Gaming Addiction Treatment in Surrey

Online gaming has become part of everyday life for many people, but unfortunately, some find it impossible to log off. Gaming addiction, a condition which is now officially recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is a behavioural addiction characterised by a pattern of frequent and persistent gaming. Whilst enjoying playing video games can be entirely normal, it is when this behaviour becomes obsessive or begins to have a negative impact on multiple areas of your life, that it may be a sign that a destructive addiction has developed.

Gaming technology has advanced massively in recent years, creating more realistic and immersive experiences for gamers. A common perception of video games suggests that it’s mainly children and teenagers who engage with this virtual world, whereas in actual fact, research indicates that nearly 50% of adults regularly play video games, ranging across a wide range of devices including tablets, smartphones, laptops and televisions.

In addition, computers and games consoles are common in many households across the UK, while gaming on the move is made possible through handheld devices and smartphones, making it harder than ever to switch off. Furthermore, the fact that we are constantly seeing adverts for games and streaming services, means that even if we aren’t active gamers, we are still gaining an insight into the industry. This can make it hard to detach from the ever-present gaming world.

Negative effects of gaming   

If your gaming activities have become excessive and have started to have a negative impact on your life and relationships with others, it might be that you are struggling with a gaming addiction. However, it’s important to recognise that gaming addiction is treatable and it’s possible to make a full and sustainable recovery. Our highly qualified specialists at Life Works have vast experience in treating all kinds of behavioural addictions, including compulsive gaming, and are dedicated to helping you to overcome your difficulties and regain your quality of life.

The most crucial first step to receiving gaming addiction treatment and starting your road to recovery is to seek help and support. At Life Works in Woking, we understand that this can be a daunting prospect, which is why we offer a free assessment to all of our prospective clients. This initial screening assessment provides you with the opportunity to discuss your gaming addiction in confidence with a member of our expert treatment team, learn about the different techniques that we use to treat gaming addiction, and develop a more thorough insight into the journey that you could be taking towards recovery and wellbeing.

We are able to employ a wide variety of treatment approaches to tackle your gaming addiction, all of which are evidence-based and recovery-focused. Our intensive programme of individual and group therapy will help you to address your gaming addiction symptoms, get to the bottom of why you turned to compulsive gaming in the first place, and help you every step of the way towards a healthy and fulfilling future.

Treatment at Life Works is holistic in nature, meaning that we treat the whole person, resulting in the most positive and long-lasting outcomes. Our stunning treatment centre, complete with expansive grounds, welcoming living areas and beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms, provides the perfect space in which to relax, unwind and focus on your recovery.

Without timely treatment, gaming addiction can have a profoundly negative impact multiple areas of your life, including your performance at work, your relationships with loved ones, and your ability to function effectively on a day-to-day basis. Repeatedly engaging in these compulsive behaviours may also increase the possibility of you falling into the trap of other addictions such as alcohol or drug addictions or other behavioural addictions including gambling addiction. In addition, due to the fact that most of today’s gaming is done online, gaming addiction is very closely linked to internet addiction, and it’s not uncommon for these disorders to co-occur. This is why it’s so important to seek help as soon as possible for your gaming addiction.

Overcome compulsive gaming

Treatment for gaming addiction at Life Works takes place as part of our 28-day residential addiction treatment programme. During this time, you will stay at Life Works in Woking on a residential basis and undergo comprehensive therapy to help you to overcome your compulsive gaming. Whilst 28 days is the recommended treatment time for addictions, we are able to consider flexible treatment lengths to complement your requirements and prior commitments, if appropriate.

Our specialist addiction treatment programme is grounded in the well-known 12-Step philosophy. This approach was first introduced by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and is an abstinence-based model, which enables our clients to reduce their unhealthy gaming behaviours and take steps towards a healthier life.

Gaming addiction treatment at Life Works is personalised according to your individual needs and circumstances. 

Our gaming addiction treatment programme consists of:

• Free assessment - book your appointment today
• Structured group therapy and individual 1:1 therapy programmes
• Access to 12-Step support groups
• Free aftercare for 12 months, following treatment

For more information on the gaming addiction treatment that we offer at Life Works, as well as the type of therapy that is involved, please visit our approach to addiction treatment page.