Popularity alone cannot determine addiction; listening to music is popular but no one has ever claimed that activity is addictive. A generally agreed upon definition of addiction “a chronic disease, characterized by loss of control over the use of a substance or behavior” definitely applies to some gamers. You may be a video game addict if any of the following apply to you:

• Inability to stop playing
• Decreased performance at work at school
• Lack of interest in family and friends
• Sleep disturbance
• Loss of interest in hygiene
• Decreased appetite
• Obsessing over the games; when you can play them next, etc.
• Lying to friends and family about the amount of time or money spent pursuing your “hobby”
• Stealing money to buy games
• Spending grocery money or rent money to buy games

The “jury is out” as to whether video game addiction is an actual mental disorder, but many indicators point to that being the case. Addictions of any type can be harmful and dangerous – both to the addicted person and those around him. Video game addiction is particularly detrimental to children, which sets it apart from most addictions, and perhaps raises a greater cause for alarm. Addiction of one kind often leads to other addictions as well; this is something parents should keep in mind if you suspect your child plays too long or too often at the video game console. Additionally, studies indicate that children who play violent games are prone to act violently in “real life”. When studied, even adults who compulsively play violent video games report more violent thoughts, attitudes and actions. There are also studies, however, that show people of any age who play violent video games take their aggressions out in the game mode and are less likely to act out. We don’t need to rely solely on studies to determine if increased violence is present – we can keep a close eye on the gamer.

Like those who abuse drugs or alcohol, video game addicts may experience:

• A high or rush – caused by increased adrenaline
• Changes in personality – Irritability and nervousness
• Mood swings – Can include violent moods
• Neurological damage – as dopamine levels increase dangerously

So far, there is no 12-step program available for those addicted to video games. Some adults, however, have found help at Gambler’s Anonymous because many similarities can be found between compulsive poker players (and other types of gambling) and those who play video games to excess. For those who don’t want to participate in 12-step work, one-on-one counseling with an addiction specialist may produce the best results.

Parents can often control early stages of addiction in the young by limiting the time kids can play, help them to re-channel their energies, etc. Many people believe this generation of young people is more prone to obesity because they sit and play video games – many of these kids don’t want to go outside and expend energy. In extreme cases, parents may want to get counseling for their children – if it can be nipped in the bud, there is hope that addiction may be avoided in the young.