Gaming Rehab
Ocean Recovery offers a comprehensive computer gaming rehab programme at our Blackpool clinic in the North West of England. Request a CallbackBy John Gillen - Last Updated: February 2, 2024
Clinically Reviewed on December 22, 2023 by Dr Robert Lutaaya. All information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Like gambling and sex addiction, gaming is a behavioural addiction, although not yet officially recognised as such by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Although, The World Health Organisation has added gaming addiction to its 2018 medical reference book, International Classification of Diseases.
Since there are many millions of gamers scattered throughout the World, gaming addiction is thought to affect more people than all other forms of addiction combined. Teens with poor social skills and ADHD sufferers are at an increased risk of developing a gaming addiction.
But it is important to have a differentiation between gaming addiction and someone who is a gaming enthusiast. There is a clear difference between wanting to game and needing to game and experiences negative feelings when doing any of task besides gaming.
An entire generation of people has been affected by gaming addiction. Therefore, a known need for gaming addiction rehabilitation services has arisen. Although our gaming addiction clinic is based in the North West of England, gaming addicts travel from all corners of Great Britain seeking to take advantage of our world-class rehabilitation services.
Why Are Video Games So Addictive?
Similar to all other forms of addiction, gaming stimulates the release of a ‘feel-good hormone’ in the brain known as dopamine. Over time the brain becomes accustomed to an unnatural release of dopamine.
When dopamine is not sustained at extreme levels the gaming addict becomes restless. The gaming addict may experience anxiety as a result of gaming withdrawal. The addict reacts by continuing to play computer games for longer periods of time. The addict is therefore trapped inside a vicious circle of gaming and withdrawal.
Video games are also designed to be never-ending. Once you complete one level, there is always another. Game developers are also constantly releasing updates for games. May that be a new character, map or game functionality.
There is also the option to play online in the majority of new games. So, you can just start a new game, and with international servers, there is always someone online to play with.
These international servers also create a sense of community, which many people with social issues flock to. Similarly, they can provide an escape from daily life which some people feel they need.
Eventually, gaming addicts seek professional help in order to defeat their addiction. However, this cry for help is often too late and the gaming addict has sacrificed their education, job or family life due to the addiction.
Gaming addiction is a behavioural addiction. This means the addict is addicted to a certain behaviour rather than a substance. Behavioural addiction is classified as an impulse control disorder (ICD).
Signs and Symptoms
There are a number of common signs and symptoms you or a loved is suffering from gaming addiction:
- Constant thoughts about gaming
- Irritability or restlessness when not gaming
- Lying about how much time is spent gaming
- Disrupted sleep patterns because of gaming
- Hand, neck and back pain from sitting in the same position
- Headaches and/or eye strain from too much screen time
- Lack of interest in personal hygiene
- No interest in socialising outside of gaming
- Not attending work or education
- Risking finances buying games or in-game add-ons
If you are a parent that is worried your child may be becoming addicted to gaming, there are a few simple changes you can implement:
- Set time limits and stick to them
- Keep all screens out of the bedroom so they aren’t able to play at night
- Set a time to do other activities, especially exercise
Contact Us
94 Queen's Promenade, Blackpool, FY2 9NS, Blackpool, FY2 9NS
Landline: 01253 847 553
Email: info@oceanrecoverycentre.com
Start your Recovery - Call us nowGaming Addiction Withdrawal
When gaming addicts stop or cut down on gaming their brain ceases to release large quantities of dopamine. Gaming addicts now experience psychological withdrawal symptoms as a result.
Gaming addiction withdrawal symptoms include:
- Feeling irritated
- Mood swings
- Hot flushing
- Outbursts of anger
- Damaging personal property
- Insomnia
- Lethargy
Which Games Are the Most Addictive?
A large majority of games are designed to be addictive by their designers and developers, but Game Quitters noticed the same games being mentioned over and over again. Here are the top four and possible reasons they are considered so addictive:
League of Legends – This game takes hours to master which gets you hooked right from the start.
Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) – This game very quickly became a fan favourite because you play online with the rest of the world. Many believe it is addictive because it is expensive to buy initially so people play it excessively to get their ‘monies worth’.
World of Warcraft (WoW) – it is believed this game is addictive because it was the first of its kind and people flocked to the community aspect of the game. And similarly, to PUBG it costs a lot of money to play (The actual game and monthly subscription fees).
Minecraft – with its community aspects, immersion and young demographic, it has become a breeding ground for addiction.
Our Gaming Addiction Rehab
Ocean Recovery’s comprehensive gaming addiction rehabilitation programme is designed to free gaming addicts of their addiction. Once clients arrive at our centre a full psychiatric assessment is carried out. Patients then begin their gaming addiction rehabilitation programme.
Since our rehabilitation programme is residential in nature, gaming addicts do not have any access to a computer devise during their stay. Our rehabilitation centre offers a good mix of individual and group therapy sessions.
Therapy aims to treat underlying depression and anxiety which often accompanies gaming addiction. Once residential treatment comes to a conclusion a bespoke aftercare and relapse prevention plan is put in place.
Patients are expected to attend aftercare sessions each week for around six-to-twelve months following the completion of the residential phase of rehabilitation. Patients are encouraged to attend Online Gamers Anonymous in their local area.
Call Ocean Recovery today
Call Ocean Recovery today to find out more about gaming rehab. Call on 01253 847 553. Alternatively, complete the enquiry form and a member of the team will respond shortly.
We maintain clinics across the United Kingdom.
Areas We Cover
See below list of just some of the locations our leading alcohol rehab service covers in the United Kingdom.
- Rehab in Liverpool
- Rehab in Manchester
- Rehab in Birmingham
- Rehab in Nottingham
- Rehab in Glasgow
- Rehab in Cardiff
- Rehab in Bristol
- Rehab in Blackpool
- Rehab in Cumbria
- Rehab in Lancashire
- Rehab in Merseyside
- Rehab in Cheshire
- Rehab in Yorkshire
- Rehab in West Midlands
- Rehab in North East
- Rehab in Surrey
- Rehab in Essex
- Rehab in London
John Gillen - Author - Last updated: February 2, 2024
John is one UK’s leading professionals in the addiction recovery industry. Pioneering new treatment techniques such as NAD+ and ongoing research into new therapy techniques such as systematic laser therapy, John is committed to providing the very best treatment for people throughout the UK and Europe. During his extremely busy schedule, John likes to regularly update our blog section with the latest news and trends in the industry to keep visitors to our site as well informed as possible on everything related to addiction treatment.
Dr Robert Lutaaya - Clinical Reviewer - Last reviewed: December 22, 2023
MBChB, MSc Psych
Dr Robert Lutaaya qualified in 1995 from Worclaw Medical University as MBChB, and obtained a MSc Psych from the University of Manchester in 2014. Dr Lutaaya has previously worked for the CGL Substance Misuse Service and as an on-call doctor substance misuse Doctor for 17 years before joining Ocean Recovery. Dr Robert Lutaaya is committed to helping those struggling with alcohol and drug addictions.
Request A Callback
Enter your phone number and a member of our team will call you back to discuss your recovery.
Contact Us
For more information please get in touch using the information below
Call: 01253 847 553 Send us a messageDownload Our Brochure
For more information about the addiction services that Ocean Recovery offer, download our brochure.
Download our brochureDo I need help?
A lot of people are unsure if there are suffering from addiction. Take these tests to find out if its effecting you without your knowledge.
Select your test and find out more
Our Centre
Rehab In Northern England
Google Reviews
4
Tel: 01923 369161
Email: info@oceanrecoverycentre.com
Address: 94 Queen's Promenade, Blackpool, FY2 9NS
View CentreOur Partnering Centres
Rehab in Scotland
Google Reviews
5
Tel: 01475 303998
Email: info@novarecovery.com
Address: 10-12 Scott St, Largs, North Ayrshire, KA30 9NU
View CentreRehab in Greater London
Google Reviews
4.5
Tel: 01923 369 161
Email: info@cassioburycourt.com
Address: Cassiobury Court, Richmond Drive, Watford, Herts, WD17 3BH
View CentreRehab in the Midlands
Google Reviews
4.5
Tel: 01908 489 421
Email: info@asanalodge.com
Address: 48 Moorend Rd, Yardley Gobion, Towcester, NN12 7UF
View CentreOur Blogs
How to Commit to Sobriety
If you are suffering from alcohol addiction or substance misuse issues, it can be very difficult to overcome. Sobering up in the first place can be a major challenge, but recovery is not a single step – it is an ongoing process. Committing to sobriety means making a serious and continuing effort to stay away
Life After Addiction: How to Cope With Survivor’s Guilt
Recovering from addiction is a very personal journey, but something many share is a sense of achievement and renewal. On the other side of the coin, for many individuals who have walked this path, the joy of recovery can be accompanied by an unexpected emotional burden – survivor’s guilt. And this feeling (which is commonly
What Does Ketamine Do to Your Bladder?
Ketamine, in the context of recreational drug abuse, can have severe effects on our bodies – with one of the major organs impacted being the bladder. But what does ketamine do to your bladder? And why is it so serious? Find out the answer to this question and more below. What Is Ketamine? Ketamine is
The Link Between Alcohol and Chest Pain
The UK is known for its drinking culture, and many people use alcohol – often to excess. It’s estimated that 24% of adults in England and Scotland regularly drink over the Chief Medical Officer’s low-risk guidelines, while 27% of drinkers in Great Britain binge drink on their heaviest drinking days. Alcohol is linked to a
Methamphetamine Mouth: Signs, Causes & Risk Factors
The UK and USA are two of the biggest drug-taking nations in the world. Both countries have problems with drug addiction among the population and indulge in similar substances such as cocaine, opiates and meth. Although meth use isn’t as common here in the UK when compared to the US, tens of thousands still use
Are Fentanyl Deaths Rising in the UK?
There has been significant concern that the number of fentanyl-related deaths in the UK has recently been on the rise. In this article, we assess whether fentanyl is a widely used drug in the UK and how many people have died as a direct result of fentanyl use. What is Fentanyl? Fentanyl is a powerful
Can You Get Addicted to Antihistamines?
Antihistamines are medications commonly used to treat the symptoms of allergies, including hay fever, conjunctivitis, hives and reactions to insect bites and stings. They also have a number of other legitimate uses, such as treating nausea and sickness, motion sickness and insomnia. They can also be misused, particularly in forms that can make you feel
What is Wet Brain?
Alcohol abuse can lead to numerous health problems, and sadly, some of them can be severe and life-threatening. One of those conditions is known as “wet brain,” an informal term for Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS). This syndrome is a serious brain disorder, which is caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1), and it’s often linked
Alcohol and Panic Attacks: Is There a Link?
When we drink alcohol, it can definitely cause some feelings of anxiety. But can they cause something more significant, like a panic attack? This question is one that many want an answer to as they work on understanding their personal relationships with alcohol and mental health. This blog explores whether there is a genuine link
How to Repair a Damaged Liver from Alcohol
.The liver, one of the body’s most vital organs, plays an essential role in processing nutrients, filtering toxins, and supporting overall health. Unfortunately, excessive alcohol consumption can severely damage this important organ. Understanding the impact of alcohol on the liver and recognising the signs of damage are the first steps towards recovery. This article explores