Video game addiction: Does it exist?

Is there such thing as a video game addiction? If so, tell me about it. If not, then how can one get so hooked?

The quick response is yes a person can become addicted to video games. Some researchers are already labelling it under Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD). A person can become addicted to many behaviors. Some behaviors have a higher addictive potential. Any behavior that can rapidly change our mood and mental state has a potential for addiction.

One of the things that makes video games addictive is the action. Much like gambling addictions the person is stimulated by the action occurring. Despite all the activity occurring on the screen, the real action is in their head. Despite all the activity observed at the control pad, the action going on in their head is even faster and more intensive.

If you could hook up a PET scan of a persons brain while they are playing video games, it would become very apparent what parts of the brain are being stimulated and the extent of that stimulation. The amount of brain chemicals being released is staggering. Since the neurotransmitters are more powerful than street drugs, the mood change can be very dramatic. If you watch a video game addict, you will see the mood altering aspects of video games. The release of the neurotransmitters creates a visible mood change, and change in their thinking. Much like a person can become addiction to a street drug, they do so with their own self-produced chemicals. You will also see the drug/addiction seeking behaviors as well. Instead of “jonesing” for street drugs, they actively seek out video games for their fix. It is not by accident that people refer to World of Warcraft as “World of WarCrack”.

Unlike street drugs, drug screen will not provide indications of whether or not someone is addicted to video games. The addition of all the lights, sounds and vibrations add to the level of stimulation. Many games seek a total sensory experience. The more potential sources of stimulation the better.

The problems arise when the amount of play becomes destructive. When the person neglects hygiene, daily activities, sleep, eating and other self-care, they are well on their way to addiction. Since video games are more acceptable stimulation than gambling or drugs, many addictive personalities often resort to this activity to hide or mask their addictions. Instead of overcoming their previous addiction, they have transferred it to another object. If you watch serious video game players you will see the many mood altering experiences they go through when playing their games.

Does this mean that anyone who plays video games is addicted, by all means, no. What it does mean is that when their activities of daily living are significantly impacted, they are playing too much.