What do you do about video game addiction?

Question

Does such a thing exist? Does anything really need to be done about it? My bf "needs" to play video games 5+ hours a day, or else he feels like his life has little meaning. I mean, he still cares for me, and he goes to work every day at noon, but then he stays up 'til six in the morning playing xbox. So, he's still an active contributing member of society (and you folks probably use products he works on every day), but he's got a terrible need for gaming. It's not really hurting anything except his health (and mine, b/c he wakes me up with video game noise and getting into bed). He won't listen to me when I say I'm worried what all the sleep deprivation will do to him.

Answer 1

Like any addiction, your bf will have to hit his own personal "rock bottom" before he will admit the problem.  Since you are asking the question, it seems that you are already suffering from the lack of attention.  I would suggest that you talk to him about your concerns, and find out why a world of pixels is more engaging than real life.

   There is of course another explanation, other than game addiction.  His work hours could be the real issue here.  If he goes to work at noon, I assume gets off late, most of the rest of the world is getting ready for bed...resting for the next day.  The time before work is too short to accomplish much, and video games just may be the most productive thing he can do while he unwinds from work.  He may just need a new job.

Answer 2

Feed teh adiction O.O!!!! do not fight it O.o!!!!!!!

It wil be angry if you do *.*

Psh, besides... who needs sleep? :D!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

It's just a really good form of entertainment. Do you get worried if he watchs tv for 5 hours a day?

Answer 4

Other than working, 5 hours a day doing anything is too much.  The  both of you need to try and find other ways to occupy his time and slowly dwindle the time spent on games from 5 hours to 2 at the most.  If nothing else, you should go out and hang with friends and do other things while he plays his games.  There is no need for you to suffer and lose out on living.  If it really worries you, give him an ultimatum.  If he cares for you as you say he does, he will happily give up his game time and start spending time with you.

Answer 5

I personally think that he should be able to play his games without worry. I'm also very addicted to video games. I have been since I was about 14. The way I think is... At least I'm not going out and doing something else that is worse..

In some studies there is such a thing as addiction for video games. In Amsterdam there is a facility for rehabilitation of video games.. I don't think that the States has one yet.. Maybe in the future.

I'm sorry he keeps you up.. I would suggest he moves it into another room so you aren't bothered. This could go away later on and things can be "normal" for you and it also may not. As long as he is still capable of living in the outside world I wouldn't stress too much.