How to Help a Loved One Deal With Gaming Addiction

When video games start to replace real-life responsibilities and relationships, it’s time to step in—with wisdom and love.
How to Help a Loved One Deal With Gaming Addiction
Holistic support from family can help someone struggling with gaming addiction. Biba Kayewich
Gregory Jantz
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Imagine coming home to find your loved one glued to a screen, lost in a virtual world while the real world around them falls apart. The dishes are piled high, homework is neglected, and deep conversations have become rare. This is the reality of gaming addiction. And gaming addiction is not just a challenge; it’s a silent crisis affecting families everywhere.

As a mental health counselor, I understand the heartache and frustration that comes with watching someone you care about struggle with this issue. In today’s digital age, gaming addiction has become a significant concern for many families, and there are unique challenges that come with addressing this issue within the context of faith and family values. My goal in this article is to offer practical and compassionate guidance for supporting a loved one, whether a child or an adult, who is grappling with gaming addiction

Understanding Gaming Addiction

Gaming addiction, also known as Internet Gaming Disorder, is characterized by excessive and compulsive use of video games that interferes with daily life. Symptoms may include preoccupation with gaming, withdrawal symptoms when not playing, the need to spend increasing amounts of time gaming, and neglect of personal, social, or occupational responsibilities.
Gregory Jantz
Gregory Jantz
Author
Gregory Jantz, Ph.D., is the founder and director of the mental health clinic The Center: A Place of Hope in Edmonds, Wash. He is the author of "Healing Depression for Life," "The Anxiety Reset," and many other books. Find Jantz at APlaceOfHope.com.