In a world where nearly everyone is staring at a screen for hours every day, it can be easy to overlook or even normalize a video game addiction. However, video game addiction (also sometimes called internet gaming disorder) is a very real thing. Just as someone can become addicted to a substance like alcohol or drugs, they can also become addicted to an activity like gambling or playing video games. 

Evidence for video game addiction 

A 2023 study published in The Cureus Journal of Medical Science titled Symptoms, Mechanisms, and Treatments of Video Game Addiction defined video game addiction as “the steady and repetitive use of the Internet to play games frequently with different gamers, potentially leading to negative consequences in many aspects of life.” 

Some of those negative consequences can include depression, missing classes at school, sleep problems, and anxiety. The study likened video game addiction to gambling, explaining that the changes in the brains of people who are addicted to video games are similar to those of people addicted to gambling. While some people believe that video games cannot cause a true addiction, the study contests that idea by explaining that there is neurological proof that video games can act as substances. 

Another definition of video game addiction, as described in a study by the University of Michigan is as follows: “To consider a person addicted, our definition is that playing video games makes you want to play video games even more.” In the study, nearly 20% of people were found to be addicted using this definition. Many people who have played video games have experienced this type of addiction, even if it was only short-lived. It can be difficult to put the game away and move on to something else in your life. Many video games inherently entice you to keep playing just one more round or one more level. 

Video game addiction happens because of the dopamine that is released in your brain when you play video games. Dopamine is a brain chemical, or neurotransmitter, that is released when you do something pleasurable. When someone becomes addicted to video games, the more they play, the more dopamine is released. This causes them to want to continue playing to continue that release of dopamine. It becomes an addiction when the usage becomes excessive and interferes with your life. 

How to tell if you’re addicted to video games 

Of course, many people are able to play video games without becoming addicted to them. In fact, a study out of Bringham Young University found that about 10% of gamers play video games in a way that could be harmful or cause negative long-term consequences. 

However, many people do find themselves struggling with video game addiction. You might notice that it disrupts your daily life and that it can be difficult to pull yourself away. Some of the signs and symptoms of video game addiction can include: 

• Preoccupation with gaming
• Lying about or hiding gaming use
• Loss of interest in other activities
• Social withdrawal
• Psychological withdrawal
• Defensiveness and anger
• Using gaming as a psychological escape
• Continued gaming use despite negative consequences
• Poor performance at school or work as a result of gaming
• Withdrawal symptoms when you’re not able to game 
• Needing to spend more and more time gaming to reach the same level of enjoyment 

If you find yourself or a loved one experiencing these symptoms or if you’re concerned about video game use, it’s important to seek help, as video game addiction is real. 

What to do if you’re addicted to video games 

If you believe you may be addicted to video games, it’s important to seek help. Your healthcare provider or a mental health professional is a great first place to start. Therapy and counseling are both valuable treatments as you work to overcome your addiction. Currently, there is evidence for cognitive behavioral therapy helping video game addiction as well as physical activity, including outdoor activities and sports. While some studies have begun to research the effect of medication on video game addiction, there isn’t yet strong evidence for pharmacological treatment. 

If you have a child who you suspect is becoming addicted to video games, it’s very important to seek help and intervene as quickly as possible. You may need to set limits on your child’s screen time and monitor their video game usage. 

In addition to working to overcome your addiction, you might also be eligible for compensation. Because video game manufacturers want people to keep playing their games, they do their best to design the games in a way that makes people keep coming back. Recently, some companies have been accused of making video games that are dangerously addictive. We can help determine if you may be eligible for compensation.