Therapy for people addicted to computer games, especially RPGs, is a long process. However, with a strong will and a real desire to overcome the addiction, success can be achieved. In the therapeutic process, we strive to eliminate the causes of the problem and teach the patient how the mechanism of addiction works.
What does the therapy of people addicted to games look like?
During the first meeting, we make a diagnosis, i.e. we confirm or exclude that the patient is addicted to games. We also assess the scale of the problem, i.e. the severity of symptoms and the impact of addiction on a person’s life and well-being. In addition, we determine the most important principles of therapy, i.e. its goals, frequency of meetings and methods of work.
The following weeks are used to understand the mechanism of addiction. The patient learns in what circumstances the need to play arises and how to refrain from gambling. To this end, we are working on alternative ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
Then comes the time for in-depth therapy, which is aimed at consolidating the obtained changes, but not only. At this stage, we often deal with the problems that led to the development of addiction. The sources of compulsive gambling often lie anxiety disorders, difficulties in establishing relationships in the real world, and low self-esteem.
We strive to eliminate the causes of addiction, as this significantly reduces the risk of relapse.
Therapeutic currents in the treatment of gaming addiction
In working with addicted people, cognitive behavioral therapy dominates, which focuses on changing destructive patterns of thinking and behavior. We try to replace them with healthier alternatives.
However, we can also achieve very good results thanks to other therapeutic trends. There is no one right way, so we take into account the individual needs of a particular person.
Many patients are helped by eclectic therapy, which combines techniques from different schools. This approach works especially well when the patient also has other mental disorders.
When to go to therapy for people addicted to games?
Therapy should be started by a person who:
- lost control over the time spent gaming,
- neglects school, work or home duties,
- resigns from social gatherings and isolates themselves from their loved ones,
- playing at the expense of sleep, rest and everyday needs,
- hides the real time spent on games from others,
- unsuccessfully tries to limit or interrupt playing,
- due to games, he achieves worse results in study or work,
- treats games as the best way to cope with stress,
- feels irritable, angry, or anxious when he can’t play.
The earlier an addicted person starts treatment, the greater the chance that they will be able to avoid health, family and professional problems caused by addiction.
What are role-playing games?
The strongest addiction is caused by RPG (role-playing games), i.e. role-playing productions in which the participant takes on the role of the protagonist and shapes the course of events and the game’s environment.
These types of titles allow you to move to virtual reality, where you can develop your character, complete goals and earn more rewards. For many people, this gives much more satisfaction than living in the real world.
MMORPGs, i.e. an online version of RPG based on online gameplay, are particularly risky. Unlike traditional RPGs, which typically focus on a single-player storyline, MMORPGs allow you to connect and have fun with a huge number of users.
The mechanism of addiction
The virtual world allows you to achieve success and gives you a sense of control, which many people lack in real life. Some people start playing precisely to take their minds off everyday problems. It’s a simple way to addiction.
Games provide intense stimuli that stimulate the brain to produce dopamine. In this way, they cause a state similar to the one we deal with after taking psychoactive substances.
They engage all the senses and cause a state of flow, i.e. cutting off from external stimuli and losing the sense of time. In such a situation, the player stops feeling hungry, drowsiness, and even physiological needs and pain.
Summary – what you should know about computer game addiction therapy
Therapy for gaming addiction is a long-term process, consisting of several stages. It is often combined with the treatment of other disorders that have led to the development of addiction.
Computer games, especially RPGs and MMORPGs, have a strong addictive potential. Therefore, it is worth keeping moderation and contacting a specialist quickly in case of worrying symptoms.
