Today, in this day and age, many people—teens especially—are susceptible to video game addiction. It is arguably one of the most common addictions in the world, and arguably one of the most severe in its effect upon human emotions, interaction with the outside world, and ability to function. According to Elizabeth Hartney on www.verywellmind.com, video game addiction is “compulsive or uncontrolled use of video games, in a way that causes problems in other areas of the person’s life.”

According to www.addictionrecov.org, warning signs of video game addiction which should be addressed immediately if witnessed include (but are not limited to):

• Preoccupation with the game
• Utilization of the game in increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction
• Repeated, unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop game use
• Feelings of restlessness, moodiness, depression, or irritability when attempting to cut down use of the game
• Gaming longer than originally intended
• Jeopardized or risked loss of significant relationships, job, educational or career opportunities because of game use
• Lies to family members, friends, therapists, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the game
• Use of the game is a way to escape from problems or to relieve a dysphoric mood

Some other warning signs in children include “fatigue”—examples include a tendency to fall asleep in school—”not completing assignments on time, declining grades, failing classes, dropping out of activities … and isolation from family and friends.”

Video game addiction can have very harmful effects on the minds as social standings of affected individuals by reducing cooperative behaviors in social interactions, increasing amounts of aggressive thoughts and behaviors, and an increasing risk of light seizures.

If such warning signs and symptoms are observed in any given family member, friend, etc., help should be obtained from a certified addiction counselor trained in the identification and treatment of video game addiction. Such counselors can perform an assessment and determine the appropriate level of care needed for the individual’s health, and may serve to be highly beneficial to the well-being of the patient in question.