Video game addiction (gaming)
Video game addiction turns gaming into an absolute priority that pushes aside studies, work, rest and relationships. At Reconectar we treat it with outpatient, individual therapy in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, confidentially and without hospitalisation.
What is video game addiction?
Video game addiction, or gaming disorder, is a pattern of play that the person cannot control and keeps up despite the negative consequences. The World Health Organization recognises it as a disorder when gaming becomes the priority over other interests and activities for a prolonged period.
Playing is a healthy hobby for millions of people. The problem appears when gaming stops being a choice and turns into a need: when a person plays to avoid unpleasant emotions, when they lose control of time and when they neglect responsibilities and relationships.
Symptoms and warning signs
Distinguishing an intense hobby from an addiction is not always straightforward. The difference lies in control and in the impact on daily life.
- Thinking about gaming constantly, even while doing other things.
- Irritability, anxiety or sadness when unable to play.
- Needing to play for longer and longer to feel the same.
- Failed attempts to cut down gaming hours.
- Lying about the amount of time spent playing.
- Neglecting sleep, hygiene, studies or work.
Causes
Today's video games are designed to maximise engagement through continuous rewards, objectives, rankings and social features. On top of that, certain personal factors increase the risk: low self-esteem, social anxiety, difficulty managing emotions or a lack of other sources of satisfaction.
For many people, especially teenagers, gaming offers what is missing in real life: a sense of achievement, belonging to a group and a way to escape from problems. Understanding that function is key to treatment.
Consequences
Problematic video game use affects physical health through lack of sleep, a sedentary lifestyle and a disordered diet. On an emotional level, irritability, anxiety and depressive symptoms appear, especially when gaming is used as an escape.
In teenagers, a drop in academic performance and family conflict are common. In adults it can affect work, a partner and social life, generating isolation despite virtual contact with other players.
Treatment at Reconectar
At Reconectar we treat video game addiction with an outpatient, individual and personalised approach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The goal is to regain control and balance, not to eliminate leisure across the board.
We work with cognitive therapy to identify the thoughts and emotions that sustain compulsive gaming, and with motivational techniques that reinforce the decision to change. We help you rebuild routines, recover hobbies and relationships, and find in real life the satisfactions the person was seeking on the screen. With teenagers we involve the family as part of the process. Everything is confidential and without hospitalisation.
Symptoms and signs
- Thinking about gaming constantly.
- Irritability or anxiety when unable to play.
- Needing to play more and more hours.
- Failed attempts to cut down gaming time.
- Lying about the hours spent playing.
- Neglecting sleep and hygiene.
- A drop in school or work performance.
- Playing to escape from problems or distress.
Consequences
- Lack of sleep and chronic tiredness.
- A sedentary lifestyle and neglect of health.
- Anxiety, irritability and depressive symptoms.
- A drop in academic or work performance.
- Conflict and distancing from family.
- Isolation from real social life.
- Neglect of hobbies and responsibilities.
- Low self-esteem outside of gaming.
FAQ
Treat your addiction at Reconectar
We are a private centre in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. We offer individual, personalised, drug-free treatment with no hospitalisation. Get in touch with complete discretion and confidentiality.