Could You Have a Video Game Addiction?

Video games may be a fun way to unwind and blow off steam at the end of a long day or connect with friends. But, like drugs and alcohol, video games may be used in ways that negatively affect your life. In fact, a video game addiction can affect your health, well-being, and relationships. 

Could your gaming habits mean you’re addicted? Keep reading to learn more about the signs of a gaming addiction and what you can do about it.

What is video game addiction?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), video game addiction involves:

• Being unable to control how much you use video games

• Prioritizing video games over other activities

• Continuing to game even though it's causes negative consequences in your life

Video game addiction is not currently recognized as a mental health disorder by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). The APA has identified internet gaming disorder as worthy of further study. Even though it is not officially recognized, many experts believe that video games can in fact be addictive.

What are the signs and symptoms of video game addiction?

The symptoms of a game addiction are similar to those of substance use disorders and other behavioral addictions.

Symptoms of video game addiction include:

• Being preoccupied with playing video games

• Having trouble cutting down on video game use

• Using video games as a way of coping with unwanted emotions

• Losing of interest in other activities due to gaming

• Lying about how much time you spend gaming

• Risking or actually losing a job, relationship, or other important opportunity due to gaming

• Continuing to video game excessively despite it causing problems

• Developing a tolerance to gaming

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not gaming

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What causes video game addiction?

Video game addiction is a complex problem that is influenced by a combination of factors.

Games now have the technological power to immerse you in adventure, sport, or challenge. They do this by sparking your senses with compelling sights, sounds, and vibrations. The extra realism can make a game even more engaging.

Video games are likely also addictive because they affect your brain and behaviors similar to other addictive substances. Playing a rewarding video game triggers a physical reaction by releasing a pleasurable chemical in your brain. The chemical, called dopamine, feels good. So, you keep repeating the same behaviors to continue experiencing that feeling.

Not everyone who plays games will become addicted. But many other factors can raise your risk of addiction, including:

• Impulsivity

• Trouble with self-control

• Anxiety

• Playing games on the weekdays

• Membership in an online gaming community

• Offline game club attendance 

• Spending money on gaming

How can a video game addiction impact your mental and physical health?

Video game addiction can negatively affect your physical and mental health in many ways. A gaming disorder is linked to mental health consequences like:

• Higher stress levels

• Greater loneliness

• Shorter attention span

• Memory problems

• Poor coping abilities

• Greater aggression

• Thoughts of suicide

Video game addiction is associated with having other mental health conditions like:

• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Social anxiety disorder

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

We do not know if video game addiction causes these mental health conditions or vice versa. There is a connection though.

You may also experience physical issues due to a gaming addiction. The possible physical health harms include:

• Seizures 

• Hallucinations

• Obesity 

• Neck pain

• Wrist pain 

• Sleeping problems

How can you treat a video game addiction?

Treatment for video game addiction may involve medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Therapy is often recommended as a treatment for video game addiction. The following therapy approaches may help:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that helps people change unhealthy thinking patterns and develop healthy coping skills. It’s used widely for various mental health conditions and can be modified specifically for video game addiction.

• Family therapy: A family therapy approach is recommended for families with children or teens struggling with their video game use. This form of therapy can help parents and children develop better communication skills and limits around electronics use.

• Reality therapy: Reality therapy focuses on helping people develop a sense of control over their choices. One study found that reality therapy with mindfulness in a group setting helped lower internet use among young adults.

Certain medications for depression and ADHD may be effective in lessening symptoms of video game addiction. These medications prescribed can include:

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

• Escitalopram (Lexapro)

• Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

• Atomoxetine (Strattera)

Along with these treatment approaches, researchers are testing interactive websites and apps aimed at helping people limit their internet use. Studies have found that these may be effective on their own or in combination with other treatment approaches.

How can you prevent video game addiction?

Taking steps to control your video game use can help prevent video game addiction. Consider the following:

• Set limits on when and how long you spend gaming. For example, limit your gaming to 1 hour per day or only on weekends.

• Set and follow through with consequences for breaking limits around gaming.

• Only participate in gaming after you have completed all of your responsibilities for the day.

• Do a “gaming detox,” where you stay off of gaming for several days or a week.

• Participate in other hobbies or activities that do not involve gaming.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Emily Guarnotta, PsyD

Emily Guarnotta, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified perinatal mental health professional with over 10 years of clinical experience.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Mona Bapat, PhD, HSPP

Mona Bapat, PhD, HSPP, has 15 years of clinical experience providing therapy. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in Indiana and Illinois with treatment experience in individual, couples, family, and group therapy modalities.

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