Video Game Addiction 1. A global and serious problem ■ Addiction occur more likely at 【T1】______ 【T1】______ ■ 【T2】_

Video Game Addiction
There is nothing like the thrill of beating the final level of a video game that you have been playing. Figuring out all the tricks and shortcuts in a difficult game is a challenge that most of us enjoy. But I have to say, a lot of us have gone overboard with the game playing, or been addicted to video games.
This is a global and serious problem. According to the Council on Science and Public Health in the US, addiction to video games seems to occur more likely in children who start playing video games at younger ages. Different studies have shown that up to 15% of video gamers can be considered addicted. That means that out of 10 of your friends that play video games, one or more may be affected. Overuse of gaming is considered to be more than 2 hours per day! To do that, video gaming has to push other things out of your life, homework, hanging out with your family and playing with your friends even eating less! Not to mention that it will give you sudden behavior changes. One second, you can be jollier than Santa Claus, and the next second you’re angrier than the Hulk!
Here are four signs to tell if you’re addicted, and need help. First, you love your game and find it difficult to get off. Next, you are always thinking about it. Like you keep talking about it with others. No. 3, you spend way too much time on it, like skipping showers and meals to play. You can’t sleep at night, so you get up to play video games. No. 4, you exhibit signs of irritation when forced to stop gaming.
So people various take measures to correct and prevent video game addiction. Addicted gamers can get advice from credible healthcare professionals. Many professionals have been trained to use effective tools and methods to help someone recover from addiction and guarantee long-lasting results. In some countries, like Canada, China, The Netherlands, South Korea, and the United States, clinics have been set up to help those in need. Inpatient treatment for addicted gamers is best for those who need to leave their environment altogether for a time in order to heal. Such treatment centers offer group therapy, individual counseling and a game-free atmosphere.
If you have a friend or family member who is a video game addict, patience is always an important virtue when you’re helping someone recover from video game addiction. By simply being there for that person, you can help reduce anger, depression and feelings of emptiness that an addict who is deprived of video games. For example, if the urge to go back to gaming is very strong, create distractions through sports and other strenuous activities. The emotional support given by the community is powerful and beneficial for people who struggle to free themselves from their abusive behavior.
Even if you don’t fulfill criteria for addiction but you are routinely gaming, remember, don’t let a game take over your life. The solution is only the push of a button away.