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If you're not having any luck cutting back on gaming on your own, talk to your doctor. They may be able to give you advice on how to quit or refer you to someone who can help. It can be difficult to talk to your doctor about something like this, but remember that it's their job to help you. Say something like, "I feel like I play video games too much, but it's really hard for me to stop. Can you give me some advice?" If you're a kid or teen, talk to your parents or another trusted adult, like a school counselor. They can help you make an appointment to get the help you need. Let your doctor know if you think your game addiction is causing any physical problems, such as dry eyes, muscle or joint pain, or headaches. Cognitive behavioral therapy may be helpful for overcoming severe video game addictions. CBT focuses on helping you recognize and change harmful behaviors and thought patterns that might be making your addiction worse. Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist who has experience treating addictions with CBT. If you're in school or college, find out if your school offers psychological services for students. If your gaming habits are having a negative impact on your relationships, you might also benefit from family or marriage counseling. Group therapy can be a great way to meet other people who are dealing with similar struggles. Other members of the group can give you advice and support and help you feel less alone. Ask your doctor or counselor to recommend a support group. In a group meeting, you and other group members may share your success stories, talk about things you're struggling with, and offer each other encouragement. You don't have to speak up or participate in the discussion if you don't feel like it. You can also make use of online support groups and gaming addiction communities, such as Online Gamers Anonymous, Computer Gaming Addicts Anonymous, or Game Quitters. Some studies show that bupropion (Wellbutrin), an antidepressant medication, may help you stop a video game addiction. If other methods aren't working, ask your doctor or psychiatrist about getting a bupropion prescription. Medications can sometimes interact with each other in harmful ways. Before starting bupropion or any other medication, give your doctor a full list of any medications or supplements you're currently taking. Ask your doctor about the possible risks and side effects of using bupropion. If your addiction is so bad that it's affecting your health and you're not having any success with other treatment options, look into a rehabilitation program. Some addiction treatment centers will give you the option to stay in a supervised environment for a while away from gaming technology so you have a chance to "detox." Search online for a gaming addiction treatment facility near you, or ask your doctor to recommend one. If you aren't able to stay in a treatment facility, look for outpatient rehabilitation programs. These programs may combine counseling with other forms of therapy to help treat your addiction. It takes a lot of strength to seek help for a serious addiction, so don't feel embarrassed or ashamed about looking into rehab. Video game addiction often goes along with other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. If you think you might have another mental health condition that's causing your addiction or making it worse, talk to your doctor or counselor. They can help you treat those conditions, which should make it easier to shake your video game addiction. Your doctor or therapist may recommend a combination of counseling and medication to treat these conditions. If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition, you're not alone. In the U.S., about half of all adults will deal with a mental health issue at some point in their lives!
Ask your doctor for advice on managing your addiction. Try cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to overcome addictive behaviors. Join a support group for gaming addicts if you feel isolated. Ask your doctor about using medications to reduce cravings. Look into rehab for a severe addiction. Treat any conditions that might be contributing to your addiction.