Call of Duty Addiction: Help for Compulsive Video Gaming
Published:
Dec 5, 2024
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05:57 p.m.
ET
Call of Duty is a popular video game by Activision. The first version premiered in 2003. The first few games were originally developed by Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer Games, and Treyarch.
This first-person military shooter game can be thrilling for some individuals. Players take on the role of a soldier who battles other soldiers in this immersive universe. There are currently 24 versions of Call of Duty, including Mobile, Warzone, and Warzone 2.
The latest version is Black Ops 6, which came out in October 2024. Just a year ago, Call of Duty sold over 500 million copies. Guinness World Records became the best-selling first-person shooter video game series.
Call of Duty offers a feedback loop, which makes the game addictive. This encourages players to continue playing the game to improve their level or skill. The frequency of play can increase an individual’s compulsive behavior. Over time, this can lead to a video game addiction.
In this guide, you’ll learn more about this addiction, including warning signs and treatment options.
Can people get addicted to Call of Duty? Is video game addiction real?
Yes, people can get addicted to Call of Duty. Addiction is a serious problem that increases loneliness, anxiety, and depression. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified video game addiction as a mental health disorder.
Many researchers also agree that video game addiction is real. It's akin to gambling disorder, in which the player gets a rush from winning. Video game addiction is featured in the DSM-5 as an "Internet Gaming Disorder."
The DSM-5 lays out nine criteria for this behavioral addiction, such as compulsive gaming behavior, a lack of interest in other activities, and withdrawal symptoms. To be diagnosed with Internet Gaming Disorder, the individual must meet five or more criteria.
Internet gaming disorder is listed in the same section as addictive and substance disorders. Gambling disorder triggers the brain’s reward system similar to drug and substance abuse disorder.
Signs of Call of Duty addiction
Call of Duty addiction is similar to video game addiction. Both involve an increasing preoccupation with the game.
Playing video games becomes an addiction when it negatively impacts one's personal life and finances. It's important to be aware of the warning signs and causes.
Signs may include:
Hiding or lying to family or friends about the amount of time spent playing video games
Increasing time spent playing and failing to quit despite the negative outcomes
Relying on video games to relieve negative thoughts or feelings, such as guilt, shame, or hopelessness
Using video games to escape from the pressures of daily life or to avoid personal conflicts
Quitting hobbies, interests, and social relationships due to increased interest in gaming
Neglecting hygiene and personal responsibilities due to increased game-playing
Video game addiction treatment
Psychotherapy is commonly recommended for video game treatment. It's a form of talk therapy in which the individual comes to terms with their negative thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. They work alongside a mental health professional who offers support, guidance, and education on behavioral addiction.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one common treatment option for video game addiction. In this case, a therapist helps individuals uncover their feelings, behaviors, and thoughts. They'll better understand how compulsive behaviors and patterns originate from their negative thoughts and feelings.
Family therapy or couples counseling can help educate loved ones about the disorder and build trust back into their relationships. In some cases, a mental health professional might recommend medication to treat anxiety, depression, or any other symptoms of the disorder.
Group therapy might also be offered. This type of setting allows individuals to share their experiences with a therapist present. Group therapy offers support, motivation, and accountability. It also makes those who lost friends or family members from video game addiction feel less alone.
Birches Health offers a similar form of treatment for video game addiction in a safe and supportive virtual environment. Sessions take place via chat, phone, or video cam. Recovery starts with a confidential and free self-assessment.
You can reach out to the team at Birches for a free consultation or to refer a friend or family member confidentially.
How addictive are video games?
Video games can influence society. According to the latest research, 2.2 billion individuals globally play video games. In addition, close to 90 million people fit the DSM's criteria for gaming disorder.
Video games are more accessible with the rise of smart technology. This can also make it difficult for parents to set limitations and restrictions. Gamers are getting younger than ever.
The largest group is between the ages of 18 and 34, followed by the 18 and under ageset. Fortnite is an example of another video game that's popular among young players. Its online community can offer a dopamine high with its immediate connection with like-minded people.
