Video Game Addiction Treatment for Teens
Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch is a residential therapy program for teen boys ages 14-17. Our dual-diagnosis treatment approach helps teens with life-controlling addictions find recovery by addressing the symptoms of addiction and the underlying mental health needs causing maladaptive behaviors.
Video Game Addiction in Teens
Video game addiction, also known as gaming disorder, refers to a pattern of excessive or compulsive use of video games that leads to significant impairment or distress. When a teens obsession with gaming impairs his ability to maintain personal or family relationships, perform in school, or meet other developmentally appropriate expectations, it becomes a life-controlling addiction.
According to Pew Research Center, 72% of teens use video gaming as a key component of socialization. Gaming, even frequently, is not necessarily a negative behavior. But parents should be aware that gaming activates the release of dopamine in the brain which means that it affects neurochemistry.
The thrill-seeking nature of video games and the high degree of immersion can make gameplay an addiction-forming habit for some teens. When video gaming becomes a life-controlling addiction, a long-term residential therapy program can help by providing addiction treatment paired with mental health treatment.
At Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch, we treat video game addictions in teens with:
● Addiction Stabilization with Psychiatric Evaluation & 24-Hour Nursing
● Evidence-Based Psychotherapy with Licensed Christian Therapists
● Family Involvement in Therapy to Rebuild Important Social Relationships
● Routine Management & Life Skill Building for Improved Social Function
Understanding How Video Game Addiction Hurts Teens
Playing video games is a normal part of adolescent development. According to the National Institute for Health, the average teen boy games for one hour on weekdays and one and half hours on the weekends.
Does that mean that if your son plays more frequently, he has an addiction? Not necessarily.
However, if you notice that video games seem to be taking an increasing priority in his life, be on the lookout for:
● Skipping Sleep or Keeping Unusual Hours
● Neglecting Personal Hygiene
● Dramatic Changes in Weight or Fitness
● Increased Anxiety or Depression
● Aggression, Behavioral Issues or Problems Regulating Emotions
● Time Management Problems
● Sudden Decreases in School Performance
● Isolation or Conflict with Friends or Family
When Is Residential Therapeutic Treatment Necessary for Teens with Video Gaming Addictions
Addictions can be one of the most challenging problems to overcome. While most families will begin in outpatient therapy, the intensive nature of a residential treatment center can often provide the best environment for treating video game addictions.
Depending on the stage, progression, and co-occurring conditions that come along with video game addiction, it can take anywhere between three weeks and three months to break a gaming addiction.
After that period of time, the best way to ensure sustainable recovery is to spend time developing healthier coping mechanisms to replace video gaming. For many, long-term residential treatment centers that offer extended services beyond a 90-day treatment program can be beneficial.
Why Choose Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch
Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch provides a holistic, Christ-centered therapeutic intervention designed to stabilize behaviors, engage teens in therapeutic treatment, address root cause mental health issues, and build skills for long-term success.
Our approach to treating teens with video game addiction involves a period of therapy-intensive stabilization followed by an immersive routine management and skill-building boarding school environment. At the completion of the residential program, teens receive an additional six months of aftercare support to aid in their recovery transition.
Effective, evidence-based treatment with a holistic approach designed to change lives and renew families.
Healthy habits. Healthy relationships. Healthy recovery.
Speak to our admissions team today and learn more about how we can help your teen overcome the challenges of his video game addiction.
