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    Video Gaming, Not Always Just a Hobby

    November 27, 2018

    In June, I attended the Midwest Conference for Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse. As with every year, this conference was filled with many wonderful presentations. Two that stood out the most to me were both presented by Cam Adair, Founder of Game Quitters. I found these as being very useful and relevant to my practice […]

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    Video Gaming, Not Always Just a Hobby

    November 27, 2018

    In June, I attended the Midwest Conference for Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse. As with every year, this conference was filled with many wonderful presentations. Two that stood out the most to me were both presented by Cam Adair, Founder of Game Quitters. I found these as being very useful and relevant to my practice as they were about issues I have frequently encountered in my practice over the years. During his presentations, I learned some very helpful information about video gaming, video game addiction, and the crossover between gambling and video gaming.

    First, I must begin by pointing out why video gaming and gaming disorder is an area that needs some attention. Gaming has been exploding and continues to grow. 10% of students report gaming at least 5 hours per day. Colleges are adding Esports teams and offering scholarships for E-Sport competitors. Esports are may be included in the 2020 Olympics. Some gamers can make a living by streaming online on YouTube or Twitch. There are two billion gamers worldwide and 1-3% of gamers are addicted. As of June 18, 2018, the World Health Organization officially recognized “Gaming Disorder.” Gaming Disorder is a mental health problem, depression and anxiety being co-factors, but gaming itself is part of the problem.

    Mr. Adair’s presentations spoke about the perspective of a video gamer. Gaming fulfills needs: it can be a temporary escape, it’s a social connection, gamers see constant measurable growth in a game, it is a safe place to fail, and it can give them purpose. Games are intentionally designed to keep you hooked using state of the art behavioral psychology. Games are fully immersive and provide dopamine overload. Compared to this, the rest of the world can seem very boring. Overexposure to gaming causes structural changes to your brain and numbs the pleasure response. Games can erode one’s willpower. Gamers can become desensitized to the rest of the world when compared to a video game, where you are immersed in constant action and stimulation. Video games are something where one has much more control than they ever will in the real world. For many gamers, this is their social life and as opposed to in real life, when you don’t like someone, or they are bullying you, you can block them or take other measures to reduce exposure to them. On the other hand, many gamers are on the defensive to those outside of this community because society has shamed gamers for being “lazy,” “wasting their potential,” and being told that their online friends are not their “real friends.” This has created an “us vs. them” mentality. This stigma and shame has created barriers to seeking help. Like everyone, a gamer struggling with a gaming disorder needs to feel understood and not judged.

    Gaming can be a healthy recreational activity. However, it can cross over to be a problem. Here are some tips that Mr. Adair provided when battling a gaming addiction. He recommended a 90-day detox to reset the brain, break attachments to gaming, create a contrast, and build new habits. He suggested to fill the void that stopping gaming has left with three types of activities. 1) something that is mentally engaging (such as learning a new skill), 2) resting (at home), and 3) new social activity (make new friends outside of gaming). He suggested adding structure with a daily agenda. Create a system of accountability and support. Family and friends would be great for this. Another option is www.gamequitters.com. Remove gaming devices from the bedroom. Block access to games, apps, and other problematic websites. For parents: stay firm and consistent in setting boundaries. Require exercise and homework to be complete before being allowed to game. When you are still gaming, mix it up by playing less than two hours at a time and not playing every day. Find an alternative to YouTube or gaming after school before doing homework. When trying to cut back from gaming or stopping gaming altogether, expect as with any addiction, that there will be compulsions to play, cravings, and withdrawal, especially in the form of boredom. Stopping gaming will mean losing friends, conversation topics, loss of the “gamer” identity, nostalgia to play, and struggles with time management.

    Where gaming is crossing the line into gambling is in the form of something called “loot boxes.” These loot boxes are something that players can purchase and they can contain anything from simple customization options for a player’s avatar or character to game-changing equipment such as weapons and armor. They don’t know what’s in these loot boxes, but they’re spending money with the chance of winning something of value. This is the definition of gambling. These are found in many free-to-play games, yet individuals are spending large quantities of money at times to obtain these loot boxes. Fortnite, a popular game has made over $1 billion in less than a year. So, not only can video games become addictive, causing negative affects on one’s life, but it can also cause significant financial loss, much like gambling.

    The Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program (GAP) pays for confidential counseling with certified problem gambling providers to Nebraskans and their families who suffer a gambling addiction.

    A list of all GAP-certified counselors in Nebraska is located at

    problemgambling.nebraska.gov

    GAP 24/7 Helpline – Call 1-800-522-4700 

                                 

    This presentation is sponsored by and paid for by the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program

    Filed Under: Uncategorized

    Tips for Minimizing Risks of Gambling

    November 27, 2018

    Gambling can be a fun activity for many people. However, 2-3% of U.S. citizens are reported to have a problem with gambling. Here are some ways to minimize your risk of gambling becoming a problem for you: Always gamble with a predetermined amount of money that you can afford to lose Set limits on time […]

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    Tips for Minimizing Risks of Gambling

    November 27, 2018

    Gambling can be a fun activity for many people. However, 2-3% of U.S. citizens are reported to have a problem with gambling. Here are some ways to minimize your risk of gambling becoming a problem for you:

    Always gamble with a predetermined amount of money that you can afford to lose

    Set limits on time you have available to gamble, both duration and frequency

    Gamble for fun, not to win money

    Gamble only with money set aside for your entertainment budget

    Balance recreational gambling with other healthy hobbies and activities

    Know the risks before you bet

    Keep gambling a social activity

    Bet only what you can afford to lose

    Know when to quit, don’t chase your losses

    Realize that knowing more won’t guarantee a win

    Never borrow money to gamble with

    Understand that everyone loses over time

    Play for fun, not just for money

    Never gamble when stressed, depressed, or in recovery

    Don’t play to escape

    Avoid mixing gambling with alcohol or other substances

    Know what’s legal to play in your area and avoid gambling illegally

    Know where to get help if you need it

    The Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program (GAP) pays for confidential counseling with certified problem gambling providers to Nebraskans and their families who suffer a gambling addiction.

    A list of all GAP-certified counselors in Nebraska is located at problemgambling.nebraska.gov

    GAP 24/7 Helpline – Call 1-800-522-4700

    This presentation is sponsored by and paid for by the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program

    Filed Under: Uncategorized

    Problem Gambling Awareness Month

    September 6, 2018

    March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.  Gambling is all around us and part of our mainstream culture. It’s in the workplace, our restaurants, gas stations, and conveniently online. Gambling itself is not a problem, but it can and has become a problem for some. Problem gambling does not discriminate. It can affect those of […]

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    Problem Gambling Awareness Month

    September 6, 2018

    March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month. 

    Gambling is all around us and part of our mainstream culture. It’s in the workplace, our restaurants, gas stations, and conveniently online. Gambling itself is not a problem, but it can and has become a problem for some. Problem gambling does not discriminate. It can affect those of all genders, socioeconomic status, race, age, educational levels, etc. However, there are some factors that may put some at higher risk of developing a problem with gambling. Those suffering from mental health disorders or substance abuse disorders are at higher risk, especially personality disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or ADHD. Younger and middle-aged people are at higher risk. Men are at higher risk than women, but women who begin later in life tend to become addicted more quickly. Having friends or family members who gamble increases the risk. Personality characteristics such as being highly competitive, a workaholic, impulsive, restless or easily bored may increase your risk of compulsive gambling.

    Who does problem gambling affect?

    It can negatively impact not only the gambler and their mental health, but also their family, their workplace, their friends, their financial obligations, and even our legal system as individuals sometimes commit financial crimes due to their gambling problem.

    How do I know if someone I care about may have a gambling problem?

    • Being preoccupied with gambling, such as constantly planning how to get more gambling money
    • Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same thrill
    • Trying to control, cut back or stop gambling, without success
    • Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down on gambling
    • Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression
    • Trying to get back lost money by gambling more (chasing losses)
    • Lying to family members or others to hide the extent of your gambling
    • Jeopardizing or losing important relationships, a job, or school or work opportunities because of gambling
    • Resorting to theft or fraud to get gambling money
    • Asking others to bail you out of financial trouble because you gambled money away

    Source: the Mayo Clinic

    If you are concerned about yourself or someone you know, the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program (GAP) pays for confidential counseling with certified problem gambling providers to Nebraskans and their families who suffer a gambling addiction.

    Filed Under: Uncategorized

    610 J St, Ste 300
    Lincoln, NE 68508
    (402) 413-6247 jamie@jamiehengcounseling.com

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