Finally, A cure

Video game addicts 'need a rehab centre' - expertArticle from: Greg Thom

November 05, 2009 07:22am
ONE in 10 Australian video gamers show signs of addiction, prompting calls for a rehabilitation centre.

The plea by Sydney University psychiatry professor and gaming addiction expert Vladan Starcevic follows the London opening of what is believed to be the first clinic in the Western world for gaming addicts, the Herald Sun reoports.

Prof Starcevic welcomed the initiative, which he said was desperately needed here, the Herald Sun reports.

"We have people in this country who do have a problem with that just like with gambling and other addictive behaviours," he said.

British residential rehabilitation unit Broadway Lodge, which treats about 400 addicts a year for issues ranging from drug and alcohol addiction to gambling, has opened its doors to gaming addicts.

The facility reportedly uses a 12-step method to wean residents off their gaming obsession.

Treatment involves a mix of group therapy, self-help tapes and videos along with therapeutic tasks such as vacuuming, washing up and recreational activities.

A recent online poll of 2000 players as part of a study by Prof Starcevic and a team from the department of Psychological Medicine at Sydney's Nepean hospital revealed up to one in 10 gamers showed signs of addicted behaviour.

"I think it's good that someone has taken this seriously," Prof Starcevic said of the British initiative. "I think it should be recognised that this is a problem for some people."

Prof Starcevic, whose work is due to be published in this month's issue of The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, decided to delve deeper into the issue of addicted video gamers after more patients began exhibiting warning signs.

He said about 70 per cent of problem gamers played for more than four hours a day.

I don't need games, they need me

capnwpac wrote:I don't need games, they need me

LOL Cap. I'm going to nominate you for quote of the year.

Isis_au wrote:Treatment involves vacuuming, washing up.

lol

lishy75 wrote:

Isis_au wrote:Treatment involves vacuuming, washing up.

lol

hahaha yeh I know. That made me lol as well. This is precisely what I am avoiding by playing warhawk.

wow we are sick

I need a cure for my forum addiction. Embarrassing. Damn iPhone Internet access.

Isis_au wrote:

I need a cure for my forum addiction. Embarrassing. Damn iPhone Internet access.

get rid of the iphone.......
id be happy to take it off ya.

Well sparton I would have considered it but I reckon the 324th time you told me to fuck off tipped me over to saying NO FUCKING WAY!

Bogan rant over.

Isis_au wrote:Well sparton I would have considered it but I reckon the 324th time you told me to fuck off tipped me over to saying NO FUCKING WAY!

Bogan rant over.

it was actually only 323 times....

i am on forums more than anyone, i guarantee

except maybe mcduff, he is a member of every forum

Ssssssshhhhhhhh Cap. Don't tell people


Hey sparto. Hope you haven't changed your comment!!!! Also It didn't look like you were working hard enough to earn your cash today. Did you spot me????

Isis_au wrote:Ssssssshhhhhhhh Cap. Don't tell people


Hey sparto. Hope you haven't changed your comment!!!! Also It didn't look like you were working hard enough to earn your cash today. Did you spot me????

that would be hilarious to see

i would be able to keep a straight face if i saw sparto at work
do you work on registers mate?

LOL he is a dairy bitch. They've got him working in the cold. Lucky it's summer now.

Isis_au wrote:LOL he is a dairy bitch. They've got him working in the cold. Lucky it's summer now.

did you actually come to my work today??????????????????????
i was fucking looking all day... i thought you were gonna say something.... lol
you should have spoken to me.....

my comment is the same....
i cant believe you didnt say hello... hahahahaha