Gamers
Therapists have said that some massive multiplayer online games, in which millions of people co-exist in video-game worlds, are as addictive as crack cocaine. Some youngsters, and adults, are spending so much time playing these games that they have lost touch with the real world.
A recent report by Sweden’s Youth Care Foundation described World of Warcraft, created by video-game behemoth Blizzard Entertainment, as “more addictive than crack cocaine”. The game attracts almost 12 million players every month, with users taking on the characters of dwarves, elves, wizards, and other fantasy creatures interacting with other players throughout a virtual world.
For some users the addiction to these massive multiplayer online games that they play them for up to 16 hours a day, leading them to neglect social and educational obligations.
Dr. Richard Graham, a consultant psychiatrist at the Tavistock Centre in London, has asked the Blizzard Entertainment, the company that makes Warcraft, to waive costs associated with joining the game so that therapists can more easily communicate with at-risk players. One down side to this, many therapists will have to familiarize themselves with the game to be able to reach out to those afflicted with addiction. In addition, there is no reason to believe that therapists will be received warmly on the game. In fact, simply typing ‘/block ‘username’ will bar therapists from making contact with their target patients until that person chooses otherwise. However, it is worth the try. Video game addiction is linked to ailments such as childhood obesity, cardiovascular disease, and decreases in eye sight.
The reasoning behind this form of treatment is that those suffering from internet addiction do not show the same outward signs as is the case with other kinds of addiction. This is because those suffering from internet addiction suffer from severe isolation and, as a result, are often out of mind and out of sight. As a result, therapists are searching for alternative ways to reach out to the afflicted group. No one can be sure that therapists will be able to reach out to gamers by joining them, but considering the long-term health and social effects of addiction, it is worth a try.
What is video game addiction?
Because of the severe isolation mentioned before, it’s often easy to overlook those who suffer from severe video game addiction. Oftentimes, the dangers go unnoticed simply because video games, when compared to hard drugs and alcohol, are often seen as ‘not dangerous’. However, like any other addiction, video game addicts exhibit the same psychological addictive behaviors described as an impulse control disorder.
Signs of Addiction
1. Most free time is spent on the computer or video game console.
2. Fatigue.
3. Not keeping up with professional or educational obligations.
4. Choosing the computer or video game console over time with friends and family.
5. Dropping out of activies such as social groups, clubs or sports.
6. irritable cranky or agitated when not playing a video game or on the computer.
7. Lying to others about computer or video game use.
8. So involved in playing video games that you do not eat, sleep, or bathe.
9. Experiencing physical symptoms such as backaches, dry eyes, carpal tunnel or carpal tunnel-like symptoms.
Make no mistake, massive multiplayer online role-playing games are designed to be addictive. If you think your child is becoming a video game addict, it’s time to take control. Let them cry, whine, and complain all they want about placing restrictions on their game use, but be the parent. As with anyone with an addiction, the emotional ‘high’ they feel keeps them from understanding they have a real problem. Create an intervention. Force them to meet with therapists until they find one . They will be able to help in getting the child to recognize their problem and the negative effects of it, such as lack of social life, lack of other interests, poor health, and poor social skills. At the least, it will be 1 to 2 hours that day that is not spent in front of a video game. You can also use the opportunity to take your child out to eat or some other activity that will result in more time spent away from gaming.
Will Lee
Counselor Network Writer