Video games, social media, and the internet aren’t inherently bad—but when they start taking over your life, interfering with work, relationships, and daily responsibilities, it’s time to take a closer look. Gaming and internet addiction are real struggles that affect millions of people, and effective treatment is available.
Signs of Problematic Use
You might benefit from treatment if you’re experiencing:
- Spending increasing amounts of time gaming or online
- Neglecting responsibilities (work, school, hygiene, relationships)
- Failed attempts to cut back or control use
- Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Using gaming/internet to escape problems or negative feelings
- Irritability or restlessness when unable to play/go online
- Lying to others about how much time you spend gaming
- Relationship conflicts due to gaming or internet use
- Sleep disruption from late-night gaming sessions
Why It Happens
Gaming and internet addiction often aren’t really about the games—they’re about what the games provide: escape, achievement, social connection, or relief from difficult emotions. Understanding the underlying needs driving the behavior is key to lasting change.
Many people struggling with gaming addiction also experience:
- Anxiety or social anxiety
- Depression
- ADHD
- Loneliness or social isolation
- Low self-esteem
- Trauma
How Treatment Helps
I take a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to gaming and internet addiction. My goal isn’t necessarily to eliminate gaming entirely, but to help you develop a healthy, balanced relationship with technology. In therapy, we’ll:
- Understand the function gaming/internet serves in your life
- Address underlying issues (anxiety, depression, trauma, etc.)
- Develop healthier coping strategies
- Build real-world social connections and activities
- Create sustainable boundaries around technology use
- Rebuild relationships affected by addiction
Ready to regain control? Schedule your first appointment.