Gaming Disorder: The Difference Between Leisurely Activity And Addiction

This month, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified compulsive gaming as a disorder. The announcement has been met with mixed reactions, and re-ignited the debate about whether or not behaviors can cause the same “addictive illness” as drugs, this article reports.

Strict definitions of addiction cite changes in brain chemistry, which are caused by the compulsive use of substances (like drugs or alcohol). This affects various aspects of normal life, including relationships, jobs, and health. Under a looser definition, said psychiatrist Dr. Walter Ling, “addiction is a disease of extreme behavior.” Simply put, it consumes the individual and keeps them from doing what they should. That is what distinguishes an addiction from other things, like habits or dependencies.

The term addiction is often tossed around, explained Dr. Ellen Selkie. Over-indulging in certain substances or behaviors isn’t always considered addiction. Take caffeine for example. While some experience dependence, and even withdrawal symptoms, lack of caffeine doesn’t cause the serious life problems that, say, a lack of alcohol or opiates would for a common user.

Ultimately, addiction means the inability to control use “to the point where you’re failing at life,” said Selkie. 

Excessive gambling is the only behavior recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. Compulsive gambling is shown to have similar affects on the brain – and personal and professional lives – as addictive drug use. There’s evidence that excessive gaming does too. 

While more research is needed, the classification helps to open conversations, and with them, the doors to treatment.