Sure video games are fun and also a great way to connect with friends, and there could be worse addictions….right? However, the growing trend of hours being spent by individuals of all ages in playing video games is shockingly disturbing. Add a pandemic with ‘stay at home orders’ enforced to the equation, and the result can be disastrous for those already fighting a video game addiction. In a world where connections made online are more common than in person, it’s no wonder why video game play is on the rise. But what for some is a recreational fun way to spend free time, can be a deadly slope nearing addiction for others. Video game rehab that breaks the cycle of addiction is essential for those wanting to reclaim their life. Establishing an addiction from an unhealthy habit, whether for yourself or a loved one, can help determine the kind of video game rehab needed. With this type of addiction becoming more common, there are more choices in which type of treatment is available for those seeking recovery. Taking the time and effort into understanding what video game rehab centers offer can help an individual find the best fit for themselves or a loved one.
Treatments Offered At A Recovery Center For Video Game Addiction
Once an individual has determined a rehab center for video games is necessary, the next step is determining which type of treatment is best suited. While most video game rehab centers will offer the same common types of treatments for recovery, there are a few that can offer ‘new’ or ‘unique’ modalities as well. Factors such as location and staff are the biggest reasons as to why a facility can offer more diverse forms of treatment at their recovery center for video game addiction. Below are some examples of options or methods used and offered today for recovery:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – It is very common for individuals struggling with video game addiction to experience destructive and negative thinking or maladaptive thought patterns. Since our cognition affects our wellbeing, changing harmful thought patterns can help clients recognize their ability to practice alternative ways of thinking. While also regulating distressing emotions and harmful behavior.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) – is a collaborative, therapeutic conversation between licensed clinicians and clients that addresses the common problem of ambivalence for change. Rather than imposing or forcing changes, MI allows video game rehab centers to “meet the client where the client is” and help them move toward their goals by drawing out and building their readiness to change.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) – Similar to CBT, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy helps clients identify, challenge, and replace their destructive thoughts and convictions with healthier, adaptive thoughts. Empirical studies demonstrate that this process incites emotional well-being and goal achievement.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – teaches clients how to regulate their emotions to reduce the self-destructive behaviors that derive from extreme, intense emotions. Primarily a skill-building approach, DBT focuses on the development of four key skill sets; Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, Mindfulness (to live in the moment and fully experience emotions), Interpersonal Effectiveness.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MSBR) – a sequential method that teaches the individual who is struggling with racing and impulsive thoughts on how to be in the “here and now”. By focusing on the breath or on an object in the room, the client slowly becomes able to collapse their awareness into the present moment.
Recovery-Oriented Challenge Therapy – Sometimes also called Adventure Therapy or Outdoor Behavioral Health (OBH), this evidence-based technique is centered on an activity or “adventure” in which a clinical professional can actively engage with clients. Examples of Recovery-Orientated Challenge Therapy include: group challenges, outdoor activities, Nature Immersion, ropes courses, Equine Therapy, games, or other skill-building healing activities. Designed to help clients identify strengths and skills, build social support, strengthen their sense of focus of control, and address basic recovery issues, these groups assist with the development of self-care, boundaries, accountability, and trust. Simply being outdoors and immersed in nature has itself been proven to be therapeutic for a person stuck in a sedentary and addictive indoor lifestyle. Hence why the best video game rehab centers usually offer these types of therapies or treatments.
Experiential Therapies, i.e. Psychodrama – Many clients, especially younger clients, trapped in addictive and dysfunctional lifestyles, often benefit greatly from action-based and potentially transformative experiences. In psychodrama, the client can relive scenes from earlier in their lives that may have been turning points or “stuck” points in their addictive slide. The client is able to relive, and through the help of the clinician, change the toxic scene into one of breakthrough and empowerment.
Video game rehab that breaks the cycle is the ultimate goal, no matter if for yourself or for a loved one. Carefully understanding the treatment options offered at a recovery center for video game addiction is imperative before choosing a program. Each treatment option can have a different effect on an addicted individual as none of us is exactly the same. So understanding what each modality entails can help better determine which is best for the individual in seeking recovery.
Maui Recovery Is The Video Game Rehab That Breaks The Cycle
There is now a dedicated specialized program at Maui Recovery to effectively treat video game and/or screen addiction Dr. Kardaras, our Co-CEO and Chief Clinical Officer, is considered one of the world’s leading experts on digital addiction (social media, video games, smart phones, etc.) and treatment. Kardaras, author of “Glow Kids”, wrote a seminal book on the clinical, neurological, and sociological aspects of digital/technology addiction. Over the past 10 years, Kardaras has worked clinically with hundreds of young people struggling with video game addiction disease. His work and dedication, along with others that offer incredible value and expertise, are here to help those seeking recovery. At Maui Recovery we combine the best evidence-based treatments with powerful, transformative, holistic, and experimental therapies to treat the whole client. Therefore explaining why Maui Recovery is the number one choice of a video game rehab that breaks the cycle!
