Speaking of detox, from AP/Wired comes a story today about Europe's first detox clinic for video game addicts. Excerpt:
An addiction center is opening Europe's first detox clinic for game addicts, offering in-house treatment for people who can't leave their joysticks alone.
Video games may look innocent, but they can be as addictive as gambling or drugs — and just as hard to kick, says Keith Bakker, director of Amsterdam-based Smith & Jones Addiction Consultants.
Bakker already has treated 20 video game addicts, aged 13 to 30, since January. Some show withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking and sweating, when they look at a computer.
His detox program begins in July. It will run four to eight weeks, including discussions with therapists and efforts to build patients' interests in alternative activities.
"We have kids who don't know how to communicate with people face-to-face because they've spent the last three years talking to somebody in Korea through a computer," Bakker said. "Their social network has completely disappeared."
My son is seriouly addicted. How can I help. He is currently living with relatives. Everyone including me is afraid of taking the games completely away. He is 21 and yes has the social intelligence of a 12 year old. How can I help him. I know I can get him to admit he has a problem. But he just won't get up and out. He hides in his room with small gaming devices or seeks out friends with computers or xbox's. I have been fighting this for 8 years and I am so sad. He will be homeless on the street soon. Being depressed I don't see how this will help.
Posted by: Robin Redmon | Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 01:24 PM