Are you familiar with the term “Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPG’s) or First Person Shooter (FPS)? Maybe you are too familiar with these terms. Have you let your work performance or school performance slip in the last few months?  Is all that you think about, when you are at school, the evening’s gathering on X-Box Live or meeting up with your cyber friends to gain the next achievement in WOW? When you get into an argument with your parent or spouse do you spend the rest of the night on the computer or with a controller in your hand?

It is difficult to admit that you may be spending too much time playing Video games, computer games, or even too much time on Facebook. Most children and young adults believe that they have very little control of their lives. They are told by parents, teachers, and coaches what to do and when to do it. When a teen plugs in his or her controller, then control is in the gamer’s hands. This control over their virtual world is a recipe for addiction.

So how much time is “too much time” playing games? Studies show that a person who spends 25+ hours a week playing games exhibit symptoms of addiction. Some of the symptoms are:

• Lies about use (claims 20 hours a week, but really plays 40+ hours).
• Stays up late, or sneaks gaming time in the middle of the night.
• Admits playing helps improve mood.
• Has trouble getting up in the morning for school or work.
• Previously an honor student, but is now failing classes.
• Parents have attempted and failed at removal of computer or video game system.

If you or your child/teen/spouse has some of these symptoms, try seeking professional help.  Just like a gambling addict needs to get help, a person who is addicted to computer or video games needs to seek professional help.

Adam Glendye, MA – adam@ growcounseling.com