compulsive-gaming
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South Korea increases counseling programs for compulsive gamers
Stories of internet and gaming addiction in South Korea are, unfortunately, not that unusual. The South Korean government has been working with its teenagers for several years through counseling programs, and the success of these programs is shown in the decreasing numbers of teens showing symptoms of internet addiction. While teens have been getting the help they need, another part of South Korean society has not -- those in their 20s and 30s. A series of tragic stories, like that of the 32-year-old man who died of exhaustion after a five-day gaming spree, has the government looking for a solution. According to the New York Times, the South Korean government has "plans to open rehabilitation centers for adult addicts and expand counseling for students and the unemployed, groups considered the most vulnerable to compulsive gaming." It's certainly a growing problem; psychiatrist Dr. Ha Jee-hyun says that he is currently treating an average of four adults a month for this problem, as opposed to one a month two years ago. Take a look at the New York Times article for the full story.
Gaming may be social problem, not an addiction
The head of the Smith & Jones Centre, the first and only clinic that treats "gaming addiction" in Europe, has now said that he believes gaming may not be an addiction after all.Keith Bakker, the founder of the clinic, is now saying that compulsive gaming behavior may be a social behavior rather than a psychological addiction. Through treating so many of the gamers that have walked through the clinic's doors, Bakker has realized that while the symptoms appear to be addiction, the sources of the problems are on a more social and emotional level
