Addictive Games

Addictive games start out as fun, but if you have a video game addiction, the games control you and it becomes a compulsive behavior -- and it's not fun any more.

Just like any other addiction video game addiction has specific symptoms.

Psychological symptoms of computer addiction

You feel ‘amazing’ when you’re on the computer.

You can’t stop playing

You neglect family and friends

You crave more time on the computer.

You feel empty, depressed, and irritable when you’re not playing addictive games

You lie about gaming.

Physical symptoms of a computer addiction

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Migraine headaches

Irregular eating: skipping meals etc.

Lack of hygiene

Sleep problems

Obsessive thinking of playing

After reading these symptoms ask yourself if you have a Find out if you have a computer addiction and get tips to stop. Just like any other addiction video game addiction has specific symptoms.

Psychological symptoms of computer addiction

You feel ‘amazing’ when you’re on the computer.

You can’t stop playing

You neglect family and friends

You crave more time on the computer.

You feel empty, depressed, and irritable when you’re not playing addictive games

You lie about gaming.

Physical symptoms of a computer addiction

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Migraine headaches

Irregular eating: skipping meals etc.

Lack of hygiene

Sleep problems

Obsessive thinking of playing

After reading these symptoms ask yourself if you have a computer addiction

And like any other addiction, the first thing you have to do is get rid of your twisted thinking and break your denial.

Tips to break video game addiction

2) Ask yourself, if you are addicted to a particular game or is it any game?

3) Figure out what causes you to play addictive games. Ex: when you’re around certain people, at particular website? These are your triggers to play and you should avoid them. They give you cravings.

4) Wean yourself off a video game addiction gradually.

5) Time yourself. If you play on the computer 22 hours a week, cut down to 19 or so. Keep at it, and fill your time with the activities that you’ve been avoiding.

Don’t be hard on yourself. Like any addiction, you will relapse and go back to your old behavior. Don’t be discouraged, just get back on track, and stick to your goal to cut down and eventually stop altogether.

Are you enabling a gamer? Here's how to stop

There are no 12-step recovery programs for computer addiction, however, because this is a growing problem which affects more and more young people, I’m sure that there will be. Sometimes medication for anxiety is helpful, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and coaching for addictive games can help you or someone you know get back on track.

Do you think you have an addictive personality? You may be one of those people who are more likely to develop a compulsive behavior.

If you have a personal question, feel free to ask me or tell us your story and others will benefit too

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