Video Game Addiction: You Better Believe It!
Steve was never a gamer. He used to scoff at the guys and girls who used to waste their time playing video games. After all he was on the track team and was destined for Nationals. One day his friend Tom invited him over to check out a new game he had downloaded. At first Steve refused, but when Tom insisted, Steve reluctantly accepted the invite. It wasn't long until Steve was over Tom's house everyday. They would sit hours playing the same game. They would make online friends. Steve's grades began to slip and he began to grow insular and solitary. His parents did not know what to do. What happened to the Steve they knew? They would soon find out how bad a video game addiction really is...
?
Does your teen spend the majority of his free time indoors on the computer, only taking breaks for snacks and the bathroom?? Does he ignore friends, family, even showers, while his grades plummet and belligerence soars? He might have a video game addiction.?
When time spent playing video games reaches a point that it harms a child's or adult's family and social relationships, or disrupts school or work life, that person may be caught in a cycle of addiction. The Mothers Against Videogame Addiction and Violence say video game addiction is becoming this country?s most increasingly worrisome epidemic, comparable even to drug and alcohol abuse.? It isn?t just affecting teenagers.? In older addicts, compulsive gaming can jeopardize jobs or relationships. ?
Signs of Addiction
According to the Center for On-Line Addiction, warning signs for video game addiction include:
Playing for increasing amounts of time
Thinking about gaming during other activities
Gaming to escape from real-life problems, anxiety, or depression
Lying to friends and family to conceal gaming
Feeling irritable when trying to cut down on gaming
Physical signs of addiction include:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Sleep disturbances
Back, neck aches
Headaches
Dry eyes
Failure to eat regularly or neglect personal hygiene
Addiction Dangers
As many as one in 30 computer game players have symptoms similar to those of gambling and drug addicts, psychologists say.? Even the most casual teen gamers are affected by video games and suffer from low self esteem issues compared to their more athletic and social peers. The studies also revealed, younger gamers were more likely to become lifetime addicts and social outcasts.?
Getting help
A support group called On-Line Gamers Anonymous is twelve-step, self-help organization and web site dedicated to helping those addicted to computer/ video/console/on-line games. They also welcome the gamer?s friends and family.
You can call the OLGA Hot Line at 612-245-1115.?
?
The most important thing to realize when helping a person with a video game addiction is that he or she really doesn't think there is anything wrong. After all they have hundreds of friends (all virtual) and aren't abusing any substances. Patience is necessary when dealing with people with video addictions. One also must seek the help of trained addiction professionals. With love and support and of course awareness, a video game addiction can be overcome.
Andrew Beckers writes about subjects important to humanity. Learn more about Video Game Addiction.
Free Articles:
Birthday Video - Turn Your Childs Party Video Into A Fun Music Video
Kid Birthday Party - Birthday VideoMost people shoot some random video of their child's birthday party, then toss the video in a drawer and forget about it.Hey, we're talking about some precious video of an important event in your child's life.
Makeup Mondo - Dedicated Makeup Video Site Launches With Free Professional Celebrity Makeup Video Tips
Makeup Mondo, a Los Angeles based internet video start-up dedicated to innovative video content on makeup, is launching its first round of free how to video tips - clear and easy how to videos deliver a step-by-step guide to red carpet celebrity makeup looks.
Watch interesting music videos, extreme sports video, and crash video online through Video Tubes
Internet has gained its popularity amongst every individual. Every one including kids enjoys surfing on Internet. Do you have missed your favorite television program? Do you wish to watch your favourite videos, music online? Now all your questions come under one roof. Video tubes are the solution to all your questions.
The Internet’s First How-To Video Blog About Search Marketing
Web Marketing Watch, a new daily video show online, gives visitors search and online marketing tutorials in easy-to-digest 3-7 minute visual spots.
Cut, Sew and Blog - Fashion Designer Malcolm Harris Debut's New Video and Text Blog
Fashion Designer Malcolm Harris of the emerging luxury brand Mal Sirrah announces the September 5th, 2007 debut of his company's daily video and text blog, Cut, Sew and Blog. This launch will coincide with the first day of Mercedes Benz's New York Fashion Week. The Mal Sirrah Spring/Summer 2008 Collection will also be available for viewing on Cut, Sew and Blog.
Convert and Compress QuickTime Videos with Free MOV Video Converter from FXBear
FXBear Software Solutions (www.FXBear.com) today released a free MOV video converter, allowing users to convert QuickTime videos to other popular video file types. The free downloadable software is also capable of compressing QuickTime videos.
Learners Crochet Video - How To Get Free Beginner Crochet Video
An interesting fact I'd like to share with here, in middle French the term croc or croche stands for hook Precise history narration is not as easy task, yet from evidence available as reference some where in 1800s Europe was introduced to crochet
Ski Racing Videos.com provides free video hosting for ski teams and racers
Ski Racing Videos.com provides free hosting of videos for ski teams, racers, coaches, parents, and fans. Easily upload and share videos that are solely about ski racing. Including training and racing videos from Slalom, GS, Super G, Downhill, and skiercross.
New Versions of Free Video Editing Software, Video Converters Available at DVDVideoSoft
DVDVideoSoft, an independent software vendor, announces the bulk update of its free video editing software. This site also provides a free video converter and multimedia software guides and tutorials.
Where To Get Broadband Quality Online Videos & Video Podcasts About World Travel For Free
If you are looking to find broadband quality online videos and video pod casts about good holiday destinations and world travel on the internet for free, then please read our free guide below which will save you time searching on the web and will give you some great websites to investigate further.
Video Blogging Made Easy -- Professional Video Blog WordPress Theme Makes Inserting Videos on a Blog As Easy As 1-2-3
Tuesday, March 18th, 2008 will mark a truly historic moment in the history of video blogging. Beginning at 1pm on this day, Ben Cope, The Internet Genius, will release the Video Blog Dream Theme, a premium WordPress theme designed exclusively for video bloggers.
The Video Blog Dream Theme makes it easy for blog owners to insert videos on their site, without having the hassle or frustration of trying to copy and paste the HTML embed code.
NewBlue Cartoonr Offers Free Cartoon Effect Plugin and Transforms Video into Animation for Free
High-end cartoon effects are no longer the exclusive domain of Hollywood big boys thanks to video effects plugin creator NewBlue, Inc. Now anyone using leading desktop video software can animate live-action video by downloading NewBlue Cartoonr, the company's fast, easy and free way to give scenes a cartoon look.
Video the Tube - The Best Video Rant Contest Debuts; Free Video Upload Site will Award $1,000 for Best Video Rant
Each day millions of college students upload and share video content, however, both liberal and conservative video file sharers argue that their views are being suppressed by some of the major video sharing communities. Is there a solution? Well ask noted producer and author, John Fair. CampusRights.net launches Video The Tube - The Best Video Rant contest. Brand new interactive website that allows a student to upload and share their best video rant and win a chance at $1000 in cash.
New Version of VZOchat, a Free High-Speed Video Messenger, is Available for Video Chatting
Join the constantly growing community of more than 220,000 users of VZOchat worldwide at vzochat.com. They all have seen what real video chatting is, and now it is your turn. The VZOchat technology streams video in such a way that even a slow Internet connection can no longer be a problem.
Free Online Video Websites That Aren?t Really Free
Are you an avid online shopper? If so, there is a good chance that you have come across a number of different deals and discounts online. Similar to those deals and discounts is the ability to obtain something online without paying a fee, those items, products, or services are commonly known as being free. Unfortunately, you will find that when it comes to being free, not all free things are actually free. One of those things is online video websites, not all of them are as free as you would think they would be http://www.bestie7.info