not affiliated with any political agenda, religious movement, or outside interests. Our single purpose is to abstain from compulsive internet and technology use and to help others find freedom from this addiction. ITAA is a US 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt nonprofit incorporated in the state of Colorado.

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Page last updated on سبتمبر 3, 2023