Britain Opens its First Computer Rehab Program November 8
Therapists have been concerned about the addictive nature of computer video games like World of Warcraft in adults and children alike in recent years. The problem has brought about the opening of a treatment center in the US earlier this year and now a program exists in Britain as well.
How serious of a problem can games be? For some the answer us quite serious. Those who suffer from this form of addiction often spend days involved in the fantasy world of the game and often ignore needs like eating, sleeping or socializing with others in the real world. More involving games like MMO RPGS (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games) require a larger investment of time to reach goals in the game than simpler games.
Broadway Lodge the new treatment center in Weston-super-Mare, currently treats about 400 addicts each year among them are drug users, alcoholics, gamblers and other addictions. It’s currently using a similar method to wean gamers from gameplay. Patients undergo group therapy, watch videos, listen to tapes, do therapeutic tasks like washing up and vacuuming, and doing recreational activities. These programs encourage interpersonal social dialogue and better understanding of self while sharing.
The main trouble facing those that suffer from this form of addiction is that the internet is such a pervasive and readily available source of input. Therapy means finding the triggers which signal addictive behavior as it’s happening and teaching the sufferer how to recognize them as they occur. Users most often experience very chaotic lifestyles that affect diet, sleeping patterns and often bring about social exclusion outside of other players in game. They may also become more aggressive and deal with health problems like anorexia, malnourishment, embolism, muscle atrophy and other conditions linked to lack of physical activity and stress.
It’s important to keep in mind that this doesn’t happen to all or even many gamers but for those it does happen to the effects can be very damaging without treatment. Programs like this are just a start and will need time to truly become effective.
Tags: addiction to playing, britain, games, therapy, treatment, video games