Helping Young Adults Overcome Video Game Addiction and Reclaim Their Lives
Professional treatment programs help young people reclaim their lives from the cycle of video game addiction by providing alternative coping strategies, effective treatment, and support. For many people with video game addiction, the behaviors started when they were adolescents and gradually grew more pronounced. Treatment centers address behavioral addiction by identifying the underlying causes and side effects. Therapy, peer support, and other forms of treatment improve overall well-being and increase quality of life.
Defining Video Game Addiction
The primary symptoms and warning signs of video game addiction include:
- Losing track of how much time you’ve spent playing video games
- Continuing to play video games even though you know that they have put a strain on your relationships with those closest to you
- Frequently playing video games, despite them interfering with your ability to keep up with personal or professional obligations
- Your video game usage has begun to impact your performance at work or school
- Feeling restless or anxious when you are unable to play video games
- Constantly thinking about video games or when you can play next
- Spending an excessive amount of money on video games
- Using video games as a primary way to cope with negative emotions
- Frequently withdrawing from friends and family members to play video games
- Losing sleep or staying up late into the night to play video games
- No longer finding interest in old hobbies and passions
- Trying to cut back your video game usage or quit entirely, but struggling to do so
Individuals with video game addiction may have co-occurring conditions, including Internet gaming disorder, gambling addiction, or drug addiction. Video game addiction rehab programs treat co-occurring conditions using an integrative approach
Understanding the Rise of Behavioral Addictions in the Digital Age
In today’s day and age, we have constant access to technology and are often surrounded by screens at all times. Because of this, behavioral addictions are on the rise, particularly among young people. These behavioral addictions can range from video game addiction to obsessive social media use and even online gambling. Behavioral addictions like these can have a major negative impact on virtually every area of a person’s life and can be difficult to overcome without professional help.
One of the reasons that it is so hard to break free of these types of behavioral addiction is that they can impact the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with your brain’s reward system. Many people get a rush of dopamine from playing a video game, scrolling through social media, or watching a TikTok video. As a result, they want to continue experiencing that same rush over and over again. This is how the addiction forms.
The negative consequences of behavioral addictions can be different from person to person. In some cases, they can take a toll on your physical health, even leading to withdrawal symptoms. With video game addiction, for example, a person may spend an excessive amount of time sitting and might rarely get adequate exercise. As a result, they may struggle with weight gain and be more susceptible to issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Digital-related addictions can also have a very damaging impact on your sleep. This includes not only how much sleep you’re getting, but the quality of sleep as well. The blue light that comes from screen use impacts the brain, making it harder to fall asleep at night. If you’re spending an excessive amount of time taking part in behavioral addiction like these, that can also mean you’re sacrificing your sleep as well.
Some people may experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to break free of a behavioral addiction. They may also struggle with a decreased ability to perform at work or school. This can lead to many other serious issues, like failed classes, job loss, and financial instability.
One of the reasons that it is so hard to break free of these types of behavioral addiction is that they can impact the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with your brain’s reward system. Many people get a rush of dopamine from playing a video game, scrolling through social media, or watching a TikTok video. As a result, they want to continue experiencing that same rush over and over again. This is how the addiction forms.
The negative consequences of behavioral addictions can be different from person to person. In some cases, they can take a toll on your physical health, even leading to withdrawal symptoms. With video game addiction, for example, a person may spend an excessive amount of time sitting and might rarely get adequate exercise. As a result, they may struggle with weight gain and be more susceptible to issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Digital-related addictions can also have a very damaging impact on your sleep. This includes not only how much sleep you’re getting, but the quality of sleep as well. The blue light that comes from screen use impacts the brain, making it harder to fall asleep at night. If you’re spending an excessive amount of time taking part in behavioral addiction like these, that can also mean you’re sacrificing your sleep as well.
Some people may experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to break free of a behavioral addiction. They may also struggle with a decreased ability to perform at work or school. This can lead to many other serious issues, like failed classes, job loss, and financial instability.
Signs and Symptoms of Video Game Addiction
How to Tell if Gaming Is Impacting Your Mental and Physical Health
Maybe you’ve wondered if video games are actually having a negative impact on your life. If you want to determine whether gaming is affecting your mental and physical health, consider if you’ve noticed any of the following signs in your own life:
Obsessive gaming habits/increased amount of time playing video games
Neglect of personal hygiene or daily life responsibilities
Mood swings, irritability, or cravings when not gaming
Poor sleep, social withdrawal, and loss of interest in real-world activities
Co-occurring issues: ADHD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse
Not being able to control how much time you spend while playing video games
Feeling compelled to keep playing video games even when you’re not really enjoying it
Turning to video games to cope with loneliness, depression, and other negative emotions
Why Choose Legacy for Video Game Addiction Rehab?
Outdoor Healing Meets Clinical Excellence
- Licensed RTC, evidence-based mental health treatment
- Individualized treatment plans tailored to gamers and digital media overuse
- Nature immersion + adventure therapy as a dopamine reset
- World-class clinical staff and weekly outcome monitoring
- Trusted by families seeking premium behavioral health care
Our Approach to Video Game Addiction Treatment
Inpatient Treatment Programs
At Legacy Outdoor Adventure, we offer a variety of treatment programs for those struggling with video game addiction and other related issues. One option is our inpatient treatment program. This is a 90-day primary rehab program with structure, detox (if needed), and full support. We provide a safe environment for withdrawal symptoms and stabilization so that you can focus on healing while staying as comfortable as possible.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Evidence-Based Care
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the many evidence-based practices we use to treat video game addictions. This can help you identify negative thought patterns and behaviors surrounding your gaming and screen use. It can also help you to identify why you might be struggling with these things and what underlying risk factors may have contributed to this. This may include factors like low self-esteem, trauma, or even stress.
Once you are aware of these root causes and negative behavior patterns, you can then work to adjust them. You can learn coping mechanisms to deal with the struggles that you may be going through without turning to video games.
Once you are aware of these root causes and negative behavior patterns, you can then work to adjust them. You can learn coping mechanisms to deal with the struggles that you may be going through without turning to video games.
Group Therapy and Peer Support
Peer support plays an important role in recovery and can help you to stay motivated as you move forward. Through group therapy, you can share experiences with other people who are going through similar struggles as you are. We hold in-person and experiential therapy sessions in nature where you make powerful bonds with other people. Together, you can hold each other accountable in recovery.
Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
Some people who struggle with video games may also be struggling with other mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or ADHD at the same time. Or they may be struggling with certain substance use disorders or behavioral addictions. This is known as a co-occurring disorder. At Legacy Outdoor Adventure, we can treat these disorders simultaneously and will make sure to get to the root cause of the issue.
What We Treat
Within our treatment programs, we don’t just treat video game addiction alone. We treat a variety of different kinds of similar, digital-related addictions as well as substance misuse and mental health disorders.
Video Game Addiction
Internet Addiction
Co-Occurring Disorders
ADHD
Anxiety & Depression
Substance Use Disorders
Behavioral Addictions
Our Adventure-Based Model: Building Resilience Through Experience
Why the Wilderness Is an Ideal Setting for Healing
The wilderness is an ideal setting for healing because it provides an environment where you can engage in purposeful activities that reset dopamine and boost overall wellness. You don’t have to worry about the distractions of everyday life. Therefore, you have the opportunity to learn how to regulate your emotions without screens and can build greater resiliency. Spending time in the wilderness can also help you build self-worth by overcoming challenges and enjoying a sense of accomplishment.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
A 90-Day Program With Life-Changing Results
Our 90-day treatment program allows you the time away from online games that you need to have a behavioral reset. Taking this time to be completely away from online games is critical because it can help with mental clarity and restore sleep. It also gives you the chance to establish new, healthy routines. Over time, your long-term treatment outcomes can be tracked through data so you can easily see the progress you’ve made.
Is Detox Necessary for Video Game Addiction?
Recalibrating the Brain’s Reward System
Detox is necessary for video game addiction because it gives you time to re-establish healthy brain chemistry. At Legacy Outdoor Adventure, we can help you to effectively manage any withdrawal symptoms or cravings you may experience during digital detox. This plays a key role in preventing a future relapse.
Can Video Game Addiction Co-Exist With Substance Use?
Dual Diagnosis and Overlapping Addictions
There has been a rise in co-occurring drug addiction and compulsive gaming in recent years. We treat both disorders together by getting to the root cause of each issue and addressing it. This helps promote better outcomes and increases your likelihood of enjoying long-term recovery.
Video Game Addiction vs. Internet or Social Media Addiction
Understanding the Full Spectrum of Tech-Related Behavioral Health Issues
There can be both overlap and differences between various screen addictions. To address these issues, it is crucial to learn how to identify triggers and establish new boundaries with technology.
Treatment Options After Rehab
Continuing Care and Support for Sustainable Change
Prior to completing your treatment program, you’ll have access to outpatient referrals, will be connected with support groups, and will make plans to continue to attend therapy sessions. Because support is so important, we involve family in this long-term planning process. We also provide coaching and community-based accountability to ensure you stay on the right track as you move forward with the next stage of your recovery journey.
FAQs
Do you accept insurance?
At Legacy Outdoor Adventure, we accept a wide variety of different types of insurance. Our team also sends information over to your insurance company for authorization before treatment takes place. The specific percentage of the program that may be covered depends on your particular insurance plan. We can work with you to ensure you know what to expect.
Is this only for gamers with substance abuse issues?
No, while some people struggle with video game addiction and substance abuse issues simultaneously, this program is not just for those who have that co-occurring disorder. This program can also help those who are just struggling with video game addiction alone. It can also help those who may be struggling with video game addiction alongside a variety of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or unresolved trauma.
What makes your program different?
Our program is unique from other types of video game treatment programs that you may find because it combines nature with evidence-based treatment. We believe that nature provides the perfect setting for healing and can drastically improve your mental health, clarity, and self-esteem. It can also help you to reset your brain chemistry if you have become dependent upon the dopamine rush you experience when playing video games.
Do you offer support for families?
Yes, we offer a variety of different kinds of support for the families of those who may be struggling with a video game addiction. This includes family therapy that can help foster a greater sense of understanding of what their loved one is going through and ensure they know the best way to support them.
Video game addiction and other types of behavioral addictions can take a toll on your mental health, self-confidence, and virtually all other aspects of your life. Call Legacy Outdoor Adventure at (435) 836-2272 today, and we can help you overcome your addiction and begin living a happier and healthier life.
