The Perfect Addiction

               Video game addiction is not recognized as an official disorder, and that is absurd because it is a perfect example of an addiction. For the purpose of the argument let us use the American Society of Addiction Medicine's definition of an addiction:

 "Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviours. Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioural control, and craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviours and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death"( Definition of Addiction n.d.).

Now what exactly is a video game? Well today games vary so much, but they all have the same underlining principles. Do a task in order to receive rewards, which intern motivates the player to complete the next task. Games require large financial, emotional and time investment in order to receive the most reward recognition. The similarities between the definition of addiction and how video games work are apparent; both trigger reward, motivation, and memory areas of the brain. They intern effect the personal health and social aspect of the person’s life. Both share characteristics of cravings, diminished recognition of significant problems.

Now how could this be an addiction? What if I told you video game addiction shares characteristics with heroin addiction, which is considered one of the most addictive drugs in the world. WebMD explains that heroin gives you "a rush of good feelings and happiness." Comparable to what happens when you get rewards during video games. Then "Some users say you feel like you're in a dream." (Heroin Use, Addiction, Effects, Withdrawal, and More n.d.). The entire time you are playing video games you are in a dream state, living your life the way you want though your character. If there is no debate heroin is an addiction then so to must gaming addictions.

The only possible argument for not recognizing this as an addiction is the impact of long term health. There is a lack of information on the impact later in life because this is a relatively new disorder. Video games have only been around for a very small time relative to most other addictions. It seems redundant to wait for problem to occur before we act, especially when we can help those effected by this disease now.

Citations

Definition of Addiction. (n.d.). Retrieved February 21, 2016, from http://www.asam.org/for-the-public/definition-of-addiction

Heroin Use, Addiction, Effects, Withdrawal, and More. (n.d.). Retrieved February 21, 2016, from http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/heroin-use