NEED A THERAPIST IMMEDIATELY? WE HAVE OPENINGS! INSURANCE ACCEPTED. CALL 801.901.0279!
NEED A THERAPIST IMMEDIATELY? WE HAVE OPENINGS! INSURANCE ACCEPTED. CALL 801.901.0279!
Video games have become ubiquitous in modern life, often serving as a social platform and engaging pastime.
Spending a half-hour here or there playing video games may seem harmless.
However, regular or irresponsible gaming can lead to significant adverse effects, severely inhibiting and damaging an individual’s mental health and mood.
A pivotal study conducted by M.J. Koepp in 1998 revealed that playing video games releases a level of dopamine in the brain—often referred to as the “pleasure and drive” chemical—comparable to the dopamine release seen when amphetamines are injected intravenously. This is a critical finding, as dopamine is essential for creating feelings of pleasure and motivation.
In average, healthy activities, dopamine release is typically short-lived, subsiding quickly and allowing the person to return to normal levels. These natural dopamine surges are crucial for creating joy and motivation in life. However, the issue with video games lies in their ability to provide an artificial and highly stimulating experience that can be extended virtually endlessly. This prolonged stimulation can lead to detrimental effects on the brain’s dopamine system.
When dopamine levels are spiked too high for too long, as is often the case with video gaming, it can damage the brain’s ability to produce dopamine naturally.
This damage results in the brain releasing less and less dopamine in response to everyday activities, leading to a dependence on gaming to feel pleasure or motivation.
Consequently, overall satisfaction diminishes, and an imbalance in dopamine can lead to other issues affecting nearly every area of life. (There are 12 different types of dopamine, but we won’t get into that in this article)
It is essential to recognize the signs of video game addiction and its potential dangers.
Many individuals are unaware of these risks until they find themselves trapped in the chains of addiction, feeling unable to escape.
Prevention is a powerful tool in combating video game addiction.
By educating ourselves and our loved ones about the potential dangers of excessive gaming, we can take proactive steps to avoid the pain and suffering associated with addiction.
It’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant about the risks of prolonged gaming.
If you or a loved one is already struggling with video game addiction, it’s essential to know that recovery is possible.
Thousands of individuals have successfully overcome their addictions and moved on to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
However, this transformation requires effort, diligence, and a willingness to endure the discomfort of withdrawal and behavior change.
Overcoming video game addiction involves more than just willpower.
It requires a comprehensive approach that includes developing new habits, engaging in supportive activities, and implementing thought-replacement strategies.
The goal is to channel energy into positive and constructive efforts rather than battling fear and relying solely on willpower.
Utah Family Therapy provides counseling to help individuals understand themselves and develop a sense of worthiness and self-love.
Our robust methods, including Intensive Outpatient Therapy, delve into the family structure and community to provide the necessary support for overcoming addiction.
Our goal is to help individuals identify what changes can be made within their family and social structures to improve their situation and bring about meaningful recovery.
Connection breeds change, and close ties in relationships can make a significant difference in the recovery process.
We are dedicated to facilitating these connections and enabling the changes necessary to create stability and support.
We live in a digital age where online activities are pervasive and unlikely to disappear. This reality presents unique challenges, particularly for individuals prone to addiction. However, with the right strategies and support, navigating these challenges and leading a balanced, healthy life is possible.
If you or someone you know is struggling with video game addiction, seeking professional help is a crucial step.
At Utah Family Therapy, we offer specialized counseling services to address addiction and support individuals on their journey to recovery.
Our team is here to help you understand the underlying causes of addiction and develop effective strategies for overcoming it.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact Utah Family Therapy at 801.901.0279.
In conclusion, video game addiction is a severe issue that can have profound effects on an individual’s mental health and overall well-being.
Understanding the role of dopamine, recognizing the signs of addiction, and implementing preventive measures are essential steps in addressing this growing concern.
With the proper support and strategies, recovery is possible and within reach.
Lets face it, who likes to talk about their crap with other people?
If you’re like most clients, you’re used to being judged despite hearing so many people talk about non judgment and when you do open up, it seems like the more you share, the less likely you are to get compassion.
We’ve worked our butts off to create a clinic where the unfiltered, real you, can show up and heal, so dammit give therapy a chance!
We love the unfiltered real you, let’s heal together. – Utah Family Therapy Team
