Video Game Addiction Rehab | The Cabin's Edge Program

Summary

The World Health Organization has recognized gaming addiction as a condition requiring further research, leading to the development of treatment programs globally. Cam Adair, founder of Game Quitters, a support community for video game addiction, emphasizes the disorder's reality and the importance of professional support. The Edge program at The Cabin in Chiangmai offers a holistic approach to recovery, combining therapy and physical activities. The program aims to detoxify participants from gaming and technology, teaching them to develop a healthy relationship with computers and addressing the severe mental health issues associated with gaming addiction.

Takeaways

• 📰 The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially listed gaming addiction as a condition requiring further research.
• 📈 WHO's decision follows increasing evidence of psychological distress and family breakdowns due to gaming addiction.
• 👨‍💻 Gaming addiction predominantly affects males aged 18-32, especially those who began gaming heavily in high school and continued into college.
• 🏫 The transition to college, with less parental supervision and more stress, often exacerbates gaming addiction as a form of escape.
• 🎮 Cam Adair, founder of Game Quitters, highlights the importance of recognizing gaming addiction as a real disorder.
• 🤝 Cam Adair's partnership with The Cabin in Chiangmai offers specialized treatment for gaming addiction through the Edge program.
• 🏞️ The Edge program combines traditional therapy with physical and wilderness therapy to support recovery from gaming addiction.
• 🕹️ The program includes a 45-day detox from gaming and technology, helping participants reset their relationship with computers.
• ⏳ After detox, the program introduces mindful and purposeful computer use to foster a healthier relationship with technology.
• 🌍 Cam Adair now travels globally, sharing his story of overcoming gaming addiction and living a fulfilling life beyond gaming.

Q & A

What has the World Health Organization recently listed and defined in relation to gaming?

The World Health Organization has listed and defined gaming addiction as a condition that warrants further research.

What is the demographic profile of individuals typically affected by gaming addiction according to the script?

The demographics tend to be about 90% male, usually between the ages of 18 to 32, and are more likely to be college-aged young adults.

What was the catalyst for Cam Adair's personal journey into addressing gaming addiction?

Cam Adair's personal journey into addressing gaming addiction began due to his experience with bullying during the 8th and 9th grades, which led him to seek escape through gaming.

What is the significance of the World Health Organization officially recognizing gaming addiction?

The official recognition of gaming addiction by the World Health Organization is a monumental step for the community, validating the disorder and the need for professional support.

What is the purpose of the partnership between Game Quitters and The Cabin?

The partnership aims to provide a space for individuals struggling with gaming addiction to receive professional support and go through a period of recovery.

What is unique about The Cabin's EDGE program as described by John Logan?

The EDGE program is unique as it is a holistic program that combines traditional therapy with physical therapy and wilderness therapy for treating gaming addiction.

How does the EDGE program approach the treatment of gaming addiction?

The EDGE program starts with a 45-day detox period where participants abstain from gaming, using smartphones, or any technology, followed by teaching mindful and purposeful computer use.

What is the primary goal of the gaming centric approach in the EDGE program?

The primary goal is to help individuals develop a healthy relationship with computers and technology after experiencing the negative impacts of gaming addiction.

What advice does the script give to those who are leaving or getting the help of addicts?

The script strongly recommends comparing to the Game Quitters community for additional support and resources.

How has Cam Adair's life changed since quitting gaming according to the script?

Since quitting gaming, Cam Adair has been able to travel the world, speak and share his story, run a business that makes an impact, and develop a great relationship with friends and family.

What is the extreme scenario of gaming addiction described in the script?

An extreme scenario is someone who wakes up in the afternoon, plays games continuously until the early morning, and then sleeps, indicating a severe mental health problem requiring residential treatment.