Most adolescent or teenage boys play video games, and some do so excessively. The question is, when does a favorite activity become an addiction? At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery in North Carolina, we have a gaming addiction treatment center that can help your son overcome his process addiction and learn to take things in moderation. We’ll help teens and parents learn how to recognize gaming addiction symptoms and get treatment. To learn about the treatment options available, please contact Foothills at Red Oak today at 866.300.5275.
What Is Teen Gaming Addiction?
Parents and educators have mixed feelings about the impact of video games on young people. Proponents of video games believe that they give children an opportunity to use their imagination and sharpen cognitive skills. However, like many other activities that involve screen time, spending too much time on video games can become addictive.
Technology addiction can quickly take over your adolescent or teen’s life. They spend hours on games instead of participating in physical activities and completing their schoolwork. Researchers know that playing video games can trigger dopamine, elevating mood and providing a rush of energy. Levels of this neurotransmitter also increase during other addictive activities, such as alcohol or drug abuse. Coincidentally, it’s the same neurotransmitter released during alcohol and substance abuse.
Although it’s not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, teen gaming addiction poses a real threat to young boys’ physical and psychological health. Although it’s not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, teen gaming addiction poses a real threat to young boys’ physical and psychological health.
Recognizing Gaming Addiction Symptoms
How can parents tell when gaming has crossed the line into a full-blown addiction? Here are some warning signs that may indicate your son no longer has control over his favorite activity:
- Poor personal hygiene
- Neglect of friends
- A drop in performance at school
- Inability to stop playing video games
- Irritability when not allowed to play video games
Like substance use disorders, teen video game addiction often escalates. Your son may need to play more intensely for more extended periods to reach the highest levels of enjoyment. Fortunately, our adolescent treatment center uses scientific and holistic therapies to help your son overcome teen gaming addiction and received treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders.
What Are the Physical and Mental Effects of Gaming Addiction?
If you notice any of the gaming addiction symptoms above, it’s essential to seek treatment for your son as quickly as possible. This disorder has long-term and short-term consequences. For example, sleep deprivation from staying up all night playing video games negatively impacts the proper development of your son’s brain and body.
People with a video gaming addiction often neglect personal hygiene, such as brushing their teeth or taking a shower. This can lead to dental problems, health problems, and social isolation.
Teen Addiction Treatment for Gaming
Researchers and scientists are still debating whether to include video gaming addiction among the list of process addictions. However, if your teen spends most of his time in front of a video game screen, he may need immediate intervention to break the habit. Fortunately, Foothills at Red Oak Recovery provides teen addiction treatment for several obsessive processes, including gaming addiction.
Our adolescent addiction treatment includes the following therapies:
- Trauma treatment
- Exercise therapy
- Co-occurring issues
- Individual and group therapies
- Experiential therapy
If you need help getting your son to stay away from video games long enough to enjoy life, we can help.
Get Treatment at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
Seek help for your son when you first notice the gaming addiction symptoms. Foothills at Red Oak Recovery in North Carolina focuses on the treatment of adolescent and teenage boys. Our programs include therapy for teen gaming addiction, substance abuse treatment, and dual diagnosis programs for co-occurring disorders. You don’t have to watch your son waste away in front of a video game screen. Contact us at 866.300.5275 for more information on how to enroll your son in the appropriate programs.
