Gaming Addiction Rehab Centers

At Rainier Rehab, we recognize that gaming addiction is a serious condition affecting increasing numbers of adolescents and adults. Our directory connects you with treatment centers offering specialized programs for video game and internet gaming disorder.

Understanding Gaming Addiction

Gaming disorder was officially recognized by the World Health Organization in 2019 as a pattern of gaming behavior characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities, and continuation of gaming despite negative consequences.

Key aspects of gaming addiction:

• Affects an estimated 3-4% of gamers
• More common in adolescents and young adults
• Often involves massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) and competitive games
• Can co-occur with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and social anxiety
• Distinguished from passionate gaming by significant impairment in functioning

Signs of Gaming Addiction

Warning signs that gaming has become problematic:

• Gaming for increasing amounts of time
• Inability to cut back or stop despite wanting to
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Continuing to game despite problems at school, work, or in relationships
• Lying about time spent gaming
• Using gaming to escape problems or relieve negative moods
• Significant negative impact on sleep, diet, and hygiene
• Withdrawal symptoms (irritability, anxiety) when unable to play
• Risk to education, career, or important relationships

Treatment Approaches for Gaming Addiction

Evidence-Based Therapies

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Internet Addiction (CBT-IA): Adapted CBT specifically for internet and gaming problems
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy: Builds motivation to change gaming behavior
• Family Therapy: Addresses family dynamics and helps parents set healthy boundaries
• Social Skills Training: Develops real-world social abilities

Building Alternative Activities

Treatment focuses on developing healthy alternatives to gaming, including physical activities, creative pursuits, social connections, and educational/career goals that had been neglected.

Treating Underlying Issues

Gaming addiction often masks or co-occurs with conditions like:

• Depression
• Social anxiety
• ADHD
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty with real-world social connections

Digital Balance (Not Total Abstinence)

Unlike substance addiction, gaming addiction treatment often aims for moderated, controlled use rather than complete abstinence—helping individuals develop a healthy relationship with technology while eliminating problematic gaming patterns.

Treatment Settings

Gaming addiction treatment is available in various formats:

• Residential Programs - Immersive treatment away from gaming access
• Wilderness Therapy - Outdoor programs particularly effective for adolescents
• Intensive Outpatient (IOP) - Structured treatment while living at home
• Individual and family counseling

A Balanced Life is Possible

With proper treatment, individuals can develop healthy relationships with technology and rebuild the parts of their lives that gaming has displaced. If gaming has taken over your life or your loved one's life, professional help can make a significant difference.

Resources for gaming addiction:

• Computer Gaming Addicts Anonymous (CGAA)
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357