Problematic Gaming: A Challenging Disorder to Treat
A substantial body of literature is shedding light on the challenges of treating problematic gaming, a recently recognized impairing disorder. Excessive habitual video game play has been shown to have negative effects on individuals, making it crucial for clinicians to educate families on how video games interact with the brain's reward system. The difficulty in disengaging from video gaming is due to the instant gratification it provides, mediated by an abnormal surge of dopamine in the neural reward pathway.
Finding Balance Between High and Low-Dopamine Activities
The ultimate goal of treatment for problematic gamers is to establish a balance between high-dopamine activities (HDAs) and low-dopamine activities (LDAs). HDAs are behaviors that provide continuous and instant rewards, such as video gaming, streaming videos, and scrolling through social media. On the other hand, LDAs require patience and provide delayed rewards, such as bike riding, painting, and practicing a musical instrument. By categorizing hobbies as either HDAs or LDAs, families can create a schedule that prioritizes dividing time between both.
The Challenge of Disengaging from High-Dopamine Activities
Problem gamers, who have become desensitized to continuous exposure to HDA surges, experience reward deficiency syndrome. This lack of capacity to find pleasure in LDAs often leads to rejecting moderation plans. For these individuals, it is extremely difficult to disengage from high-dopamine activities, leading to contentious confrontations with parents trying to set limits. Similar to individuals with alcohol use disorder trying to stop after one drink, turning off the gaming console after an hour of play is challenging for those accustomed to HDAs.
The Role of Temporary Abstinence and Screen-Free Activities
Although complete abstinence from screen media can interrupt and prevent the cycle of addiction, it is often infeasible due to our dependence on screens for various useful functions, many of which qualify as LDAs. However, a temporary period of abstinence from screens can be both feasible and necessary to establish balanced use. This temporary abstinence allows for the restoration of dopamine receptors, providing relief from reward deficiency syndrome and cravings for HDAs like gaming. Screen-free activities, such as camping trips, summer camps, and family vacations, have shown to significantly reduce game-seeking behaviors and withdrawal symptoms in just three days.
The Importance of Follow-Up Care and Self-Regulation
Inpatient and residential treatments that restrict screen use provide an ideal environment for abstinence but often lack a necessary follow-up period. Without proper support and reintroduction of screen media in a controlled manner, problematic gamers who detox in these settings often relapse, similar to individuals detoxing from substances of abuse. A period of careful regulation of screen media use provided by caregivers is necessary before individuals can achieve self-directed balance.
Digital Detox as the First Phase of Recovery
Digital detox is the first phase of a three-phase recovery plan for problematic gamers. It serves as a reset for the brain's reward system, laying the groundwork for a more balanced lifestyle. However, without careful management of environmental cues, individuals are likely to relapse. Therefore, it is crucial to have a period of regulated screen media use before individuals can achieve the desired self-regulated balance in their lives.
Analyst comment
Neutral news.
As an analyst, the market for gaming may experience some short-term fluctuations as the issue of problematic gaming and addiction becomes more widely recognized. There may be a growing demand for treatment options and therapies that address the negative effects of excessive gaming. However, as individuals and families become more educated about the balance between high-dopamine activities and low-dopamine activities, there could also be a potential shift towards more regulated and moderated gaming habits. Ultimately, the market may see a focus on creating a healthier and more balanced gaming environment.
