How to cope with computer game addiction. How to get rid of or save a loved one from addiction to computer games

Computer game addiction- a type of addiction accompanied by a person’s strong craving for immersion in computer reality.

It would seem that this type of pathology is not as terrible as addiction to alcohol or drugs, which are accompanied by addiction to toxic substances. However, this is only at first glance, since addiction to computer games is in no way inferior in strength to any other. Modern games are visually getting closer to reality, so the number of people becoming their hostages is increasing every year.

Statistics on the prevalence of this dependence vary greatly, taking into account the opinions of different researchers. Doctor of Psychological Sciences A.G. Shmelev claims that about 10-14% of computer users should be classified as avid gamers.

At the same time, Harvard University psychologist Marez Orzack provides even less comforting statistics: he believes that among people who play computer games, 40-80% are addicted. Passion for games is observed to a greater extent among boys than among girls.

Young people spend twice as much time playing games. The higher a person’s level of education, the less interested he is in computer games (other goals arise, and an understanding of wasting time appears).

Causes

The main factors in the development of computer gaming addiction are the following:

1. Lack of real communication. It most often occurs in children and adolescents.
2. Lack of bright life moments.
3. Dissatisfaction with sex life. Often among the “victims” of pathology there are people who do not have a personal life or are extremely dissatisfied with it.
4. Mental immaturity. Often players mentally remain in childhood or adolescence, thereby avoiding the responsibilities of adulthood.
5. Phobias and social fears. An increased craving for games is often a cover for fear of interpersonal relationships, society, and the inability to adapt to the world around us.
6. Intrafamily conflicts.
7. An opportunity to escape from real problems.
8. Psychopathy. This does not mean a disease, but a pathological character trait that leads to prolonged stress or chronic diseases in unfavorable conditions.

Psychologists believe that the most dangerous games from the point of view of addiction are role-playing games, when a person identifies himself with a character, losing his individuality. The stronger the immersion, the more difficult it is to return to reality.

Development of pathology

Computer games are of interest to many, but not everyone becomes a gamer.

Players are conventionally divided into the following categories:

1. Situational game. People play when there is a favorable external factor, free time or competition. Without the manifestation of an influencing factor, interest in the game disappears.
2. Episodic game. In this case, people play from time to time and are able to control themselves independently.
3. Systematic game. The player is interested in computer games, but wasting time and failing to fulfill his duties can cause remorse.
4. Gambling. People in this group perceive gaming as the meaning of life and spend almost all their time on it.

Even if a person does not have the opportunity to play, he mentally plans his actions after returning to the game. Defeats, unfulfilled responsibilities, unfinished business only stimulate greater immersion in the game. In this situation, true gambling addiction is observed.

A bad habit goes through the following stages during its development:

1. Slight enthusiasm. A person is just adapting to the game.
2. Passion. There is a rapid and sharp formation of addiction, and a strong desire to immerse yourself in the game is formed. The gaming session becomes longer.
3. Addiction. Here there is maximum dependence, a contradiction and a struggle to “play” or “not to play” appears; it becomes increasingly difficult to lean in favor of the second option. The time spent in the game increases sharply.
4. Attachment. The pathology has become stable, subsides slightly and becomes stable. The game has become the center of the player's life. A person is no longer able to give up the habit on his own. The goal became the process itself, not the achievement of a result. Breaks in the game become negligible and occur only under duress.

Forms of pathology

The manifestation of pathology is possible in the form of one of the following forms:

1. Individualized. This option is the worst. The addict loses contact with the outside world, the person spends too much time on the computer, and the need to communicate with family and friends disappears.
2. Socialized. This form is characterized by maintaining contacts with society. People in this category more often play online games, where the process is competitive. This form is considered less harmful to the psyche.

Symptoms

The main symptoms manifested by the pathology in question:

• loss of time control;
• a strong desire to return to the game;
• the time spent in the game increases;
• the daily routine is disrupted;
• priorities shift, irresponsibility develops;
• real communication decreases up to complete failure;
• other interests are lost;
• aggression and hysterical behavior appear;
• sleep problems develop;
• Fatigue increases, fatigue can be caused even by a simple trip to the store;
• pain appears in the shoulders and lower back, and back pain often occurs due to the constant sitting position.

Consequences

To understand the problem, you need to know why you need to get rid of it, and what the consequences of addiction to computer games are.

1. Degradation. The main danger is the cessation of personal development. The person is not interested in studying, earning money, reading books, socializing or learning anything new. There is indifference towards loved ones. The person becomes withdrawn, lonely, and avoids society.
2. Physical health deteriorates. Back problems are becoming more common, and vision is deteriorating quite quickly. Irregular diet leads to gastritis and ulcers. “Experienced” gamers acquire sand in their kidneys due to low activity. It is also possible to develop hemorrhoids. Blood pressure decreases and a person’s appearance becomes similar to that of a drug addict.
3. Mental health is deteriorating. Since not everything goes smoothly in the game, the player often gets nervous and worried, which leads to a weakening of the nervous system. This condition makes emotions uncontrollable, which leads to aggression and depression.
4. Cash spending. This point is more typical for adult men who like to purchase various things in modern online games to improve their character.
5. Waste of valuable time. The younger generation spends a large amount of time on useless games, which does not allow them to properly engage in sports, study useful literature and study.
6. Happening decreased self-esteem, there is a violation of self-awareness.
7. The addict gets used to the fact that pleasure can be achieved without effort, so he stops showing real world activity.

How to get rid of the problem yourself?

It is necessary to treat addiction comprehensively, changing your overall lifestyle. Giving up computer games is quite painful and requires setting oneself the following tasks:

1. It is necessary to analyze the problems that underlie the addiction and why there is a desire to return to the virtual world. Family troubles, self-doubt, difficulties at work are possible. If the cause is found, then you will need to do everything to eliminate it - raise self-esteem, improve family relationships, eliminate the problem at work.
2. You need to learn to control the amount of time you spend working with a computer. Various timers or applications can help here. It is not possible to give up the habit overnight, so it is recommended to gradually reduce the time during which the player spends at the computer.
3. Free time from the PC must be filled with interesting, useful activities. Fishing, hunting, rock climbing, driving courses, anything that can interest a person. Revisit old hobbies or find something new.
   In order for the day to come when a person understands that a computer game is not interesting to him, support and help are needed at the stage of giving up the addiction, it is better if it is a close relative or friend.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is considered the most effective method. To overcome addictions, you need to use individual or group therapy. If a choice is possible, then a group lesson is a priority, since most computer addicts have difficulty building interpersonal relationships and working with a group. A gambling addict will never admit that he is addicted. But if he sees people who have acknowledged the problem, it will be easier for him to deal with his own. It will not be possible to overcome addiction in 2-3 sessions.

A multi-stage system will be required, a rough outline of which is presented below:

1. At the initial stage, it is necessary to overcome objections regarding the presence of dependence. The person is not yet ready to change; he lacks an understanding of the problem. It is necessary to inform the addict as much as possible about the dangers of his habit.
2. Awareness. This stage is characterized by understanding the problem, awareness of addiction and the need to get rid of it. It is necessary to make it clear to the addict that he is supported and helped, and not reproached.
3. Treatment. This stage involves changing behavior, fighting addiction and negative emotional reactions that will inevitably arise during the treatment process. Simply getting rid of the computer is not a solution; it requires the addict to independently learn to control time.
4. Correction of relationships within the family and society. They move to this stage after a person learns to control behavior. The risk of a breakdown is still present, so you need to improve family relationships, filling your free time from the computer with hobbies and communication with loved ones.
5. Overcoming the consequences is the final stage. The problem as such has disappeared, but its consequences still remain. These could be problems with work or study, or difficult communication with relatives. All problems need to be eliminated, and a psychotherapist will help you deal with this situation correctly.

The presence of computer addiction in children requires family psychotherapy, since such addictions do not appear out of nowhere.

Most children who have developed addiction do not have normal family relationships, so treatment in this case will also depend on solving the problems of adults that caused the failures in raising the child.

What is computer addiction and how does it occur? Signs of such obsession and its main types. How to cope with it and who to turn to for help.

The content of the article:

Computer addiction is a pathological connection between a person and a computer, the scale of which is growing every day. This side effect of technological progress is no less dangerous than other types of addiction - drug addiction, gambling addiction, alcoholism. It can also “knock you out” of society and affect your physical health.

Description and mechanism of development of computer addiction

Today it is indeed very difficult to imagine life without computers and the Internet - they help at work, at home and in school. Thanks to them, we find the necessary information and share it, develop and communicate, learn and teach. And with the help of all kinds of computer games, within safe limits, you can well develop logic, thinking and attention. But clear safe limits for “communication” with a computer have not yet been established. Therefore, the line between a normal attitude towards your gadget and addiction to it is very thin, and everyone has their own.

The core of the formation of such mania is a failure in the mental mechanisms of perceiving the world and processing incoming information. This is facilitated by the level of development of modern computer technology, which can successfully replace objective reality with virtual reality.

The social qualities of a computer “slave” suffer the most from such dependence: empathy, openness, sociability, friendliness, desire to communicate. Deeply rooted addiction to computer games displaces the listed qualities, causing social maladjustment. Children and adolescents are most susceptible to it.

The result of such a life in illusion can be increased aggressiveness, antisocial behavior, ignoring responsibilities (domestic, professional, family, etc.), external and internal degradation. Over time, the addict’s body also reacts to going into virtual reality. Chronic fatigue, problems with the stomach and spine, hemorrhoids, and visual impairment appear.

Important! Dependence on a computer develops faster than all other addictions - from 6 months to 1 year of “communication” with your gadget.

The main causes of computer addiction

There are many reasons for moving to the virtual world. They can be inside a person and drag him into addiction without resistance. Or they can be around him and gradually pull him into the abyss of virtuality. The main “bait” of any gadget connected to the Internet is the satisfaction of three important human needs:

• Information hunger. Of all the living creatures on our planet, it is to us, humans, that information is very important and constantly needed. The computer is capable of processing, systematizing and storing it, and the Internet is capable of providing it in any quantity and on any issue.
• Exercise for the brain. The nature of our brain is such that it cannot be calm. He simply “adores” simple logic puzzles and actions, the results of which are immediately visible. Working with a computer fully satisfies these requirements, since it is precisely a sequence of logical operations and actions.
• Need for communication. Another human feature is the need for communication. The World Wide Web makes it possible for absolutely everyone to communicate: from those who in reality cannot imagine life without communication, to those who in this same reality find it very difficult to meet people and find friends.

The main psychological causes of computer addiction:

• Personal qualities. Such as vulnerability, anxiety, low self-esteem, touchiness. This can also include a tendency to depression, isolation, inability to solve problems, resolve conflicts, experience stressful situations, and build relationships, including with the opposite sex. The virtual world gives such people the opportunity to become ideal, drawing them more and more into this illusion.
• Escaping reality. That is, from problems with loved ones, peers, and employees. The computer here becomes a refuge from discomfort, pain, humiliation, conflicts and the need to change something. It improves your mood, creates the illusion that everything is fine - but only here, in virtuality. Thus, leading away from solving the situation in reality.
• Loneliness. Due to the inability to communicate, complexes, misunderstanding of others. A lonely person finds such necessary support in games or networks - there he relieves his emotional tension and anxiety, having never learned to solve his life situations on his own and ask for help from real people nearby.
• Side effects of parenting. Namely, overprotection, inflated demands on the child. Communication problems and lack of mutual understanding in the family can also incline people to communicate with a computer.
• Forced reduction in social activity. As a result of health problems (severe or long-term illness, disability), lack of work, including due to maternity leave.

Serious diagnoses - schizophrenia, depression - can also contribute to the development of computer and Internet addiction.

Signs of an addicted person

Despite the fact that computer addiction does not yet have generally accepted recognition, the main diagnostic criteria for this mania have nevertheless been developed. They are divided into two large groups: mental and physical.

Mental symptoms

1. Dependence of mood on being at the computer. Behind him - a great mood, euphoria mixed with a feeling of guilt; without it - irritability, depression, aggressiveness, a feeling of emptiness and not knowing what to do with yourself.
2. Losing control of time. Internet addiction erases the boundaries of time and the concepts of day and night for its captive. At the same time, communication with one’s gadget is steadily increasing, unnoticed by the addict.
3. Inability to stop. Often it is almost impossible to tear a computer prisoner away from the “occupier”. The need to interrupt the game (communication, browsing, etc.) causes resistance, indignation, and aggressiveness in the addicted person. Gamers are often obsessed with a goal: to reach a certain level, get all the bonuses, complete the entire game, and then all similar games. At the same time, it does not have a final goal (thanks to game developers), since the game world is constantly replenished with new versions of virtual reality. Even if for some reason he doesn’t like the game, he won’t leave his computer. He'll find another game.
4. Ignoring the world around you. Internet addiction, like a jealous soulmate, over time displaces from the environment of its “slave” everyone who can interfere with their “relationship”. That is, family, work, study, personal relationships, interests and hobbies. A dependent person will prefer a computer to any other activity, even his once most favorite one.
5. Denial of the problem. Like any other mania, computer gaming addiction is not recognized by the person who has fallen into its “embraces.” At best, he realizes that he spends too much time on virtual reality and promises to improve (both to himself and to those around him). But he does not keep these promises, even resorting to lies. In the worst case, he simply denies any dependence and harm from it.
6. Irritability. It is observed due to the inability to access the Internet (damage to the gadget, lack of Wi-Fi, unpaid traffic), as well as its low speed.
7. Minimizing needs. A person caught in a computer network stops taking care of himself, eating well, and getting enough sleep. Relegates basic hygiene procedures to the background.

Physical signs

• Vision problems. Namely, myopia, dry eye syndrome, display syndrome, which arise due to overload of the visual apparatus, which, in turn, occurs as a result of prolonged work at the monitor.
• Pathological changes in the musculoskeletal system. Thus, a forced posture at the computer with a bent back can over time lead not only to pain in the back and neck, but also to curvature of the spine, the development of osteochondrosis and even intervertebral hernias. Tensions in the muscles of the hand and fingers on the mouse can result in muscle pain at best, and in the worst case, pinched nerves and tendons (carpal syndrome).
• Digestive system disorders. Irregular and poor nutrition can result in gastritis, peptic ulcers, and chronic constipation for a gamer or social media lover. And in combination with a long stay in a sitting position - and hemorrhoids.
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system. A sedentary lifestyle and prolonged sitting posture contribute to blood stagnation and, as a consequence, the development of varicose veins. The same sedentary lifestyle, supported by high-calorie snacks, can also contribute to the appearance of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels, that is, atherosclerosis.
• Exhaustion of the nervous system. Due to the need for constant attention and processing large amounts of information, and in the case of games, quick decision-making, the nervous system is exhausted. Fatigue sets in. As a result of lack of sleep, lack of fresh air, and poor nutrition, the brain simply does not have time to rest and the nervous system does not have time to recover. Therefore, fatigue gradually increases and turns into chronic fatigue. In addition, the nerves are constantly “undermined” by negative emotions - from scandals with relatives, problems at work or in school, one’s own bad decisions or the wrong moves of other players, low-rated photos or deletion from friends on social networks.

Types of computer addiction

The most common types of computer addiction:

1. . Constant “hanging out” on social networks eventually replaces real communication, friendship, and personal relationships. Risk group: people who are unsure of themselves, as well as those who have not realized themselves in life (at work, in the family, in their personal lives, in communication).
2. Computer games. The most dangerous in this regard are online multiplayer games. They provide the most optimal illusion of power, significance, participation, a feeling of victory, success, good luck. They give titles, titles, records and even love. In this case, any mistake or wrong decision is not a problem. In the virtual world, you can fix everything, start over. That is, it has something that is not in the real world. Risk group: people who do not want to solve real problems, overcome real life obstacles.
3. Passion for porn sites. A person suffering from such addiction prefers sexual release in front of a monitor screen rather than with a live partner. To do this, he uses porn sites and porn films, replacing real sex with virtual sex. Risk group: people who do not have a real partner, with dissatisfaction from their existing relationships.
4. Obsessive surfing. Internet surfers can spend hours surfing the web searching for information. However, they are not necessarily looking for something specific. Often such people simply follow interesting links from one site to another. As a result, the brain, overfed with a huge volume of diverse information, over time loses the ability to think deeply and critically. Risk group: curious people who have a lot of free time at their disposal, shopaholics, as well as those who want to compensate for their external shortcomings or lack of self-confidence with knowledge.
5. Passion for gambling and betting money online. Today, almost every Internet site is full of advertisements promising huge winnings and earnings. Such virtual casinos, exchanges and bookmakers successfully play on the passions of gambling people. Especially those who do not have the opportunity to visit a real casino. Risk group: gambling people, as well as those who strive for easy money.

Ways to combat computer addiction

Again, drawing a parallel with other addictions, treatment for computer addiction will only be successful in one case. If the addict admits his problem and truly sincerely wants to get rid of it. Otherwise, the pathological addiction will only worsen. The main role in the treatment of such addiction is played by psychologists and psychotherapists, with the obligatory assistance of relatives of the addict, and in the presence of physical consequences, by doctors of the appropriate profile.

Preparing for computer addiction treatment

Most often, those interested in returning the virtual “tramp” to reality try to do it themselves. First, persuasion is used (sometimes even in the form of an ultimatum) on an intuitive basis, then on the basis of relevant literature, articles and forums on the Internet. And only after realizing the futility of such a campaign, those who have not yet given up, seek help from specialists.

Thus, the first consultation with a psychologist or psychotherapist occurs not with the addict himself, but with those people who want to help him. During it, a specialist helps relatives (friends) with advice on how to behave with an addict so that he admits his addiction and wants to cure it.

Psychological correction of computer addiction

Only after this can you choose the main vector of psychological correction: improving relationships with family, peers, the opposite sex, developing self-regulation skills and the ability to cope with difficulties, nurturing strong-willed qualities and increasing self-esteem.

One of the important directions of such treatment is to involve a computer-dependent person in the real world. Show that he can also be interesting and exciting even without the Internet and a gadget. To do this, you can use different types of entertainment, sports, art. For example, bowling, paintball, football, hiking, picnics, dancing, music, family rituals (pizza nights, walks with children, etc.) or parties with friends.

Since even at this stage the specialist cannot do without the help of the addict’s relatives, he continues to work with them. He helps not only create the necessary atmosphere at home, but also advises how not to lose faith in the success of treatment. Because this is also an addiction. This means that it will not be easy to get rid of it.

If psychotherapy methods are ineffective, a specialist can use a more complex way to overcome addiction - hypnosis.

Important! Today there is no universal guaranteed way to get rid of computer addiction. Treatment is selected individually and largely depends on the patient himself and his environment. Moreover, this particular addiction is considered one of the most difficult to cure.

Drug treatment for computer addiction

Based on what disorders computer addiction has caused in the body, the following groups of drugs can be prescribed:

• Antidepressants (in case of depressive conditions).
• Sedatives (to relieve irritability, excessive nervousness). Including herbal origin (preparations of oregano, Rhodiola rosea, ginseng). The latter not only have a calming effect, they can improve brain function, normalize sleep, and stimulate the immune system.
• Vitamins, or rather vitamin-mineral complexes (to compensate for deficiencies resulting from nutritional disorders). The main emphasis is on vitamins A and E, selenium, which have a positive effect on the target organs of computer addiction - the brain and eyes.
• Symptomatic medications for the treatment of problems with the eyes, spine, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system.

How to get rid of computer addiction - watch the video:

– a new type of psychological addiction in which a computer game becomes a leading human need. It seems that this type of addiction is not as terrible as alcoholism or drug addiction, in which toxic substances become indispensable for normal metabolism. But this is only at first glance, because modern computer games are becoming more and more “advanced” and imitate reality more and more perfectly, so more and more people are becoming their hostages.

Some statistics

Statistics on the prevalence of this dependence differ significantly among different researchers. Doctor of Psychological Sciences Alexander Georgievich Shmelev believes that about 10–14% of people who use computers are “avid gamers.” At the same time, Harvard University psychologist Maresa Orzak cites much less comforting statistics: she believes that among people who play computer games, 40–80% suffer from addiction.

There are some gender and age aspects of such addiction (English: addiction - addiction, addiction, in a broad sense - an obsessive need felt by a person for a certain activity). The intensity of passion for computer games is more pronounced among boys than among girls. Young men, on average, spend twice as much time on computer games. The older and more educated a person is, the less time he spends on computer games (completely different goals appear, and it becomes a pity to waste time).

Causes

The reasons for addiction to computer games are as follows:

• lack of bright and interesting moments in real life. Everything is so everyday and ordinary that a person is looking for a simple and often cheap way to diversify his life. This is how he begins to join the virtual world;
• a hidden inferiority complex, various psychological traumas in childhood and adolescence are a consequence of the fact that a person “underplayed” in a timely manner, so he is trying to make up for lost time;
• Quite often, such addiction develops on the basis of sexual dissatisfaction, when relationships with the opposite sex do not work out, and a person tries to “switch” to something;
• sometimes the first step towards the development of this addiction is “extra” time. For example, people who are forced to stay at their workplace from 9 to 18, when this time is just needed to “sit”, begin to get involved in computer games or aimlessly wandering around the Internet.

Psychology of gambling addiction

The mechanism for the formation of computer addiction is based on withdrawal from reality and the need to take on a certain role. In most cases, this is a means of compensating for life's problems. At the same time, a person begins to realize himself in the game world, and not in the real one.

Now there are many computer games, fortunately, not all of them are equally dangerous. Conventionally, they can be divided into role-playing and non-role-playing. By determining which category a game belongs to, you can assess how dangerous it is.

Role-playing games are distinguished by their pronounced influence on the human psyche. At the same time, a person “gets used to” a certain role, identifies himself with some character, while simultaneously escaping reality.

There are 3 types of role-playing games:

1. with a view “from the eyes” of the character;
2. with an “outside view” of your hero;
3. leadership games.

Games are the most addictive with a view from the eyes. The gamer completely identifies himself with a certain computer character, enters the role as much as possible, because he “looks” at the virtual world through the eyes of his hero. Literally a few minutes after the start of the session, the person begins to lose touch with the real world and is completely transferred to the virtual world. He identifies himself so much with the computer hero that he can consider the actions of the computer character his own, and the virtual world itself begins to be perceived as real. At critical moments, he may fidget in his chair, trying to dodge shots or blows, and turn pale.

If you look at your hero "from outside", then the strength of entering the role is less compared to the previous type of games. Despite the fact that identification with the computer character is less pronounced, emotional manifestations associated with the game are still present, as can be seen during the failures or death of the computer hero.

At leadership games a person leads several (or many) characters. He does not see his hero on the screen, but invents a role for himself. Pronounced “immersion” is possible only among people with a developed imagination. The psychological dependence that forms during leadership games is quite pronounced.

Symptoms of gambling addiction

There are a number of signs of addiction to computer games:

• One of the main symptoms of computer addiction is severe irritation that occurs in response to the forced need to withdraw from a favorite activity. When the game resumes, you can immediately notice the emotional upsurge;
• a common symptom of computer addiction is the inability to predict the end time of the session; the player will postpone it again and again;
• the computer becomes the center of an addict’s life, so when communicating with others, the most interesting topic for him will be a discussion of his favorite computer game;
• as the addiction progresses, a person’s social, work and family adaptation is disrupted - he forgets about work, household chores, studies, and loses interest in them;
• the presence of psychological addiction is also reflected in a person’s habits: in order to spend more time at the computer, he increasingly eats without leaving the monitor, neglects personal hygiene, sleep time is reduced, and the computer sessions themselves are lengthened.

Fortunately, this addiction does not develop all at once; it goes through a number of stages. The sooner you notice its presence, the easier it will be to deal with it.

Stages of gambling addiction

There are the following 4 stages of addiction to computer games:

1. Initial stage - slight infatuation. It comes when a person has already played several times, and, as they say, “got a taste for it.” Such a pastime gives a person positive emotions. At this stage, the game is situational in nature, a person plays occasionally, only under certain conditions, when there is free time, but he will not play to the detriment of something important.
2. Next stage - passion. The transition to this stage can be determined by the emergence of a new need - play. At this stage, a person already plays systematically, and if this is not possible, then he can sacrifice something in order to make time for his favorite activity.
3. And finally, the stage dependencies. In the pyramid of values, play is elevated to the top level.
   Dependency can manifest itself in one of two forms - socialized and individualized.
   • Individualized form is the worst option; it is characterized by loss of contact with others. A person spends a lot of time at the computer; he has no need to communicate with family, friends, or those around him. For such people, the computer and everything connected with it is a kind of “drug”; it is necessary to regularly take the next “dose”. Otherwise, withdrawal occurs in the form of depression and increased irritability.
   • For socialized forms are characterized by the preservation of social contacts. People suffering from such addiction prefer online games. For them, such an activity is not so much a “drug” as a competition. This form is less harmful to the psyche compared to the individualized one.
4. Over time (this may occur over several months or even years) attachment stage. A person’s gaming activity fades away, he begins to become interested in something new, and social and work contacts can be established. However, a person cannot completely “say goodbye” to the game on his own. This stage can last for many years. The emergence of new games can provoke a surge in gaming activity.

Consequences of gambling addiction:

You might be interested to know about

Several decades ago, a computer was a breakthrough in technology for people. It was very rare to meet him in the apartment. Today probably everyone has one. It is used for work, searching for necessary information, and relaxing.

There is not a single person on the planet who has not played or at least heard about computer games. The first simulators were invented back in the 50s. Often such programs are created based on the plots of books and films.

The production of computer games has acquired a global scale. A couple of hours a week of such pastime, of course, will not harm anyone. However, excessive passion provokes the formation of cravings.

The game is present in everyone’s life: football, entertainment in kindergarten, checkers and others. But computer simulators are different from them: they force you to immerse yourself in a fictional world, far from reality.

Gaming addiction to computer games is an escape from reality into cyberspace. The psychological state of the addict changes. The patient confuses reality with an imaginary world. In advanced cases, imagination becomes the only habitat.

There are many types of computer games.

The most dangerous for the psychological state are online ones.

The addict is immersed in the life of a fictional hero: he falls in love, makes friends, and fights. In cyberspace, emotions are brighter and more intense.

The psychology of gambling addiction is characterized by:

• disorientation in time;
• an endless feeling of something new;
• distorted understanding of one’s “I”;
• disturbance of consciousness;
• antisocial characteristics;
• a feeling of virtual power;
• violation of the volitional aspect.

Schoolchildren and students are more susceptible to addiction. This is due to immaturity of mental development and suggestibility due to young age.

The disease is also observed in adults. A person leaves the real world for cyberspace during crises, difficulties, or in the presence of serious illnesses.

When depending on simulators, changes are observed:

• increased feelings of anxiety;
• severe fear, panic attacks;
• excessive aggressiveness, irritability;
• deviant behavioral model, sociopathy;
• the emergence of a tendency towards violence;
• increased risk of mental disorders.

According to statistics, teenage boys are more susceptible to gambling addiction. 80% of them spend more than seven hours a day in virtual reality. 50% of girls play a maximum of five hours a day.

Computer gaming addiction causes serious harm to the human psyche. Dependent people “fall out” from society, become aggressive and irritated. They are almost impossible to control.

The concept of computer gaming addiction

Computer gaming addiction is defined as a disorder of the brain, motivation, memory and systems interconnected with them. These problems cause certain psychological, physiological, social and spiritual manifestations.

The addict loses the ability to abstain and control behavior. He has strong cravings and an abnormal emotional reaction. He does not realize and does not see his problem. The disease is characterized by remissions and relapses. If measures are not taken, the pathology will lead to disability and death.

Computer gaming addiction is a type of relationship between man and machine. This is an excessive emotional addiction not to technology, but to what it gives. The patient wants to fill all his time with games, but this is impossible for objective reasons.

The school and parents interfere with the child. For an adult - family, work. If these factors are not present, then the addict will completely immerse himself in a fantasy world. It is extremely difficult to get him out of there.

The final stage in the development of addiction will be complete immersion in cyberspace. It sounds scary, but it must be accepted as inevitable. However, this can be avoided if treatment is started.

Pathogenesis of formation

A common reason for the formation of pathological attraction is personality traits and character traits. Touchy people who are prone to chronic depression and have low self-esteem tend to avoid the “cruel” reality.

In reality, they cannot establish interpersonal relationships and become a kind of “outcast.” In cyberspace, no one bothers them or torments them with questions. There they can be whoever they want. This creates an addiction that is difficult to overcome without professional help.

Pathology can develop due to a lack of perception of yourself as you are, from loneliness and misunderstanding of loved ones. The patient is constantly in a tense state and emotionally exhausted.

Dependence is a consequence of upbringing in childhood and is caused by overprotection or high demands of parents.

In the first case, the child grows up to be dependent. He is used to his relatives deciding everything for him and in his adult life he is not able to do anything himself. Everything is simpler in the game: it is simple to operate and everything is decided in advance.

In the second situation, the child develops very low self-esteem. In a computer you can constantly be a leader, assert yourself through virtual reality.

Often people are not interested in their real life, so they plunge into cyberspace. They simply don’t understand that you can find a passion, a hobby. Play sports, start traveling, and not escape from reality into games.

Stages and consequences

The development of pathological cravings occurs in stages:

• Mild interest: the patient is undergoing adaptation.
• Infatuation: Strong cravings appear. Each session is longer and the stakes increase. At this stage, a person can still resist his attraction.
• Addiction: craving for simulators reaches its highest level. A person constantly struggles with the desire to play. Giving up a “hobby” becomes almost impossible. The time spent at the computer increases dramatically.
• Attachment: the previous stage lasts for a long time. After this, the craving subsides and gains momentum with greater force. The game becomes the meaning of life for the patient; money is only a symbol. A person is not able to overcome his addiction on his own. The addict is distracted from the computer only under duress.

Consequences of gaming mania:

• regular conflicts with relatives, disintegration of the social unit;
• loss of friends;
• lowering social status;
• large financial debts;
• degradation.

To avoid all of these problems, the pathological condition must be promptly identified and treated.

Signs and symptoms

It is not difficult to identify pathological cravings. Signs of computer gaming addiction:

• Before the game, a person is in a good mood, in ecstasy before the action begins. He strives to finish all his work as quickly as possible in order to immerse himself in the virtual world.
• During the game, the addict is overexcited and his emotional state is elevated. All senses are heightened.
• If for some reason you need to break away from the computer, a person becomes irritated and anxious.
• It becomes impossible to reduce the time spent using equipment.
• Craving initially manifests itself in episodes, then becomes systematic.
• The patient constantly promises to stop gambling and start spending time with loved ones. His words lead nowhere.
• Play is a way to escape from difficulties, loneliness, bad mood, etc.

All of the above signs indicate the formation of addiction. It must be dealt with to avoid adverse consequences.

• You need to carefully monitor the time spent at the computer. It is advisable to write down on paper what time the game started and when it ended. At the end of the week, calculate the number of hours spent on a questionable activity. The number will make you think seriously.
• It is necessary to set a limited time in the game. For convenience, you can set a timer. If even after his signal the activity on the computer does not stop, at least the exact time spent on the “hobby” will be known. If the addiction is not completely advanced, you can choose certain days or hours dedicated to virtual reality. It is recommended to set a money limit that will be spent monthly in the game.
• It is advisable to choose simulators that do not take much time to complete. Some games are difficult to complete, and they draw you into the virtual world even more.
• The simulator should not be perceived as some kind of competition. This is just a game and there is no need to be afraid to quit before reaching the end. This is a virtual world, no one will blame you for not finishing the job.
• You need to earn time on the computer. You cannot sit down to play games until all tasks are completed. You don't have to give up your hobby completely. You just need to understand the diversity of the world around you.
• It is recommended to replace computer games with broadcasts. It is not necessary to be behind the monitor at this time. You can do useful things. For example, clean the apartment or cook dinner.
• If you realize that it’s time to return to reality, it is recommended to abruptly give up computer games. This is difficult to do, but necessary. You can remove all simulators from your equipment and give the disks to friends for a certain time. After this, more time will be spent with loved ones and the realization will come that cyberspace cannot replace the real world.
• To get rid of addiction forever, you need to determine the reason why it formed. By eliminating it, you will be able to free yourself from pathological attraction.

If you can’t overcome your addiction on your own, you need to consult a specialist.

To determine the presence of a dependency, you must agree or refute the following statements:

• Staying at the computer lasts for hours. You can refuse to consume food, hygiene procedures, and other things in order to prolong your session in the game.
• There are regular delays in the game longer than planned.
• A person thinks of himself as a virtual character with a reputation in the game, and not as a real person.
• Cyberspace is more important than interacting with people in the real world (even sometimes).
• After completing the game you feel pleasure. I want to experience euphoria, adrenaline, and satisfaction again.
• It’s hard to tear yourself away from the simulator, even at someone’s request.
• It is difficult to stop the game during important events (battles, battles, etc.).
• I have to hide my passion for computer games because I’m embarrassed to admit how much time it takes.
• Relatives notice a pathological addiction.
• Because of simulations, there is not enough time for studying, household chores, work, etc.
• If you can't sit down at the computer, your mood worsens.
• Immersion in a fictional world occurs even at the workplace or in an educational institution.
• Games caused absences from work and school.
• It is much easier to relieve stress using a computer than using other methods.
• Because of the games, relationships with friends and family have deteriorated.
• Money needed for other purposes is invested in simulators.

The more positive answers, the higher the risk of developing gambling addiction.

If there are more than 50%, then you need to seek advice from a specialist. Pathology began to develop.

Preventive actions

There is no specific prevention. Following the recommendations will help reduce the likelihood of developing a craving for computer games:

• if a person spends a lot of time on virtual reality, he needs to be shown to a doctor;
• you need to try to understand the meaning of the simulators that your loved one is playing: this will help you find common ground and build trusting relationships;
• You cannot criticize games in front of a person who is passionate about computers: you need to gently express your thoughts on this matter;
• it is necessary to understand what exactly attracts people in cyberspace and what is missing in reality;
• limit access to books, films, and violent games: this will suppress aggressiveness.

The above will reduce the risk of addiction. However, if a person spends a lot of time at the computer and the first symptoms of pathological attraction appear, he needs to be persuaded to visit the doctor.

Computer game addiction is a form of psychological addiction that manifests itself in a person as an obsessive passion for computer games. Such dependence is one of the forms of addictive human behavior, a way of escaping the existing reality by transforming one’s psycho-emotional behavior and requires competent correction.

Causes

Computer addiction in children has reached epidemic proportions. The average student spends 2 to 6 hours at the computer. About 70% of American children spend their free time playing games with scenes of cruelty and violence. In these games, killing is the goal and the main element of the game. Children confuse virtual reality with real reality, which is why more and more minors in America are opening fire with rifles and pistols at school.

Any addiction or mania is a consequence of deep psychological problems. With the help of computer games, a person tries to get away from a life situation that worries him or to replace some missing element in his life (the attention of loved ones, social status, the absence of a loved one).

Possible causes of computer addiction:

• Various mental disorders (psychopathy). Pathological character traits of a person, unsociability, complexes and modesty often lead a person to Internet addiction. Some patients use a computer to realize their childhood fears and fantasies;
• Lack of communication. This problem is relevant for children and adolescents whose parents are constantly busy earning money;
• Intrafamily conflicts. To escape family scandals, some people immerse themselves in the virtual world, which further aggravates the situation and leads to divorce;
• Social phobias. A person is afraid of real society, interpersonal relationships. Computer games allow you to escape reality and feel strong and significant. A computer becomes a person’s interlocutor, life partner and sexual partner.

Symptoms

The pathophysiological mechanisms of the formation of computer addiction and gambling addiction are the same. They are based on stimulation of various pleasure centers in the brain. Both teenagers and independent adults become addicted to computer games.

This pathological condition manifests itself in the form of a feeling of euphoria and psycho-emotional uplift during immersion in the virtual world. The patient cannot plan his time at the computer. In order to overcome sleep and stimulate mental activity, he begins to drink caffeine-containing drinks and other psychostimulants. For some adult gamers, the main food product is beer and various fast foods. A person who is mostly immersed in the virtual world does not observe the rules of personal hygiene: he forgets to brush his teeth, comb his hair, and take a shower. He eats poorly, sleeps poorly and leads a sedentary lifestyle.

If the computer breaks down, the patient is upset and may be aggressive with loved ones and people around him. Such a person begins to spend all his money on updating programs, computer consoles, and new games. He doesn’t think about his personal life, work or school; his world narrows down to completing the next mission in the game.

As addiction progresses, a person cannot give up computer games, although he well understands their uselessness. He constantly leaves the existing reality and immerses himself in the virtual world, takes on the role of a certain
character and lives his “computer” life.

The patient communicates with other people on various computer topics. Gambling addiction leads to an overload of the central nervous system; exciting impulses constantly enter the human brain.

After some time, the patient experiences a decrease in mood, general well-being, social activity, increased anxiety and impaired adaptation to society. As computer addiction develops, adults become dissatisfied with themselves, lose the meaning of life, and develop deep depression.

In adults with gambling addiction, libido decreases and various disorders occur in the sexual sphere. “Addicted” people, as a rule, have an unsettled personal life, are withdrawn, and taciturn.

Manifestations in adolescents and children

Computer addiction in adolescents is usually severe. They become angry and aggressive if their parents ask them to break away from the computer for even a minute. Signs of gaming addiction in children are the fact that they start skipping school and lying to parents and teachers. Some minor patients ask for or steal money in order to spend it on their favorite computer game.

Computer games make children violent because they have to shoot and kill, and for this they are rewarded in the form of points, bonuses and gifts. The immature psyche of a child is overloaded with game effects. In the minds of a modern child, virtual reality is no different from real life.

Computer addiction in adolescents has a negative impact on their health and academic performance. The child begins to drink and eat without leaving the computer monitor. At school, all his thoughts and desires are focused on the anticipation of playing at home.

Teenagers with gambling addiction abandon friends, start eating unhealthy food, and give up school. Many minor patients become aggressive and prone to violence. Some scientists claim that computer addiction in children leads to dementia.

Consequences

Computer game addiction has a negative impact on human health. Over time, his vision deteriorates, problems with the spine and joints appear. Many “addicts” suffer from headaches and insomnia. As a result of sitting at a computer for a long time, a person develops weakness, increased fatigue, and a decrease in appetite. Sitting at a computer for a long time leads to the development of cardiovascular diseases: angina pectoris and coronary heart disease.

Long-term consumption of drinks containing caffeine and other stimulants leads to exhaustion of the nervous system and arterial hypertension. Considering that “dependent” people eat poorly, they develop gastritis and gastroduodenitis, and a tendency to constipation.

Computer games in children develop those areas of the brain that are responsible for vision and movement. Gambling addiction stops the development of the frontal lobes, which are responsible for training memory, learning, and emotions.

Children addicted to computer games spend little time outdoors and do not play sports. Most often, such children have a pale appearance, “bruises” under the eyes, and a poorly developed musculoskeletal system.

Diagnostic criteria

Before seeking qualified medical help, you need to make sure that your family member has a computer addiction, and not just an excessive passion for video games. There are a number of criteria based on which you can differentiate the problem:

• The patient does not want to be distracted from the game and reacts aggressively to such requests;
• Lack of a critical attitude towards one’s behavior;
• The patient neglects his social responsibilities (study, work), does not participate in family affairs, and his social activity is sharply reduced;
• The patient loses interest in the world around him, and experiences emotional uplift only during a computer game;
• Neglect of personal hygiene and social behavior;

In addition to deviant behavior, the patient experiences sleep disturbances, headaches, and discomfort in the back. Also, due to prolonged forced positioning of the hand, the development of carpal tunnel syndrome is possible.

If these criteria are met, the patient can be diagnosed as addicted to computer games.

Therapy methods

Computer addiction should not be viewed as
a completely independent disease. It is a consequence of more serious psychological problems. Therefore, it is important for a specialist to identify the root cause of the disease and fight it.

To treat the consequences of computer addiction, psychotherapy, medication, and hypnosis are used. It is important to take an integrated approach.

For this addiction, psychiatrists use autogenic training, behavioral, family psychotherapy, and psychosynthesis. Psychotherapy is aimed at correcting intra-family relationships, eliminating various psychological attitudes of a person (withdrawal and unsociability), treating children's fears and sexual problems in adults.

Gestalt therapy methods have been successfully used in adults. This is due to the fact that passion for computer games is a way to get away from a previously unresolved problem. And these techniques suggest how to “close the gestalt”, i.e. resolve the situation.

Symptomatic drug therapy is aimed at treating insomnia, irritability, anxiety and depression. Adult patients with gambling addiction are prescribed herbal sedatives to reduce the excitability of the nervous system. These can be herbal tinctures, but most often doctors prescribe tranquilizers or antipsychotics. Sleeping pills are used to normalize sleep cycles.

Antidepressants are mandatory medications in the treatment of computer addiction. They relieve psycho-emotional stress, normalize mood and improve overall well-being.

It is important to establish proper nutrition, which takes into account already formed digestive problems. The patient is additionally prescribed a course of vitamins and restorative medications.

Stages of psychological assistance

Specialized assistance has a certain stage. This structure has been identified as the most effective in treating computer addiction.

At the first stage, it is important to help the patient overcome internal resistance to treatment. This is a key point, without which further therapy becomes meaningless. The patient must recognize the problem and the need for outside help to resolve it.

The second stage is aimed at determining the depth of the problem. The patient, together with the attending physician, must identify all the pitfalls that may interfere with social rehabilitation. The doctor’s tactics in this case are supportive and guiding.