Online gaming
Gadgets and modern technology provide people with many conveniences on a daily basis. With the versatility of a cellphone and the likes, people can communicate easily. Modern technology plays a big factor in keeping us entertained even for hours.
However, as modern technology bridges the communication gap, it created turmoil in society. The medical community recently categorized online gaming as a mental health disorder. Experts observed that the amount of time spent on screen playing games is alarming. Teens up to young adults suffer from playing online games and can also experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop.
Some people can still juggle around work, family time, and gaming. But there are those who suffer extreme health issues because of online gaming. Worse news about online gaming is that gamers literally die in front of their screens after playing for hours and even days.
Not for everyone
An expert, who works with addiction at the Hamilton Center Inc, studied the effects of gaming in the brain. Gaming affects the same neurological pathway in the brain similar to cocaine and alcohol. The brain releases the same chemicals related to illicit substances. Experts believed that these produce the same addiction effect and can cause more serious problems.
Oline gaming as a new addiction
“TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI)- Online gaming could now be classified as an addiction. Medical experts say the number of hours you spend behind the screen playing games, may be considered concerning.
Blaze Branson says he spends about a couple hours each day of the week playing online games. “I don’t see it as an addiction,” Branson said. “I see it as an escape.” Branson loves video games, but he says he has never let them get in the way of his work or family. “Nobody is here forever,” he said. “It’s always good to have family time.”
Still, experts say there is a growing concern that not everyone knows when to turn it off. Jennifer Hutchens, acting chief of addiction services at the Hamilton Center Inc. in Terre Haute, works first-hand with addiction. She says she has studied what “gaming” can do to the brain.
“It’s the same pathway that we see with cocaine and with alcohol,” Hutchens said. “All the neurochemicals are released and lite up in the brain when playing video games.” The World Health Organization is considering creating an official medical diagnosis called, Gaming Disorder. Experts say excessive hours behind the screen can have serious consequences on the body and daily life.
“There is an addiction when they crave it or they put it before all other needs met,” Hutchens said. “At that point, we are going to start to see emotions run high and we are also going to see signs of withdrawal.”
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