New Drug of Choice - Video Games - WTF?

Billy'sBabygirl · #1 06-09-2006, 09:37 AM

This is in the news Today..... Am I missing something?????

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands -- Know someone addicted to video games? Here's a chance to execute a real intervention for them.
Almost anyone with a teenager may think they know this already. The head of a new Dutch detox center said video games may look innocent, but they can be as addictive as gambling or drugs -- and just as hard to kick.

Read entire article, this is interesting

Eternal Hope · #2 06-09-2006, 12:50 PM

You know, this is true, and I can see that it is an issue worldwide. I also think the internet can be an addiction of sorts. Kids can use video games as a means of escaping reality and pressures. I myself used to come home from work and play video games with my son in order to 'unwind'...oops I still do play them a bit, but its usually online. I guess when it turns into trouble is when you do nothing but play them... kids need to get out and be physical too in order to develop healthy bodies and minds. Then again, can you say "couch potatoes" are addicts to TV? Sheesh!!! Guess we all need to go out for a walk now and then..that is healthy, right?

Billy'sBabygirl · #3 06-12-2006, 06:36 AM

I just can't believe the comparison they did with drugs.

Eternal Hope · #4 06-12-2006, 12:14 PM

Yeah I know what you mean...these things can be addicting but no where near as severe as drugs/alcohol . Its another

issue I suppose, but I can see they will get parents with kids in for this addiction as well... to me drug/alcohol addiction is the worst. Let them solve those issues first- JMO

MonkeyBoi77 · #5 06-12-2006, 04:43 PM

They have treatment programs now for Video game addicts

Eternal Hope · #6 06-12-2006, 07:55 PM

Yes they do, and I guess when it gets to the point, once again, as in any addiction - where it is controlling your life, then one needs to go for help. I know unfortunately some kids are addicted already to the games and with working parents and tv's in their rooms it has become a baby sitter of sorts. The result is, it leads to more and more of the games and less interaction with others( parents) in the family when they are present! As you mentioned in an earlier post in another area, it seems every one has a stress relief solution, even kids.

MonkeyBoi77 · #7 06-12-2006, 11:36 PM

Yes true I play video games alot at home as stress relief but as an addiction no ty not for me!

Eternal Hope · #8 06-13-2006, 12:23 AM

Yeah I kind of enjoy some of them myself, but not addicted!!

MonkeyBoi77 · #9 06-13-2006, 03:39 AM

I play Mortal Kombat and kick some arse to get out my stress and frustration

Billy'sBabygirl · #10 06-13-2006, 02:06 PM

I totally agree that video games can be addictive. When I was in my teens, my mom actually took me to the doctors because I was playing video games at the bowling alley way too much. He told her not to worry, that it actually helped with hand-eye coordination.

So this isn't something new, we just didn't rely so much on treatment programs for video games!!! Parents lockup the XBox, Gamecube, PS2, PS306, it's not that hard!!!

MonkeyBoi77 · #11 06-13-2006, 05:15 PM

LOL I did the same at the arcade when I was younger, I spent too much money and got cut off but I don't think it was addiction, I did it cuz I was bored and had money lmao.

I think there is something missing between parents and kids now adays, its called BOUNDARIES AND RESPONSIBLITY, that needs to be looked at.

Eternal Hope · #12 06-14-2006, 10:50 AM

MonkeyBoi, I agree... wish something could be done about this... many parents have it under control but so many do not

Billy'sBabygirl · #13 06-15-2006, 10:21 AM

It's about instilling respect in our children. Teaching them there are consequences for their action.

Again, video games is the least of the addiction I think any country should be trying to resolve. Use that money for the real stuff!!!

MonkeyBoi77 · #14 06-15-2006, 05:56 PM

Eternal,

I had to learn all that stuff the hard and with tough love from my folks, outsiders as a whole can't do much for anyone's family but our own

bringiton · #15 06-16-2006, 01:43 AM

i agree.. my brother is an addict to games, online and video games.. he doesnt have time to study, and his grades are failing, we talked to him, but he always tell us, it's better to be addict this way that to be addict on smoking and drinking, worst, on drugs..