Do you know that 2.7 billion people played video games in 2020 alone? That’s probably because of the global pandemic that kept everyone indoors. However, video games have rapidly gained popularity in this increasingly digitized world. And although video games can be entertaining and quite educational, they easily become addictive. But who’s to say you are addicted? Maybe you just like to play video games a lot. But how do you know if you are?
Am I Addicted to Video Games?
For most people, video games are an entertaining social activity. Even more, today, when online gaming is such a hit. But as you continue spending more time playing video games, it becomes isolating and results in addictive behaviors including:
Playing for Longer Periods
When you get immersed bingo the game, you tend to forget everything else. Your responsibilities, such as work and school, take the back seat, and you don’t feel threatened. Gaming becomes the most important thing, and you spend hours every day playing. Worse still, you refuse to let anything else take priority over your gaming.
Neglecting Sleep, Food, and Personal Care.
When you become a chronic gamer, you start neglecting your health and wellbeing. Sleep and food become less important, and you can go days without bathing, dressing, or brushing your teeth. Since you will be in your room all day, why bother, right? But you should know that long hours on the screen will result in health problems. Many gamers report backaches, headaches, and sleep deprivation.
Choosing the Game Over Anything Else
Video game addiction can have long-lasting consequences for a young person who is yet to develop social skills. There is a problem if you choose to isolate yourself rather than have fun with friends. You will never have the chance to build relationships outside of your gaming arena.
Why Does This Happen?
When you enjoy or fund video games pleasurable, your brain releases dopamine is on response. And once your brain relates video games with dopamine, you will want to play more to get that feeling again. Moreover, because dopamine is powerful in sustaining interest, it becomes difficult to tear yourself away from gaming.
But Can You Get Help?
Breaking the cycle of gaming can be done. But you will need video game therapy in New Jersey to kick this compulsive behavior. It might be as easy as unplugging your computer and reconnecting with friends and family. However, if you are addicted to video games, you will need cognitive behavior therapy and other programs. Even more, you might need to relearn some things like social skills and nutritional habits you might have neglected. The bottom line is video games are addictive. And if it goes unchecked, it will affect your quality of life. Furthermore, kids who start playing games when young might fail to develop important skills. Therefore, it is important to break the habit or avoid it before it develops. So as soon as you see the above symptoms of video game addiction, seek professional help.
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