You Really Can Become Addicted to Video Games!

What to Know About Gaming Disorder
Gaming is a popular hobby and a way for children and adults to de-stress and socially connect with others. It is even used for education. However, too much gaming can also have harmful consequences. The World Health Organization defines a gaming disorder as “a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior, which may be online or offline, manifested by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.” In other words, If gaming interferes with and negatively impacts your relationships, job, schoolwork, finances, and other daily activities, it is a problem. Remember: the key to gaming is moderation. 

What You Should Know
Billions of people play video games and the majority of them do not have a gaming addiction. The World Health Organization estimates that about 3-4% of those who play video games have an addiction. However, video games are designed to be addictive and keep players hooked. The more people gaming companies can get hooked on their games, the more money they will make. 

Video games are extremely stimulating and provide players with a high level of dopamine. This can cause players to live in a world where they expect instant gratification. Players use games as a way to escape from the real world and they are so interactive that it is easy to play for hours without even noticing. A few things to look out for are manipulative game design features like in-app purchases, microtransactions, and loot boxes, which are often targeted towards the most vulnerable– kids. Some governments consider these a form of gambling and have declared them illegal. 

A gaming disorder is a compulsive mental health disorder that can cause severe damage to a person’s life. People addicted to video games may suffer from sleep deprivation since it is not uncommon for them to spend 10 plus hours gaming, usually at night. They may also become dehydrated and malnourished. Many gamers are known to have poor diets including many energy drinks full of caffeine and sugar. They may be moody, irritable, depressed, physically aggressive, and refuse to go to school or work due to gaming. Some gaming addicts can also become withdrawn from their social lives or develop agoraphobia, which is an anxiety disorder in which they fear leaving the house.

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Locations in Norwalk, Stamford, and Bridgeport.
203.866.2541, extension #3005

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Location in Bridgeport
203.366.5817
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Events at a Glance
Virtual Lunch & Learn: Tobacco Compliance Checks
March 23rd, 12 - 1 PM
Virtual Showcase: Youth Gambling Prevention
March 23rd, 3- 4 PM
March 24th, 09:30 AM
Meeting ID: 873 1449 6035
Gambling 101
March 25th, 10 AM - 12 PM
NAMI SMARTS for Advocacy Training
March 26th, 9 -1 PM
Not Just a Game
March 29th, 11 AM - 1 PM
QPR Training
March 29th, 7 - 8:30 PM
Supporting LGBTQ & Questioning Youth
March 30th at 7 PM

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