Is World of Warcraft really more addictive than cocaine!?
According to some experts, video game addiction responsible for destroying many marriages and relationships. Instead of spending time with their girlfriend or wives and family, some men are sitting in front of the computer screen or T.V for over eight hours a day escaping reality. World of Warcraft, is the online game getting most of the blame, allows players to create their own fantasy character to complete different adventures. The game has been said to be even more addictive than cocaine! In fact, several people in China have died playing the game because the gamers lacked sleep and nutrition from nonstop playing.
It sounds a bit extreme, but sadly it has happened. So why does it get to that point? Nathan Gehlert, Ph.D. has worked with many couples who have dealt with video game addiction.
Gehlert said, “The first thing to recognize is that people have been struggling with ‘exits’ in their relationships for as long as there have been men and woman. An ‘exit’ is simply any behavior that consumes energy that should be going into the relationship. An exit could be working long hours, an overly-consuming hobby, or a substance abuse problem. People turn to exits because something is missing in the relationship, which they can get from the exit.”
Since relationships can become boring, some people may be turning towards video games for more excitement. “Let's face it, life and even our most intimate relationships can be dull, challenging, and unfulfilling at times. Video games can be so addictive and detrimental to relationships because they can be so much more exciting than the real world.” He adds, “Because the game play may be challenging, people can get a real sense of accomplishment from the success and status they earn in the game,” said Gehlert.
I personally love video games, but I look at it more as a social activity. However, if it does become an addiction, like substance abuse, it often requires professional help.
Gelhert said, “If there is a relationship involved, then often both individual and couples therapy can be a powerful and beneficial combination. Individual treatment can help a person with relapse prevention and understanding the basis of their condition. Couples therapy helps the couple understand how the addiction grew out of the relationship and how the couple can heal together.” He continued, “Gaming addiction, like alcoholism, is a family disease. It's important for the couple to be able to understand how they each contributed to the addiction. I often encourage gaming addicts to first think about their larger dreams in life. It's then pretty easy for them to see how their behavior will get in the way of them every reaching their goal.”
Where you ever in a relationship with someone who was addicted to video games? Did the relationship end, or did you seek professional help? What’s your story?
