The proliferation of online gaming has enabled gamers around the world to connect and build digital friendships surrounding common interests. These habits can sometimes resemble gambling addictions or are other forms of compulsive addictions. Gaming can and is a healthy outlet for many people, however, in some cases the relationship people have with gaming can be unhealthy and cause other aspects of living to suffer.
If you think you’ve developed a video game addiction, you’re not alone. A survey of gamers found that 4.5% of the sample met the criteria for problem gamers, and 1.2% were considered to have a gaming addiction. Thankfully, as we progress to better understand this issue, between video game addiction hotlines and gaming addiction support groups, it’s getting easier to find like-minded individuals who want to take back control of their hobby.
Video Game Addiction Hotline & Support Groups
- Online Gamers Anonymous
Online Gamers Anonymous utilizes a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. The organization hosts weekly Zoom meetings, and it’s published a book to further assist gamers looking to eliminate their addiction to video games. Recovering video game addicts will need to visit their website and create an account to gain full access to their forums and chat rooms, where they’ll find the support they need. OGA can also connect members with mental health professionals to further assist them on their recovery journey. - Mental Health Hotline
Mental Health Hotline provides support for a wide range of mental health issues. While we don’t specialize in video game addiction, the organization’s counselors have extensive experience in nearly all areas of mental health, ranging from anxiety and depression to battling substance use disorders.
(866) 903-3787 - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Helpline
SAMHSA is a free, 24-hour helpline providing information about mental health services. SAMHSA can refer people to support groups and community resources to help them overcome any type of mental illness, not just video game addiction. SAMHSA phone assistance is available in English and Spanish.
(800) 487-4889 - Gaming Addicts Anonymous
Gaming Addicts Anonymous is a support group of gamers helping each other overcome the challenges found during recovery from game addiction. Members share their stories and offer suggestions to other members on how they can succeed in the journey to overcome their addiction.
GAA doesn’t ask that members refer to themselves as addicts. The group stresses that the only
requirement for membership is a desire to overcome compulsive gaming. Gamers interested in joining GAA can attend a meeting online or over the phone.
Call: (970) 364-3497 and leave contact info
Email: helpline@gaais.org - Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line offers support for members of the armed forces in times of distress. You don’t have to be part of the military to call; the free and confidential assistance is also available for friends and family concerned about veterans close to them. Callers aren’t required to disclose personal information, and the organization doesn’t define what it considers distress, ensuring a wide range of callers, including those battling video game addiction, are welcome.
In addition to providing a sympathetic ear, the Veterans Crisis Line can assist callers with their VA benefits and connect them with local resources such as mental health clinics and veteran support groups.
Call: 988
Text: 838255
Seeking Professional Help
If you’re struggling to get your gaming under control, don’t stop looking for gaming disorder help. Thousands of gamers around the world understand what you’re going through and are eager to help you on your journey.
In addition to the video game addiction hotlines and support groups mentioned above, you may want to consider reaching out to a local therapist to discuss your addiction. While many mental health professionals have more experience helping individuals overcome addictions to drugs and alcohol, many of the therapeutic methods used are applicable to video game addictions as well.
Sometimes people feel ashamed to admit that they have an addiction. They’re worried about the stigma from family or friends. Don’t let that deter you. Video gaming is a huge industry, and the top studios spend millions of dollars employing mathematicians, behavioral psychologists and top-tier storytellers to make their games as engaging as possible, making it difficult to step away. Some games are even designed to mimic the characteristics of casino slot machines with their constant action, sounds and rewarding visuals.
At MHH, we’re here to help. Contact our free hotline and speak with one of our compassionate counselors about how to start your journey to overcoming video game addiction.