Thu Dec 13, 2007 5:00PM EST
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Played a little too much World of Warcraft today? You might have a problem. No, seriously: one that can be treated medically.
Video game "junkie" is a commonly thrown-about term, but for some, it's beginning to represent a real condition that can be treated the same way alcoholism, gambling, or other recognized addictions are dealt with. In fact, a treatment center called The Wild Horses is now open in Amsterdam, which has its own 12 steps to help gamers reintroduce themselves to the real world, including "yoga, body massage, camping, and other fun activities."
Are such steps extreme? While gaming can be a simple hobby for many, any activity has the chance to become antisocial and dangerous. Gamers may be so susceptible, the linked story posits, because of the "improvement" nature of many games. Leveling up, acquiring more gold, and gaining new skills can be unlocked in almost every title by simply sinking more and more time into the game.
But is gamer rehab excessive? Remember that gaming has led to murder in the past, as well as death due to simple neglect of basic human needs like eating food. In some cases, intervention seems more than justified. The trick, I guess, is recognizing it before it's too late.
To date, Wild Horses (which also covers more traditional addictions) appears to be the only center with a gaming specialization, but it's almost certain that additional such centers will begin cropping up stateside as time wears on.
LINK: Video Games Anonymous?
Join in the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.
I am a WOW widow! I hate that game!
I used to be stuck on those online computer games. But I ended up selling my account for a decent amount of money. Now I'm stuck on Xbox 360, out of the frying pan and into the fire I guess. I think the younger players could benefit from their parents stepping in and taking them out of the house and spending time outdoors.
the first step to recovery is to stop playing!
I played Everquest for 6 years and WoW for the past 3, I have recently moved away from these games because of a new job. I think the best treatment in my opinion is to find other things in your life to do to take your mind off of the normal grind of the online life. It all comes down to self motivation to actually get away from these games and have a life. I lost out on so many years of my life by being online every day all day. I agree that parents and spouse's have to step in and literally take away the access to such games.
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1 Posted by bwheeling on Thu Dec 13, 2007 5:45PM EST Report Abuse
Good article, but I think that anyone who could benefit from this article is probably playing WoW as we speak... so if you know any total WoW or Splinter Cell or Halo addicts out there glued to their monitors 24/7, give them a nudge to this new place.