Family affected by gaming addictions

As news of online gaming addiction is surfacing, so are the problems that the family and friends of these addicts have to deal with.

Like any addiction, gaming addicts show symptoms which can affect those around them. These include; compulsive lying and denial, neglect of those close to them, neglecting of personal hygiene, irritability and feelings of depression.

Spouses, in particular, are left to deal with gaming addicts with very little support. Only in recent months have gaming addictions been acknowledged by medical professionals.

Natalie from Alberta had been dating her boyfriend for almost a year before she realised he had a problem.

“He was very good at covering it up. I thought he was always just really busy with work and homework,” she said.

“It wasn’t until we moved in together that I realised how much time he actually spent on the computer”.

Natalie explained that sometimes her boyfriend would play games all night and then get dressed and drag himself to work.

“Ironically, I eventually found the support and help I needed in an online community,” she said.

Websites such as Gamerwidow.com offer an outlet to share experiences and offer support for those whose relationships with gamers are disintegrating or have become non-existent.

In the ‘Forums’ and ‘Widow’s corner’, members talk about how their partner’s obsession with MMORPG has lead to their frustration, depression and in some cases, even divorce.

“(He made a) fortress of retreat...necessary for his survival. In even approaching him I began to envision him peering at me through a small, sliding port-hole of a large door with inspecting eyes which begged, ‘What do you want?’” wrote one member.

Hopefully, as gaming addiction awareness increases, so will the available support for their family and friends.