Are You Addicted to Video Games?

Many gamers will become frustrated when someone tells them they spend too much time playing video games. Lots of people play video games, right? But, when does it become too much? How many hours a week is considered too many? There is no set number of hours where if you go over this number, you're considered an addict. However, if most or all of the following statements apply to you, then you probably have an addiction to video games.

• People tell you that you play too much - Your friends and family will see a problem before you do. It's more than likely you have a problem if someone else thinks you do.

• You think about gaming when you're not playing - You can't wait to get out of work or school to play your game. When you're not playing, you strategize in your head. You think about the game when you're trying to sleep at night.

• You lose sleep to play - If you're staying up past your bedtime or not getting enough sleep so you can stay up and play more games, that's a problem. Sleep deprivation, especially to play a video game, is just not healthy.

• You get angry when you can't play - If you find yourself becoming frustrated because something else in your life s preventing you from playing, you have a problem.

• Your relationships are suffering - If your spouse, significant other, children or other family members feel distant from you because of your video game playing, it's a huge problem. The important people in your life should come first.

• You suffer from back or neck problems - If your back or neck hurts from sitting at the computer or in front of the TV screen frequently, you are there too much.

• You don't go out as much - If you would rather spend your free time playing video games than spending it out with friends or family, you have a problem.

• You won't limit your time playing - If asked to cut down your time playing, would you? If no, you have a problem.

• You are neglecting responsibilities - If you aren't doing chores, your job is suffering or you're neglecting to take care of other responsibilities in your life you could be taking care of in order to game, you have a problem.

• You came up with an excuse for every one of these symptoms - If you read each one of these bullet points and came up with a reason why it doesn't apply to you even though it describes you, then you have a problem.