Combating Gaming Disorder in Teens

Video games are an engaging, immersive hobby for millions of people worldwide. They often involve complex storylines, captivating graphics, and interactive gameplay that can transport players into a different world. 

Game designers build achievements encouraging people to keep playing, such as achievements to unlock and puzzles to solve. These trigger the brain’s reward system, leading to the release of a feel-good neurotransmitter called dopamine. This positive reinforcement can create a sense of accomplishment and pleasure. Additionally, the ability to play video games anytime, anywhere, across multiple devices can make them hard to resist. 

For some people – especially younger players – the combination of these factors sometimes leads to gaming disorder, a habit that interferes with their daily responsibilities, relationships, and well-being.

Warning Signs of Gaming Disorder

Several factors separate a harmless hobby from a behavioral health problem.

• Constantly thinking about gaming, even when not playing.
• Neglecting family, friends, and previously enjoyable activities in favor of spending more time playing video games.
• Withdrawal symptoms like irritability, restlessness, or mood swings when unable to play video games.
• Using video games as a coping mechanism to mute negative feelings or avoid dealing with complex emotions.
• Spending increasing amounts of time and money on video games, even when they adversely affect well-being or conflict with obligations at school, work, or home.
• Hiding the amount of time spent gaming or downplaying its impact.

How to Help Your Child Overcome a Video Game Habit

Don’t lose hope if you spot these red flags of gaming disorder in your child. An evidence-based approach called cognitive behavioral therapy has shown some promise for breaking maladaptive habits. Therapists who specialize in this technique work with their clients to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs related to gaming, replacing them with healthy strategies. 

Mindfulness techniques like meditation and breathing exercises are another way to overcome the compulsion to play video games. Developing a mindfulness practice allows people to become more aware and present, making it an excellent way to cultivate self-control.

As a parent, you can teach your children how to use technology more responsibly by setting consistent rules and limits around video games. For example, limiting screen time and creating tech-free zones in your home can help your children develop healthier habits. Reduce their reliance on gaming and promote a more balanced lifestyle by finding alternative activities for your child, like playing sports or joining an extracurricular club at school. 

Teen Mental Health Counseling

You can find professional help by being vigilant for signs of a gaming disorder and knowing when your child’s video game use has become problematic. R&A Therapeutic Partners offers counseling services for adolescents and their families. We combine a personalized approach and a supportive environment to guide our young clients toward healthier, more resilient futures.

Our experienced therapists use proven techniques to empower teens, including cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices. Adolescence can be a challenging time, so we provide a non-judgmental space where young people can feel comfortable discussing their concerns. We also welcome parents to participate in their children’s therapeutic experience, encouraging your whole family to heal together. Contact us to learn how you can benefit from our decades of experience and compassionate counseling services.

At R&A Therapeutic Partners Raymond Estefania and Ana Moreno specialize in substance use and mental health disorder evaluations, treatment, intervention and therapeutic/educational consulting for clients throughout the greater South Florida area, as well as nationally and internationally. For more resources and information please visit Therapeutic-Partners.com or on Facebook.