Maui Recovery provides a comprehensive and specialized program specifically designed to address video game addiction, under the expert leadership of our Co-CEO and Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Kardaras. Dr. Kardaras is internationally recognized as a leading authority in the field of digital addiction, with a significant focus on the psychological and behavioral implications of technology on individuals, particularly young people.
He is the author of the influential book “Glow Kids,” which explores the profound effects of technology addiction on the developing minds of children and adolescents. This groundbreaking work has garnered attention for its insightful analysis of the problems associated with excessive screen time and gaming.
With over a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Kardaras has dedicated his career to helping individuals navigate and overcome the challenges posed by video game addiction. Through personalized treatment plans, therapeutic techniques, and support, he has successfully guided hundreds of individuals toward recovery, fostering healthier relationships with technology. Our program reflects his commitment to empowering individuals to regain control over their lives and improve their overall well-being.
“Are We Still in The Game?”
These six words were posed to Dr. K nearly a decade ago by a troubled and bewildered teenager. The 16-year-old client was caught in the throes of Video Game-Induced Psychosis, a phenomenon that was both startling and perplexing. During this episode, the young individual struggled to distinguish between the virtual worlds of gaming and reality, leading to intense feelings of confusion and detachment.
This poignant exchange marked the beginning of a profound journey into understanding the complexities of Video Game Addiction and its far-reaching effects on the developing brains of children and adolescents. Dr. K’s exploration delved deep into the neurological impacts that excessive screen time and gaming addiction can impose on young minds, shedding light on the potentially harmful consequences of prolonged engagement with digital entertainment. As the investigation unfolded, it became increasingly clear that the implications of these modern pastimes extend far beyond mere leisure, influencing social connections, mental health, and cognitive functioning in ways that warrant serious attention.
Indiana University School of Medicine Brain Imaging Study Found
In 2011, Dr. Yang Wang and his team of research associates at the Indiana University School of Medicine conducted a significant study involving brain imaging to explore the neurological effects of video gaming. Their findings revealed that young adults who engaged in violent video games for just one week exhibited notable changes in their brain function. Specifically, the research highlighted a decrease in activation levels in certain areas of the frontal lobe, which are critically associated with executive functions such as decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. These particular regions of the brain are not only essential for these cognitive processes but are also similar to those that show altered activity patterns in individuals suffering from drug addiction. This correlation suggests a potential link between prolonged exposure to violent video games and impairments in cognitive functions akin to those experienced by individuals dealing with substance abuse.
Glowing Screens Are Being Used to Treat Burn Victims
University of Washington has been using a virtual reality video game to help military burn victims with pain management during their treatments. Amazingly, while burn patients are immersed in the game, they experience a pain-reducing, morphine-like analgesic effect and thus don’t require any actual narcotics. A wonderful use of screen technology for pain-management medicine. However, unfortunately, we’re also unwittingly giving this digital morphine to others.
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