I have been awakened finaly to the severe addiction that snares many young men. I did not realy find out until I used it as discipline by withdrawing the games. As a nurse I quickly realized that the reaction was exactly like that of someone coming off of drugs. See for yourself, one out of 5 boys are highly suseptable.  

http://www.videogametrouble.org/pages/2/index.htm   

 

THE GAMBLE:  Most parents are unaware of the risks associated with video game play.  Studies indicate that over twenty percent of adolescent children are susceptible to video game addiction - with boys much more likely to become hooked than girls.

GAME SYSTEM OWNERSHIP:  More than eight in ten kids own at least one game system.  (Kaiser Family Foundation, 3/05)   THEIR FAVORITES:  According to a November 2004 report from the National Institute on Media and the Family, 78% of adolescent boys admit that “M” rated games are among their favorites.  - MORE:www.mediafamily.org/mediawise/video_game_addiction.shtml ADDICTION:  A 1998 study showed that one out of five adolescents were “dependent” on computer games.  The same study showed that boys are far more likely to be addicted than girls.(National Institute on Media and the Family, April 2003)

Why So Addictive?

LIKE A DRUG:One of the key reasons video games are addictive is the physiological effect.A study at the HammersmithHospital in London found playing games triggers release of dopamine in the brain.Researchers discovered that dopamine production in the brain doubles during video game play.The increase of the psychoactive chemical was roughly the same as when a person is injected with amphetamines. o       MORE: www.vifamily.ca/library/cft/media.html o      MORE:http://exn.ca/Stories/1998/06/12/59.asp SOCIAL ISOLATION:Video game addiction has been associated with social isolation, decreased prosocial behavior and lowered self-esteem among adolescents. o       MORE: www.wysong.net/health

RISK ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:  A 2002 survey sampling 223 adolscents conducted by the Society for the Study of Addiction to Alcohol and Other Drugs posed the following situations to help determine patterns of video game addiction.  PREOCCUPATION:  When I am not playing with the video games, I keep thinking about them (i.e. remembering games, planning the next game, etc.)     TOLERANCE:  I spend an increasing amount of time playing video games.  LOSS OF CONTROL:  I have tried to control, cut back or stop playing, or I usually play with the video games over a longer period than I intended.  LOSS OF CONTROL:  When I lose in a game or I have not obtained the desired results, I need to play again to achieve my target.  WITHDRAWAL:  When I can't use the video games I get restless or irritable.  ESCAPE:  When I feel bad, etc. nervous, sad, or angry, or when I have problems, I use the video games more often.  LIES AND DECEPTION: Sometimes I conceal my video game playing to my parents, friends, teachers, etc.  DISREGARD FOR CONSEQUENCES:  In order to play video games I have skipped classes or work, or lied, or stolen, or had an argument or a fight with someone.  LIFE DISRUPTION:  Because of the video game playing I have reduced my homework, or schoolwork, or I have not eaten, or I have gone to bed late, or I spent less time with my friends and family.