Video Game & Internet Addiction

What It Is

The pathological overuse of games and the internet.

Video game and internet addiction is the pathological overuse of video games and/or the internet — a condition often compared to pathological gambling and classified as an impulse-control disorder.

Internet gaming disorder appears in Section III of the DSM-5, meaning the American Psychiatric Association determined additional research is needed before formal diagnostic criteria can be established. In short, if gaming behavior is causing clinically significant impairment or distress — to you or to the people around you — it may be an addiction.

Signs & Symptoms

Recognizing gaming and internet use disorder.

• Obsessive preoccupation with the internet or gaming — regularly thinking about the last or next session
• Increasing amount of time spent online, never feeling satisfied with the current amount
• Repeated, unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop use
• Withdrawal symptoms when not using — restlessness, irritability, moodiness
• Regularly losing track of time and using for longer than intended
• Strained or failing relationships, job performance, and other consequences
• Carpal tunnel syndrome from overuse of controllers
• Headaches or migraines from eye strain
• Lying about or covering up use
• Excessive use as a coping mechanism

Treatment At Two Dreams

How we treat video game and internet addiction.

Two Dreams offers inpatient, intensive outpatient, and outpatient services based on each individual's needs and level of care required. Our trained counselors, under the supervision of a physician, help clients decide which placement best fits their needs and guide them through every transition step-by-step.

We also provide step-down transition programs to help clients shift out of the treatment center setting, so recovery continues smoothly after formal treatment ends.