WHO: Gaming Addiction Disorder

The World Health Organization considers that addiction to playing video games is a type of mental health disorder:

24 June 2018

The World Health Organisation is moving to classify excessive playing as a mental health disorder. Such recognition will make it easier for sufferers to find help and foster standards for the rehabilitation industry …

Classifying addiction to video game playing in a similar category to cocaine, as the World Health Organisation aims to, may seem extreme, but the thinking involved makes the decision justified. The draft of the latest edition of the United Nation body’s “bible” of recognised diseases and illnesses refers to the problem as a mental health disorder.

For people worried about the excessive screen time of children, friends and work colleagues, the move could not have come at a more timely moment. The digital and video game industry is booming and the more players who get hooked on its products, the greater the need for help. …

Such recognition is important to ensure the WHO, governments and health professionals acknowledge the existence of the condition. An estimated 2.6 billion people in the world play video games and the annual revenue of the gaming industry is expected to grow by 31 per cent over the next three years to US$181.1 billion. http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2152181/properly-diagnosing-gaming-addiction-will-yield-better

I consider that ‘gaming disorder’ is essentially a type of covetousness or lust. There are many forms of addictive lust, but sadly, governments promote many of them (including sexually immoral ones).

Now gaming is not limited to desktop computers, as games are now also often played on ‘smart phones.’ There is now massive use of cellular telephones around the world. Many seem to be addicted to them, whether they are gamers or not. This is something to consider.

Perhaps I should also mention that other forms of gaming, like gambling, can be another uncontrolled lust. Notice also the following that mentions gaming and gambling:

June 23, 2018

Nadja Streiter, a clinical worker and therapist at the center, said patients struggling with gaming disorder or gaming in general often have other diagnoses such as ADHD, anxiety and/or depression, as well as a lack of social skills. She sees the latter as being a real challenge for patients she currently helps.

“A lot of these kids become involved in gaming because they are socially isolated … So they turn to gaming. It’s entertaining. It’s accessible,” said Streiter, of Westport. “It gives them the opportunity to have friends, and that feels good. But the qualities of the game itself are very addictive.”

Marc Portenza, the director of the Yale Center of Excellence in Gambling Research, said he’s had his concerns about the addictive quality of gaming since the early 2000s, both as a researcher and a psychiatrist.

Also a professor of psychiatry, neuroscience and child study at the Yale University School of Medicine, Portenza surveyed about 4,000 Connecticut youths on gaming behavior about a decade ago. More recently, he’s been involved in collaboration with groups in Asia to understand how the brain of a person with a problematic internet or video-gaming disorder differs from a person without it.

“I think we do need to be mindful that gaming, like gambling is a prevalent behavior and many people do not encounter mental health concerns related to their gaming,” Portenza said. “But for the people who do, we should be able to have a means to identify, diagnose, and treat those individuals.” https://www.thehour.com/news/article/Gaming-disorder-Local-addiction-experts-13020466.php

While playing some video games (depending on the game) or having a cellular telephone is generally fine, some obviously focus too much on them.

Those overly addicted are not heeding what Jesus said:

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33)

48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)

And many also do not heed what the Apostle Paul taught:

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. (2 Thessalonians 3:10-11)

If you or a loved one have a problem with gaming or gambling, that can be helped. Some may need to speak with counselors who specialize in those areas.

Others may not.

But all who have problems of any type should repent and pray. Plus realize:

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

Put your hope in Jesus.

Some items of possibly related interest include:

Jesus: The Son of God and Saviour Who was Jesus? Why did He come to earth? What message did He bring? Is there evidence outside the Bible that He existed? Here is a YouTube sermon titled Jesus: Son of God and Saviour.
Gambling and Sin: Is it a Sin for Christians to Gamble? What does the Bible reveal? A related video is Gambling: A Covetous Sin?
The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast This is a free draft/unedited pdf book explaining the what the Ten Commandments are, where they came from, how early professors of Christ viewed them, and how various ones, including the Beast of Revelation, will oppose them. A related sermon is titled: The Ten Commandments and the Beast of Revelation.Christian Success Does the Bible teach that Christians are to be successful? Are there at least seven laws of success that Christians should follow? How does the Bible teach we are to become successfully spiritually? Does the Bible really teach that Christians should be successful physically? This video answers these questions and more from the Bible. An outline of some of the scriptures used is here: Christian Success Outline.
Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian This is a scripture-filled booklet for those wishing to live as a real Christian. A related sermon is also available: Christians are Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God.
Living as a Christian: How and Why? In what ways do Christians live differently than others. What about praying, fasting, tithing, holy days, and the world? There are also two YouTube video related to this: Living as a Christian: How and Why? and Living as a Christian: Pure Milk of the Word.
Living as a Christian: Strong Meat Can you handle solid spiritual food? A related sermon is available: Strong Meat: James 1-2 and Strong Meat: James 3-5.
Priorities and the Most Broken Commandment Which commandment is broken the most? Which one is most involved with what should be your top priority? Here is a link to a related sermon: The Most Violated Commandment and Priorities.
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.
Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach? This free booklet contains 28 biblically-based tips on improving the effectiveness of your prayers. This is a pdf. A related two part sermon is available: What Does the Bible Teach About Prayer? and What does the Bible Teach About Prayer (& Healing)?