One of the most gifted clinicians I know sent me a link to a forum for licensed family therapists who were arguing about labels and whether something (specifically in this case MMO gaming) can be considered an "addiction." She added her own thoughts:
I get annoyed when therapists aren’t able/willing to look (and validate; take seriously) at the needs being met (and unmet) through gaming. Instead there is a judgement that it is just a problem of time management or problem of setting one’s priorities straight...especially when it comes to couples in conflict over gaming. I think that therapists need to look at all the really good reasons why someone may be spending 12 hours+ a day on gaming ....before looking at trying to support a change.
Amen.
And I don't care what you call it. If you can't stop yourself from playing when you know it's harming your life, when you are no longer functioning in important areas like school, job, and spending time with loved ones, if you crave it when you aren't engaged in it and dream of it vividly during your sleep (if you stop playing long enough to sleep) it's a problem.
If you're a mental health clinician it's your responsibility to understand the process and when asked, come up with an effective plan to help people.
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