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Do You Have A Gaming Disorder?
Do You Have A Gaming Disorder?
I saw recently on the FoxNews website that a hospital in Pennsylvania began a new inhouse
treatment program for what has apparently been identified as a new brand of addiction:
to video games. Just as we looked recently at the label of *** addiction, let's take
a brief look at this new disorder. The article contends that internet addiction
is more pervasive than alcoholism because ""the Internet is free, legal and fat free."
The medical team at the hospital contends that a person goes into "digital detox" when
they are cut off from an internet connection or computer use for 72 hours! The researchers
also note that people severely affected with this disorder also have other undiagnosed
"psychiatric disorder or personality problem". We all know of people who seem to be "addicted"
to their internet device but we would not typically suggest that they need in-house
treatment programs. The terms "disorder" and "syndrome" are bandied about frequently in
the medical community and the common theme is that the etiology (or cause) is unknown.
If you are a follower of our website or blogs, you will already know that we contend that
the vast majority of these diagnoses typically reflect spiritual and not medical issues.
The medical community addresses these as best they can through psychotropic medications
that are bandaids at best and typically ineffective for curing the issues.
As Christian counselors, we are of the view that life cannot be lived victoriously and
to the full apart from Christ dwelling within us. Without the Holy Spirit, people will seek
worldly pleasures to full the voide and they are all at best unfulfilling and ultimately
destructive at the worst. Whether the substitute is alcohol, drugs, *** or the internet,
the paths typically lead to the same place: an unfulfilled and incomplete life. In many
cases, the end is also unexpected and tragic. Our hearts go out to those who are dealing
with these types of issues. Their pain and torment is no doubt real and we know from
experience that their difficulty in stopping the destructive behaviors is no less easy
than others battling similar addictions. The demonic realm is here to kill, steal and destroy
(John 10:10) and we have no doubt that they can torment in the areas of gaming and internet
just as they can with drugs and alcohol. There is a spirit of addiction and it can manifest
in many ways. Let us not focus on the veracity of the claim
(is there really a "gaming addiction"?) but rather working to get to the root cause for
the condition in the first place. The article rightly notes that the person has other personality
"issues" and that is where the love and power of Christ can work to bring a transformation.
If someone you know is battling in these areas, please give us a call. We would love to talk
to you!