Key Takeaways

- Gaming can be positive, but excessive gaming can impact mental health and daily life.

- Treatment options include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and lifestyle adjustments.

- Therapy for teens who are dealing with gaming disorder ideally involves working with the family as well.

- A variety of local and online supports are available - and utilizing a combination of supports is better than choosing a single one.

As a therapist who has also worked for over 20 years in the gaming industry, I understand the highs and lows of gaming.

I’ve played video games for nearly my entire life, and it hasn’t always been easy to keep gaming balanced alongside other life priorities.

I understand that it is possible, though - many people who have had struggles with gaming in the past have managed to find ways to change their habits. My work with clients who are dealing with video game addiction focuses on helping them find realistic, sustainable ways to enjoy gaming without it overshadowing their well-being, relationships, or personal goals.

Am I Addicted to Video Games? Signs and Symptoms

If you’re wondering, “Am I addicted to video games?” there are some signs and patterns to look for that might indicate a problem.

Video game addiction, sometimes referred to as “gaming disorder,” goes beyond simply enjoying games and becomes an issue when gaming starts to interfere with your daily life, responsibilities, and well-being.

Here are some indicators to help determine if gaming is affecting your life in unhealthy ways:

Neglecting Responsibilities: If gaming takes priority over work, school, or important tasks, it may be a sign of addiction.
Loss of Interest in Other Activities: Losing interest in hobbies or relationships that used to bring enjoyment can indicate a growing reliance on gaming.
A Sense That Something is Wrong: You might be feeling secretive about some aspect of your gaming, such as hiding the amount that you’re playing or trying not to acknowledge the impact that gaming is having on other areas of your life.
Inability to Control Gaming Time: Feeling compelled to play for longer than intended or having difficulty cutting down time spent on games are common signs.
Mood Changes When Not Gaming: Irritability, anxiety, or restlessness when not gaming may suggest dependency on games for emotional regulation.
Gaming as an Escape: If you often turn to gaming as a way to avoid stress or cope with difficult emotions, this pattern can contribute to problematic use.

Recognizing these signs is the first step toward building a healthier relationship with gaming. If you identify with several of these symptoms, reaching out for support could help. Many treatment options, including therapy and support groups, are available to help you create a balanced relationship with gaming.

Types of Video Game Addiction Treatment

Several effective treatment options can help manage video game addiction and provide tools to regain balance in daily life. Options range from individual therapy to support groups and can vary depending on the severity of the addiction and individual needs.

Therapy and Counseling: Working with a therapist can help address underlying issues, such as social anxiety or depression, that may be contributing to excessive gaming.
Support Groups: Both online and in-person support groups provide community support for those dealing with similar struggles.
Inpatient and Outpatient Programs: For severe cases, inpatient programs offer intensive treatment, while outpatient programs provide structure while allowing individuals to continue with daily routines.

Each type of treatment offers unique benefits, so it’s essential to find a treatment approach that suits individual needs.

My Approach to Therapy for Video Game Addiction

When working with clients experiencing challenges around video game use, my approach is centered on balance and sustainable change rather than immediately focusing on eliminating gaming entirely. For some people, the goal may be to step away from gaming completely - for others, more moderation might be the goal.

I first start therapy by assessing the impact of gaming on a client’s life and determining with the client what their goal is for therapy. For teens, this also involves making sure that the family agrees on the goal so that we’re all working toward something that seems supported and attainable.

Once we’ve come to a shared understanding of what we’re working on and aiming toward, I use evidence-based techniques to help clients develop a healthy relationship with gaming while maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle. My approach generally involves the following components:

Harm Reduction: For many, video games are a source of enjoyment, social connection, and even stress relief. My focus is on harm reduction, which means finding ways to reduce negative impacts of gaming without asking you to stop altogether. We’ll explore patterns and triggers that lead to excessive play and work together to set realistic limits, focusing on enjoying gaming responsibly.
Motivational interviewing helps us uncover and clarify your goals and values, making it easier to align your habits with a lifestyle you want to maintain. Through open-ended questions and supportive discussions, we’ll identify what gaming means to you, why it’s important, and how to incorporate it as part of a balanced life without interfering with your health, relationships, or responsibilities. We’ll also identify the areas where it may be harmful, and get a better idea of what gaming in a positive, healthy manner may look like for you.
Balancing gaming with a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced lifestyle doesn’t mean giving up what you love. I help clients integrate gaming into their life alongside healthy habits like regular exercise, quality sleep, and social connections. I work with clients to create a customized plan that lets them enjoy gaming while nurturing other interests and responsibilities that contribute to a fulfilling, sustainable lifestyle.

If gaming has started to feel more like an obligation than enjoyment or is creating tension in your daily life, therapy can help you regain control, set healthy boundaries, and find the balance that works for you.

photo of person playing computer games in dark room

Therapeutic Approaches to Video Game Addiction

Effective treatment often involves therapy to address the habits and thought patterns underlying gaming addiction. Here are some evidence-based therapeutic approaches:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is one of the most common forms of therapy for video game addiction. I use it to help people understand the link between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and to actively develop new coping strategies for underlying problems, including anxiety and depression.
Motivational Interviewing: As mentioned above, motivational interviewing is a core part of my work with all addictions, particularly gaming. This approach focuses on building motivation to make changes and setting goals that are in line with your wishes and values.
Psychodynamic Therapy: This therapeutic approach involves understanding deeper emotional patterns, and can be especially useful in uncovering deeper beliefs that fuel anxiety and addiction.
Family Therapy: For teens, involving family members can improve outcomes. Family therapy addresses communication and conflict resolution to reduce the impact of gaming on family dynamics.

These therapies provide actionable strategies to help manage gaming habits, build motivation, and address the broader issues connected to gaming addiction.

The Role of Lifestyle Changes in Recovery

Video game addiction treatment often includes lifestyle changes to create a balanced relationship with technology. Here are some strategies to support recovery:

Setting Boundaries on Screen Time: Creating limits around gaming can help reduce dependence and make room for other activities. Setting a schedule for gaming can help to create limits, but I also recommend scheduling activities away from gaming so that scheduling is not only about eliminating gaming, but also about getting you into other activities you enjoy.
Finding Alternative Hobbies: Engaging in hobbies such as sports, art, or social gatherings can fulfill the need for enjoyment and relaxation. If something is holding you back from doing this, such as social anxiety, therapy can be a huge help in making a change.
Building Healthy Routines: Establishing routines with set times for exercise, sleep, and non-screen-based activities helps reduce the impulse to game excessively.

These lifestyle changes make it easier to create a more balanced life, decreasing the need to rely on video games for comfort or enjoyment.

Tips for Parents of Teens with Gaming Disorder

If your teen is struggling with video game addiction, a few steps can help you manage their screen time and build healthier habits together:

Encourage Open Communication: Understanding why your teen games can provide insight into their motivations and allow you to address any underlying issues, such as anxiety or depression.
Set Boundaries Together: Work with your teen to set screen time limits and decide on alternate activities that they enjoy. Creating a plan together is important.
Seek Professional Guidance: Involving a therapist can provide structured support, helping you create a healthy balance for your teen.

As a parent, balancing support with boundaries is essential. By working with a professional, you can navigate these changes together and help your teen develop healthier habits.

Finding Support for Video Game Addiction in San Francisco

If you’re interested in assessing the impact video games are having on your life and making a change, feel free to reach out. We’ll schedule a time to have a free consultation so that you can learn more about how I work. I can also provide you with referrals for other therapists in San Francisco or online who might be able to help.

Frequently Asked Questions about Video Game Addiction Therapy

What’s the difference between a video game hobby and addiction?
A video game hobby is something you enjoy in moderation, balancing it with other activities. Addiction, on the other hand, involves an inability to control gaming time, leading to negative impacts on life, work, or relationships.
How do I know if my gaming is out of control?
If gaming is causing problems in your daily life, relationships, or mental health, it may be time to take a closer look. Signs of out-of-control gaming include neglecting responsibilities, avoiding social interactions, and feeling irritable when not gaming.
Is video game addiction recognized as a mental health disorder?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized "gaming disorder" as a mental health condition, which is defined by impaired control over gaming habits. However, while some may develop a serious addiction, others may experience milder symptoms that still impact their lives. Understanding where you or your child falls on this spectrum can help guide the most appropriate level of treatment.
What causes video game addiction?
Video game addiction can develop from various factors, such as the built-in rewards of games, social connections made online, and underlying mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. The immersive nature of games can make them especially appealing, and over time, this can lead to excessive gaming as a way to cope or avoid certain aspects of life.
Can video game addiction be treated successfully?
Yes, video game addiction can be effectively managed and treated with the right approach. Success often involves a combination of therapy, support from family or friends, and setting practical goals. Working with a therapist who understands the nature of gaming can make a big difference in developing realistic strategies for reducing gaming time and enhancing other parts of life.