Video Game Addiction Growing In Eastern Idaho

A study of 1,200 U.S. Children and teenagers found nearly 10 percent showed signs of pathological video-game use, much like a gambling habit.

Video game addiction is not listed in the Diagnostic Manual for Mental Health Disorders, but an Idaho Falls expert said it’s being considered for the 2012 edition.

Even so, experts said, it is absolutely, without question, a real addiction.

Weekends mean a familiar routine in the Windmiller family’s Bonneville County basement: video games.

“It’s entertaining,” said 9-year-old Arik Windmiller.

“Sometimes I just don’t have anything else to do,” said 14-year-old Adam Windmiller. “Others, just to get away from everything. Just kind of stress relief.”

The Windmiller kids play about every other day, but it’s that escape, experts say, that’s helping to fuel a growing trend of video game addiction in kids and teens across the United States.

“It’s kind of a secret disease,” said licensed counselor Kirsten Griggs, who sees the problem regularly.

At Creekside Counseling in Idaho Falls, Griggs said she’s seen a huge increase since 2008, and estimated at least 30 percent of the adolescents and young adults she treats have an issue with gaming addiction, what’s classified as an “impulse control disorder.”

Griggs said the addictive process releases dopamine in the brain. It’s like a natural high.

“You think, ‘Oh I’m just gonna get to this one and stop,’ then think, ‘Oh this one’s gonna be easy,’ so you keep going,” said 12-year-old A.J. Windmiller.

“When you start seeing any individual trading off real life for the fantasy world, where they’re refusing to interact with friends, go out with family, when they’d rather stay in their room with a computer,” said Griggs. “That’s a huge red flag.”

Games like World of Warcraft that connect to the Internet and a bigger, multi-user community, often create friendships and even new identities, making it easy to get hooked. But experts said hours and hours in front of an Xbox at home can have the same result.

On the other hand, the more active Wii games with a partner can be a good thing.

“There’s a fine line between healthy and unhealthy, damaging and promoting,” said Dr. Craig Georgianna, co-author of “Hyper Stimulation: Teens, Pornography and Online Addiction.”

In general, males are more at risk because games are geared toward them. But, more and more, females are gravitating to the virtual worlds like Second Life or Cityville.

Growing technology means a growing problem. Video gaming is no longer restricted to sitting in front of a TV or computer screen. With handheld games, tablets, and smart-phones, users can play anywhere.

“That means anywhere you’ve got a connection, you’ve got your content,” said Tom Underhill, co-author of “Hyper Stimulation: Teens, Pornography and Online Addiction.” “Your drug (is) right there in your pocket.”

So, what’s a parent to do? Treatment with a counselor like Griggs looks at underlying causes and can go on for 12 weeks to six months, even six years. But, said Griggs, prevention is the key.

“Limit the amount of time kids are doing anything,” said Griggs. “Texting, Facebook, not just gaming, but gaming also.”

Experts said parents need to be aware. Gaming time should be no more than 30-90 minutes a day depending on the circumstance. It should come after homework and chores.

Parents can put a password on computers or block Internet on cell phones.

Parents should be looking at every game kids play,” said Griggs.

That means Karla Windmiller is doing her job.

“They have to be ‘E’ for everyone,'” said Windmiller.

But, she also knows her kids need that stress reliever, an “out” as she called it. Just in small doses.

“I think you need to balance it to be well rounded,” said Windmiller.

There’s no research to support it, but where you live could have something to do with this addiction. Griggs said the long winters in Idaho and lack of things to do in the more rural areas, could be a factor.

Experts said as the problem grows, so does the help. There are now 12-step programs to treat gaming addiction.