Game Addiction Actually a Mental Problem?

Last June, we reported on a detox clinic in Netherlands for gaming addicts. Now, a hospital in the United States offers pretty much the same thing. Located in Newton, Mass., the McLean Hospital actually has a “Computer Addiction Services” department, that aims to help people who are hopelessly immersed in video games.

The said department’s coordinator, Dr. Maressa Orzack, believes that “game addiction is a true mental disorder.” According to Orzack who has treated all types of addictions for 15 years, there’s little difference between drug use, gambling and video game addiction. She adds that video games work on a theory pretty similar to gambling, called the “variable ratio reinforcement.”

Basically, it means that players will set a goal (like finish a particularly a hard mission), and will keep playing until they accomplish it, even if they fail doing it a couple of times. However, they would still keep playing even if they reach the said goal. Thing is, before the players know it, they’re addicted. They’re already immersed in that “particular gaming world,” and see it as a way to escape problems in real life.

Orzack’s prescription? “Video game addicts” should accept their problem and be willing to change. And therein lies probably the biggest problem as most people don’t see video games as “potentially harmful,” as opposed to getting hooked on drugs or other vices. She also adds that there should be “warning labels” in video games packages, pretty much like the warning labels in cigarettes.

What about you? Do you agree with her? Share us your thoughts.

Last June, we reported on a detox clinic in Netherlands for gaming addicts. Now, a hospital in the United States offers pretty much the same thing. Located in Newton, Mass., the McLean Hospital actually has a “Computer Addiction Services” department, that aims to help people who are hopelessly immersed in video games.

The said department’s coordinator, Dr. Maressa Orzack, believes that “game addiction is a true mental disorder.” According to Orzack who has treated all types of addictions for 15 years, there’s little difference between drug use, gambling and video game addiction. She adds that video games work on a theory pretty similar to gambling, called the “variable ratio reinforcement.”

Basically, it means that players will set a goal (like finish a particularly a hard mission), and will keep playing until they accomplish it, even if they fail doing it a couple of times. However, they would still keep playing even if they reach the said goal. Thing is, before the players know it, they’re addicted. They’re already immersed in that “particular gaming world,” and see it as a way to escape problems in real life.

Orzack’s prescription? “Video game addicts” should accept their problem and be willing to change. And therein lies probably the biggest problem as most people don’t see video games as “potentially harmful,” as opposed to getting hooked on drugs or other vices. She also adds that there should be “warning labels” in video games packages, pretty much like the warning labels in cigarettes.

What about you? Do you agree with her? Share us your thoughts.