Video Game Addicts Get Their Own Treatment Center

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?