We all know the cliché of someone who practically turns into a zombie playing video games. They play for hours and hours on end, often to the detriment of work, school, and relationships. When video games start negatively affecting other aspects of your life, it may be time to seek some help. At Ascend, we offer specialized gaming addiction treatment that helps teens and families understand the patterns behind compulsive technology use. Learn more here.

Gaming & Device Management Treatment Program

a teen celebrates while sitting on the floor playing a video game and may be in need of gaming addiction treatment

For many, the idea of being addicted to video games doesn’t seem possible. In fact, the WHO only added video gaming as a disorder to its medical reference book in 2018. And it has only recently been proposed as an addition to the American Psychiatric Association’s manual (DSM-5). Video and internet gaming addiction is a real issue, and Ascend Healthcare is here to help with our unique treatment programs for teens.

Gaming & Device Management Treatment

Games are designed to be addictive. They grab your attention with unique graphics and keep you focused with motivating music. Players constantly want to return to gaming because the challenges and successes they experience in games can be much more gratifying than their real-life experiences. Many of the elements that attract people to video games are the same ones that run parallel to compulsive gambling disorders, including:

  • Paying to win
  • Beating the house/boss
  • Perks to keep you playing
  • Stimulating sounds & graphics

Both gaming and gambling operate on a basis of a variable reward structure in order to provide occasional gratification and prolong play. Some signs that may indicate your child is suffering from concerning gaming behavior include:

  • Using video games to alleviate bad moods and negative feelings
  • Talking and thinking about gaming all of the time
  • Feeling moody when they can’t play
  • Progressively spending more and more time playing to feel good
  • Not being able to reduce gaming time, even a little
  • Loss of interest in other hobbies
  • Problems at school, work, or home due to gaming
  • Playing even though they know that the gaming is causing problems in their life
  • Lying about how much they play

In many cases, technology addiction in teens involves more than just video games. Teens may also compulsively use smartphones, apps, or social media in ways that interfere with daily life. Some families may benefit from a combined gaming addiction treatment and social media addiction treatment approach.

Worried parents may cut their child’s game time, leading them to become angry, depressed, and even violent when they can’t play. A combination of therapeutic modalities, the 12-step program, and sometimes even medication can help children (and their parents) cope with video and internet gaming disorders.

Our Gaming Addiction Treatment Program

Our device misuse treatment program helps your child take steps toward understanding why they are so drawn to gaming as a coping mechanism. The goal is to examine what your child is avoiding and suppressing when they game.

Our team works with your child to explore the reason they’re avoiding school and real-life responsibilities. We look into everything from anxiety and depression to socialization to find the underlying causes of this disorder. Observing your child’s social interactions and encouraging social skills development without relying on gaming is critical, but we also talk to your child about mindfulness, healthy coping strategies, and setting limits on their gaming time.

Ascend’s approach to technology addiction in teens focuses on whole-person care, addressing not just device use but the emotional needs that drive it.

Contact Ascend Healthcare

If you or a loved one struggles with device overuse, help is available here. Reach out to our admissions team to speak with someone who can assess your situation and discuss next steps.

FAQ

What is gaming addiction treatment?

Gaming addiction treatment helps teens who spend excessive time on video games or digital devices understand and change their behavior. At Ascend, our program combines therapy, healthy structure, and emotional support to address the root causes of compulsive gaming.

How do I know if my teen needs help for technology addiction?

Signs of technology addiction in teens can include mood changes when devices are taken away, avoiding responsibilities to game or scroll, and losing interest in offline hobbies. If screen use is interfering with school, sleep, or relationships, it may be time to seek professional support.

Does Ascend offer help for social media addiction?

Yes. Our approach to digital overuse includes social media addiction treatment when needed. We help teens reduce screen time, improve emotional regulation, and reconnect with real-life experiences through therapy and experiential activities.

What makes Ascend’s gaming addiction treatment different?

We don’t just focus on stopping device use. Our gaming addiction treatment explores what teens may be avoiding and helps them build healthier ways to cope. Our residential setting provides space for teens to reset and grow.