You’ve probably heard some sort of gaming-related story in the past few months about an individual who played too long and suddenly died. Situations like this being a common part of the news lately is definitely causing a lot of people to talk about gaming and worry among family members or friends of those who do play. Today we thought we would take a moment to help you understand some of the signs of a gaming addiction and what you can do to help if you feel you know someone who may, in fact, be addicted and heading down the same path.

Just because someone plays games does not mean they are prone to addiction and definitely does not mean they are going to end up suffering from health problems or even death due to their gaming. Gaming may just be a way they pass some extra time they have on their hands or a way to wind down after a tough day at work. So, before you go jumping the gun, check out some of the common signs of a gaming addiction.

Is Gaming Affecting Their Life Negatively?
When it comes to any type of addiction, the first thing you want to look for are signs that the person’s life is being negatively affected. Does the person in question have a hard time focusing on anything else? Are they constantly talking about or thinking about gaming and rushing through the tasks required of them in order to get back to their computer or console?

Of course, if said person is regularly losing sleep because of their gaming or has recently lost their job or is struggling at work due to gaming then they are probably an addict or on the road to becoming one. Other signs of addiction are not eating or drinking enough and not taking part in social events as they used to because they would rather sit at home and play games. Typically people who are addicts tend to keep to themselves because their games become more important to them than anything else in their life. They may withdraw by not answering their phone as often or keeping in contact with those they are close to; even when important situations arise.

Changes in Mood and Underlying Problems
Does your friend or loved one become irritated or frustrated easily when they are not playing games? Maybe they have told you they do not feel comfortable in their own skin and don’t know what to do, or become easily bored or tired. Oftentimes addictions begin when people have had something traumatic happen in their lives and they are trying to find a way to keep their mind off of it.

If you are worried someone you know is addicted to gaming, speak to them. Ask them how they’re doing and do your best to be there for them. In recent years, science has proven time and time again that just about anything can become an addiction; where in the past it was thought only things such as drugs or alcohol could lead to addiction. Addition is addiction, plain and simple and all forms of addiction should be taken seriously. Just like with addictions to substances, people who are addicted to gaming will have cravings and withdrawal symptoms so watch out for those. Cravings can show up in the form of obsessing over the game when they are in a situation that they should be focused on something else, such as working. Withdrawal most often will appear through anxiousness when the individual is not playing the game or even anger.

What You Can Do To Help
Did you know there are actually support groups and therapists that specialize in all kinds of different addictions these days, including gaming? Your best bet would be to talk to someone yourself such as your doctor and get advice on where to start the whole process. Locate therapists in your area that have dealt with gaming addiction before and discuss your loved ones’ situation to them.

Oftentimes, gaming can be a phase someone is going through that is helping them to de-stress or cope with a tough time of their life but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Do your best to get the person in question out of the house and enjoying things other than gaming and you’re on the track to helping them feel like their old self once again! (But remember, people who have any form of addiction cannot be helped unless they want to be. There is only so much you can do if said person does not want to change their behavior or is not ready to admit that they do, in fact, have a problem).

Amy Lavis, the author of this guest post, has made a solid reputation by authoring articles for technology and gaming blogs. She feels that skoob singapore is the best meeting point for readers and writers who want to exchange tips and ideas.