Recovering from Video Game Addiction

インターネット・テクノロジー中毒者の会へようこそ!当会を見つけてくださり、ありがとうございます。このコミュニティが、私たちにとってそうであったように、あなたにとっても役立つことを願っています。 ITAAは、インターネットやテクノロジー依存症からの回復を互いに支え合う、12ステップに基づく自助グループです。 これには、ソーシャルメディア中毒、携帯電話中毒、動画中毒、テレビ中毒、ゲーム中毒、ニュース中毒、ポルノ中毒、出会い系アプリ、オンライン調査、オンラインショッピング、その他強迫的で問題となるあらゆるデジタル活動が含まれます。 

問題の大小に関わらず、ITAAがあなたにとって役立つかどうか、ぜひ一度私たちの毎日のミーティングに参加してみてください。ミーティングは無料で、インターネット依存症でお悩みの方ならどなたでもご参加いただけます。ミーティングは安全で、匿名で行われます。ITAAは非常に多様性に富んでおり、ミーティングには世界中からあらゆる年齢、性別、民族のメンバーが参加しています。さらに、私たちは以下の場所でもミーティングを開催しています。 フランス語, スペイン語, ロシア, ドイツ語, オランダ語, ヘブライ語, アラビア語、 そして 研磨. また、以下の地域で対面でのミーティングを見つけることもできます。 あなたの街.

What is video game addiction?

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, VR games, 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:

  1. 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?
  2. Do I ever swear off or set limits around particular games or gaming habits, and then break my commitments?
  3. Do I have gaming binges that last all day or late into the night?
  4. Do I turn to video games whenever I have free time?
  5. Does my use of video games lead me to neglect my personal hygiene, nutritional needs, physical health, or other important daily activities?
  6. Do I feel lonely, emotionally absent, distracted, or anxious when I’m not playing video games?
  7. Does my video game use contribute to conflict or avoidance in personal relationships?
  8. Have my video game behaviors jeopardized my schoolwork, finances, or career?
  9. Do I hide or lie about the amount of time I spend on video games or the kinds of digital content I consume? 
  10. 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.

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 診断基準 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 インターネットゲーム障害 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 広範な合意 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 脳の構造変化 非常に似た変化が アルコールや薬物依存症の人々. これらの変化は、私たちの 意思決定, 推論, 報酬への期待, 実行機能, 認知機能, 感情処理、そして私たちの ワーキングメモリ. さまざまな研究により、 テレビとビデオゲーム 減少する 鎮痛剤の量 必要とする 入院患者.

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 衝動制御障害, 注意欠陥多動性障害(ADHD), anxiety disorders, 薬物使用の増加、 そして depression. In addition to these co-occurring disorders, it’s associated with a higher risk of cardiometabolic disease and obesity, 睡眠の質の低下, 疲労感の増加、 そして 不眠症の症状, それらはすべて 相関関係 へ 死亡率が高い. おそらく最も悲劇的なのは、インターネットやテクノロジー依存症の人は、自殺念慮、自殺計画、自殺未遂の発生率がはるかに高いことである。平均の約3倍.

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 彼らの家族や友人. 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

インターネットやテクノロジーへの依存が注目され始めたのは近年のことだが、依存という病気自体は新しいものではない。何百万人もの人々が、アルコール依存症者の自助グループをモデルにした相互扶助グループを通して、依存行動から持続的かつ長期的な自由を得てきた。 系統的レビュー conducted by Stanford public health researchers determined that participation in Alcoholics Anonymous was nearly always found to be more effective than other therapies in achieving continuous abstinence from alcoholism. The AA model has been successfully adapted to help people suffering from a variety of addictions, including narcotics, marijuana, nicotine, sex, pornography, and food, among others.

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 グループミーティング そして 一対一の関係, 私たちは、アルコホーリクス・アノニマス(AA)の12ステップに基づいた回復プログラムを実施しています。ミーティングは無料で匿名で参加でき、サポートが必要だと感じた方はどなたでもお気軽にご参加ください。

Members Share Their Experiences Finding Recovery in 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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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 recovery stories on our website.

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.

  1. 毎日の会議に出席する. 増加する数に加えて 対面での会議 世界中で、ITAAは 毎日のオンライン会議 私たちのグローバルな仲間たちが集まり、経験、力、希望を分かち合う場です。ITAAが私たちにとって有益かどうかを判断するために、短期間に6回の会合に参加してみることをお勧めします。
  2. 毎日、連絡を取るための電話をかけましょう。 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. 他のメンバーに電話をかける 会議以外の場で交流することで、私たちは繋がりを保ち、支え合い、そして断酒を続けることができます。また、会議中よりも詳細に情報を共有する機会にもなります。
  3. 控える. 回復中の他のメンバーの助けを借りて、 識別して控える 私たちは、生活の中で最も大きな困難を引き起こしている特定の依存行動から脱却することを目指しています。これは時間をかけて進むプロセスであることを認識しており、ITAAで利用できるサポートを活用して、一日一日を大切にしながら断酒を続けています。
  4. 回復プロセスについて詳しくはこちらをご覧ください. 当社のウェブサイトには多くの リソース 私たちの依存症の本質と、私たちがどのように最善を尽くせるかについて 回復への道のりを描き出そう, 離脱症状に対処する、 そして 欲求に応える. さらに、他の12ステッププログラムには豊富な文献があり、それらを参考にすることで、私たちの回復プロセスをより良く理解し、何百万人もの他の依存症患者の回復に役立ってきた実績のある方法についてさらに学ぶことができます。
  5. スポンサーを見つけて、手順に取り組みましょう。 私たちは、共感できる人に頼むことで恩恵を受けてきました。 スポンサーになってください そして働く 12ステップ 彼らと共に歩むことは、依存症からの長期的な回復にとって不可欠かつ変革的な基盤となります。潜在的なスポンサーとつながるための素晴らしい方法は、断酒を続け、12ステップに取り組んでいる他のメンバーに連絡を取ることです。
  6. 外部の支援を活用しましょう。 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?

ITAAにおける禁酒は、私たち一人ひとりにとって異なる発見のプロセスです。このプロセスの一環として、私たちは 識別して控える 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.

インターネット依存症の種類

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.

  • ソーシャルメディア中毒 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, インスタグラム, ツイッター, TikTok、Snapchat、Discord、 Reddit, Pinterest, その他。
  • ストリーミング中毒 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、 または TikTok.
  • スマホ中毒 スマートフォンやアプリを強迫的に、かつ自己破壊的に使用することを指します。これには、特に深夜や勉強中、仕事中、運転中など不適切な時間帯における、過剰な電話の使用や強迫的な通知の確認などが含まれます。
  • ポルノ中毒 is the addictive consumption of digital erotic content and can also entail other unhealthy digital sexual behaviors. This can include pornographic videos, images, or writing, sexually arousing imagery, cybersex addiction, AI-generated pornography, anonymous chat rooms, and dating apps.
  • 情報中毒 is an addictive and unhealthy relationship to researching and consuming information. This can include an addiction to the news, scrolling social media feeds, online shopping, online encyclopedias, AI chatbots, and compulsive online research such as product or health research.

ITAAについて

インターネット・テクノロジー依存症者匿名会(ITAA)は、アルコール依存症者匿名会(AA)が提唱した原則に基づいた12ステップの自助グループです。当団体は完全にボランティアによって運営され、自主的に運営されています。ITAAに参加するための唯一の条件は、インターネットやテクノロジーへの強迫的な依存をやめたいという願望を持つことです。

私たちは外部の問題について意見を表明することはなく、特定の技術を非難することも容認することもありません。いかなる政治的アジェンダ、宗教運動、または外部の利益団体とも提携していません。私たちの唯一の目的は、インターネットやテクノロジーへの強迫的な依存を断ち、他の人々がこの依存から解放されるよう支援することです。ITAAは、コロラド州に設立された米国連邦税法501(c)(3)条に基づく非営利団体です。 


Page last updated on 5月 31, 2026