Addiction Treatment: Methadone Facts

Question: Game addiction treatment?

(Posted by: concerned on 2009-05-11 19:37:54)

Do you know of a reputable place to treat kids/ men who are over 20 years old with electronic game (gameboy, video, etc) addiction?

Posted by: Marcia on 2009-05-11, 20:37:46

No, but I suspect that there are some brain chemistry and motivational rewards systems going on with video games that are not necessarily present with some other forms of behavioral addiction: In the early 1980's I took a Jr level "Learning " class from the psych department that satisfied the Ed and Psych dept requirements. My prof was one of the few that could teach multiple courses out of both departments. He was very turned on about the future and benefits of CAI (Computer Aided Instruction). He spoke of the intrinsic reward system with respect to getting correct answers and motivation; what can I say, "Motivation " was a different quarter-long class and many of us were already struggling with distinguishing learning from motivation as if they occurred independently from each other in a vacuum as presented. And he spoke of some potential bio-chemical and brain functioning changes which could even lead to CAI or self education as becoming habitual to the point of becoming addictive. Of course he also thought that CAI was the best thing since sliced bread particularly since it could replace the personal bias introduced in teacher-student learning, also as a preferred and efficient method of instruction. - As students, we envisioned and responded to his concepts about the way we've come to realize the "delights " of automated phone systems in this past decade. My bias is that electronic game addiction has been relatively real for many, many years. But, like gambling, shopping, sexual, and other specialized addictions its impact has been under rated during its period of identification. I would venture to say that electronic game addiction is still relatively under defined in general. Whether the egg came before the chicken, or the chicken before the egg - it seems that those I've known who have been "heavy gamers " end up with inter-personal socialization and isolation issues outside of their gaming world. Whether there is brain chemistry involved similar to those with a chemical dependence or not, the gaming machine/ game definitely seems to have an equivalent control to that of an addictive substance or a gambling table. Equally problematic is that many serious gamers are good at gaming while thier non-gaming lives drift away; if they could support themselves gaming, many wouldn't hit any real-life radars. I would imagine that someone who treats obsessive-compulsive disorders while recognizing the draw of electronic games is what you're looking for. I seem to remember that this is where the folks who treat gambling, shopping, and hoarding/ pack ratting, and eating disorders originated.

Posted by: Jack J on 2009-05-11, 19:42:38

Y video games kick ass try talking to them if all else fails cut the game cord.

Posted by: TOMASZ on 2009-05-11, 19:48:03

Video game addiction is not really classified as an addiction in America therefore there are no real places where one can go for treatment. If the situation is really that bad then go to a psychiatrist that is your best hope. Other than that there is no real help except for throwing it out the window.

Posted by: Tay on 2009-05-11, 20:07:51

First of all, yes, this can TOTALLY be an addiction, a serious one too. Don't let anybody tell you it can't. Just like gambling can be an addiction also. Check this out: cbsnews.com/ stories/ 2006/ 07/ 03/ health/ webmd/ main1773956.shtml Theres an online support 12-step meeting if you need help in the meantime: olganon.org/ engadget.com/ 2006/ 07/ 15/ rehab-center-for-video-game-addicts-opens-in-amsterdam/ The only one I see online is the one in amsterdam. But there are many different things like support groups that would be available by looking them up in your specific area. I know that they have 12 step meetings almost anywhere, even for GA.