A video game addiction is like being addicted to drugs.
A study in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse on video games found that they impact the release of dopamine levels in ways similar to drugs like Ecstasy.
Excessive gaming can also mask mental health issues.
“Most people who actually meet the diagnostic criteria for gaming disorder also have other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,” says Dr. Saxon.
Video games give these users a social outlet so that they don’t have to leave their house.
“Often, people become so comfortable playing a game that they don’t want to face reality,” says Dr. Krakower.
“They’re avoiding situations that make them anxious.”
It’s also a place to escape from stress, see measurable progress, and get instant gratification, says Cam Adair, founder of Game Quitters.
“Gaming is a safe place to fail,” says Adair.
“If you apply for a job and they say no, you hurt from rejection. But if you die in a game, you just press restart and try again.”