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Gambling, Gaming & Technology Use Community of Interest

The Gambling, Gaming & Technology Use Community of Interest brings together addiction and mental health service providers, researchers and subject matter experts in the fields of gambling, technology/Internet use and video gaming to collaborate and share knowledge on emerging trends and clinical best practices.

Game Over: Game Quitters – Online Peer Support for Gamers

www.gamequitters.com

YouTube: https://youtu.be/dyOLc5cl6ck

Cam’s story is one that many would resonate with.  He is the founder of Game Quitters which is an online support page for gamers who are concerned about their gaming habits.  It is a safe space that offers a chance for individuals to connect with others who are experiencing similar struggles with gaming addiction.  It is well formatted with resources in various forms including videos, podcasts, articles and more.

Some takeaways from listening to Cam in his YouTube video Game Over include the following:

  • Gaming addiction has many similarities as other addictions. Gaming should be considered a past time or hobby and it shouldn’t have negative consequences due to engagement.  When it becomes a problem (disrupting aspects of life such as family, school/work, emotional and physical wellbeing) it’s time to take a closer look as to the cause.
  • Many individuals addicted to gaming, use gaming as a coping strategy to escape reality. Gaming offers a space where they can be a character and they gain a sense of respect without others knowing the human side of the player.
  • Relationships of gamers are often misunderstood. They are often told by outsiders that the relationships they have online aren’t real.  Reality is, these are real relationships, and they may be the only ones gamers have.
  • The characteristics of gaming addiction are very closely related to gambling addiction. For example, common signs/symptoms include losing track of time, using technology to cope with unwanted feelings or emotions, lying to family/friends or making excuses to avoid events or functions.  They may also engage in financial risks to support their habit.
  • It’s important to note that it’s not as easy as removing the substance (laptop, gaming system, disconnecting from the internet) from an individual’s life to aid in helping them quit. Outsiders don’t understand the intimate connection that is developed between the gamer and their online world.
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