A gaming disorder is when your child or teen has trouble stepping away from their video games to the point where it affects their academics and social life. This disorder is a real condition recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a mental health condition. If your child spends a significant part of their day playing video games and gets upset when they have to stop, they may be struggling with a gaming disorder.
The Ranch TN is a full-service mental health treatment center that welcomes people with a gaming disorder or other type of process addiction. Our team has experience treating all types of addiction, including video games, gambling, social media, and sex addiction. We will develop a comprehensive process addiction treatment program based on your unique symptoms. You will participate in group and private therapy sessions where you will learn to change your behaviors and stop spending so much time playing video games.
What Is a Gaming Disorder?
According to the WHO website, a gaming disorder is characterized by “impaired control of gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and activities1.” There are several key components that define this condition. These include:
- Impaired control: When a person has trouble controlling the urge to play more video games. This includes the frequency, duration, and intensity of gaming.
- Prioritization of gaming: When gaming takes precedence over other interests, daily activities, school work, social interaction, and other personal responsibilities.
- Continued gaming despite negative consequences: They continue gaming even though they are neglecting school work, family time, work, social engagement, and personal time.
If the gaming disorder is never treated, it can severely impact their future lives. They will continue to have problems in school and work, they will struggle to form healthy relationships and have trouble socializing and meeting new friends. Plus, a gaming disorder can lead to other mental health illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
What can you do if you or a loved one has a gaming disorder? Enroll in a process addiction treatment program. This program can address their gaming through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication to ease any depressive or anxiety symptoms, and holistic therapy, such as mindfulness practices, yoga, and meditation.
The Benefits of Treating Video Game Addiction
There are many benefits to treating video game addiction. Enrolling in a therapy program can help you realize what your gaming disorder is doing to you and how it is affecting those around you. If you are concerned that a friend or loved one is struggling with a gaming addiction, here are some of the benefits of treating video game addiction:
Addiction Education
When you first enroll in a treatment program, therapists will teach you about what is a gaming disorder and how it can impact your life. They will discuss the treatment programs used to treat the disorder and medications used if necessary and answer any questions you have about the program.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
CBT is very effective in treating gaming addiction and other types of addiction. A therapist will work with you to discuss your gaming and the negative behaviors it creates. They use various techniques to teach you healthy ways of addressing those feelings and prevent angry outbursts or other negative behaviors from happening.
In addition to CBT, other types of behavioral therapies can help. These include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Family therapy
Family Therapy
Family therapy is essential in a therapy environment. Those around you want to see you healthy and happy. Parents, siblings, and other close family members will participate in family therapy to resolve any lingering conflicts that can cause a disruption. They will learn all about gaming disorders and how they can become an integral part of your recovery experience by creating a stable and supportive home environment.
Schedule a Tour of Our Process Addiction Treatment Program Today at The Ranch TN
The Ranch TN supports Tennessee residents who want help breaking their gaming addiction. Our compassionate team will welcome you to our discreet location and take the time to get to know you and why you are here. We will develop a tailored treatment program based on your unique symptoms and triggers. You will work one-on-one with a professional therapist through group and private therapy sessions, where you will learn how to control your gaming habits.
If you or a loved one has a gaming addiction, use our online contact form or call 1.844.876.7680 today to schedule a consultation and tour of our mental health center.
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