Gaming addiction is an experience that is often scoffed at by younger people and thrown around quite casually by older demographics. However, we at Clinic Les Alpes understand that gaming addiction is a significant disorder, and recognise the devastating impact of this addiction. Through compassionate and expert care, we offer to support those looking to recover and find new ways to live a meaningful and health-promoting life. Learn more below about gaming addiction, its symptoms, and its treatment. It is never too late or too early to start on the road to recovery.
The journey to recovery from gaming addiction begins with recognising the need for change, a task made all the more challenging by the pervasive presence of technology in our lives. From our workplaces and social environments to the comfort of our own homes, the digital world is ever-present, making it difficult to escape the grasp of compulsive gaming. It's essential to find a sanctuary away from these everyday triggers to truly start the healing process. An inpatient facility like Clinic Les Alpes offers that much-needed refuge, providing a secure environment where you can focus on building resilience against your compulsive behaviours.
Clinic Les Alpes stands out not just for its protective environment but also as a place for genuine transformation. Here, amidst the tranquillity of Switzerland's natural beauty, we offer a comprehensive treatment program tailored to combat gaming addiction. Through a blend of individual therapy, group sessions, and a variety of therapeutic activities, our clients gain insights into the triggers of their addiction and develop sustainable strategies for managing emotional and psychological challenges. With luxury amenities and a setting that includes views of the peaceful meadows and Lake Geneva, our clinic offers a serene backdrop for self-discovery and recovery, supported by a team dedicated to providing care, compassion, and expert guidance in addiction treatment.
Gaming addiction is a term commonly used by mental health and addiction professionals to describe an overwhelming urge to play video games, either on- or off-line, leading to distress and impairment in various areas of life. Individuals with gaming addiction often experience intense emotional highs and lows during gaming, leading to an addictive cycle of neurochemical reward-seeking, which reinforces the urge and ‘need’ to game despite negative consequences in your ‘real’ life.
It is important to acknowledge that some international diagnostic manuals, such as the DSM-5 do not currently have diagnostic criteria for ‘gaming addiction’. However, this does not mean that such an addiction is invalid or any less severe than other behavioural addictions, and other diagnostic manuals such as the ICD-11 are more advanced in recognising gaming addiction.
The International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11), defines Gaming Disorder as a pattern of gaming behaviour ("digital gaming" or "video-gaming") characterised by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.
For ‘gaming disorder’ to be diagnosed, the behaviour pattern must be of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The pattern of gaming behaviour may be continuous or episodic and recurrent. The diagnostic guidelines recommend that the behaviour should be evident for at least 12 months for a diagnosis to be assigned, although the required duration may be shortened if all diagnostic requirements are met and symptoms are severe.
If you think you may have a gaming addiction, consider if:
If you have said ‘yes’ for yourself, or someone you know, for the above points it may be time to seek professional help and support. Attending a rehabilitation centre can be a great way to start your recovery journey by addressing not only the gaming addiction, but also the root causes of why gaming can get so out of control for each unique person.
An assessment period enables the professional care team around you to learn more about you and what your needs and goals are for your treatment stay. This typically lasts 5-10 days, and you will be able to address all your health needs with a multidisciplinary team. By being open and honest with the team, they will be able to create a personalised treatment plan unique to you and your addiction.
During your treatment period, which is most often 28 days, you will undergo a variety of therapeutic interventions. This will include a range of more traditional talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, traditional psychotherapy, dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), and others.
It will also include complementary therapies in order to provide a somatic sense of recovery including massage, acupuncture, meditation, sound bowls, ayurvedic medicine, and more. Alternative therapies may also be proposed such as art therapy, music and dance therapy, or equine therapy.
It is important to remember that not only does individual therapy help with recovery, but that research has consistently demonstrated the ‘power of the group’ when it comes to group therapeutic experiences. Not only does this provide you with the opportunity to build new connections with people experiencing similar problems, but it also enables peers to hold each other accountable during their recovery.
Prior to graduating from treatment, your therapist will support you in putting together both a Relapse Prevention Plan and an Aftercare plan. These two plans will connect you with experienced professionals that can help you use your new skills to prevent lapses and cope adequately with triggers. You will be able to feel secure and strong in your newfound recovery.
Yes, gaming addiction is frequently intertwined with mental health issues. Many individuals may turn to excessive gaming as a way to escape or manage their emotions, suggesting the presence of underlying mental health challenges. Conversely, the compulsive engagement in gaming can lead to significant mental health problems due to its negative effects on various aspects of a person's life.
Tackling gaming addiction without addressing these concurrent mental health concerns is often an incomplete approach. Commonly associated issues include depression, anxiety, diminished self-esteem, social isolation, and difficulties in personal relationships. A holistic treatment strategy, encompassing therapy, counseling, and positive lifestyle adjustments, is crucial for not only overcoming the addiction but also improving the overall mental and emotional wellbeing of the individual.
The causes are multifaceted, including psychological, social, and biological factors. Some individuals may turn to gaming as a way to escape stress, anxiety, or depression, while others may develop an addiction due to the game's design and rewards systems.
There are many game that mimic the addictive lights and sounds used by gambling machines (“pokies” or “Slot machines”) to reinforce repeated stimuli. Others focus on using an ‘objective’ based system to imitate a sense of achievement and mastery which some people may find addictive if it is absent in their ‘real’ life. Others still encourage competition and ‘beating’ others, and this drive to ‘be the best’ and defeat others can be addictive as well.
The efficacy of treatment for gaming addiction can vary based on several factors including the individual's specific circumstances, the severity of the addiction, the presence of co-occurring mental health disorders, and the type of treatment program. The outcomes of treatment for gaming addiction can be positive, especially with early intervention and a comprehensive, tailored approach to treatment.
Yes, people can recover from gaming addiction. Recovery is a process that involves addressing the psychological, emotional, and sometimes physical aspects that contribute to the addiction. It often requires a comprehensive approach that may include therapy, lifestyle changes, support from friends and family, and possibly medication for co-occurring mental health issues. With the right professional support, and ongoing care, it is possible for anybody who truly desires recovery to overcome gaming addiction.
