You may have an Internet gaming addiction when you spend so much time playing online games or on the Internet that it affects your daily life. Any device that has internet access can be addictive, such as smartphones or tablets. This problem is most common among young adults.
How does it affect you? If you become addicted to games or using the Internet, your grades could drop, you are unable to go to work, your relationship with family becomes strained, you sleep poorly, you don't feel like eating, and you feel depressed or angry.
Internet/gaming addicts justify their time online with excuses such as:
- Who needs reality when the virtual world is so much fun?
- Meeting my friends or chatting online is the same thing, isn't it?
- It's such a great way to cope when I am feeling down; it's always there when I need it, and I can shut the world out.
- If all my friends are playing online games, why can't I? I don't want to be left out.
- I can be anyone I want to be. It's totally safe.
Help is available
It's not weak to ask for help to overcome your excessive gaming or Internet use. Treatment is available to help you recover and get your life back on track. The sooner you seek help the better.
Our multi-disciplinary team of specialists provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for those addicted to internet/ gaming, or show signs of risk.
