ADHD and Gaming Addiction in Florida: Understanding the Connection

What comes to your mind when we talk about addiction? Probably drugs or alcohol. Although substance abuse is very common, there are some addictions that you may not even notice. One of them is playing video games. While they are a good way to relax and have fun, they can easily make a person dependent. Sometimes, it is not a coincidence. There are mental health conditions that make people more prone to this.

Mental health experts from We Level Up Tamarac FL will explain how you can recognize the symptoms of ADHD and gaming addiction. We will show you the connection between ADHD and anxiety and other conditions, such as depression, and how they can lead to video game addiction. Explore what you can do to help yourself or your loved one, and contact us to get professional help and guidance.

What Is ADHD?

The acronym ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It is a medical condition that affects how well you can pay attention, stay still, and control your behavior. ADHD is more common than you might think. According to data on ADHD diagnosis and treatment collected in 2016-2019, around 9% of children aged 3-17 in Florida have been diagnosed with ADHD. Adults can also have ADHD, but it often goes undiagnosed.

Do you suspect that you or your loved one has ADHD? It might be true if you:

If you recognize some or all of these symptoms in yourself or your beloved person, make sure to seek professional consultation. The sooner you tackle the issue, the easier it will be to resolve or at least decrease the scope of your problem. So, don’t hesitate to contact our We Level Up Tamarac FL representatives and get free advice over the phone about your possible next steps, if nothing else.

Impact of ADHD on Daily Life and Behavior

It is already hard for children to handle all the responsibilities at school. They have to deal with many assignments, homework, tests, and exams, and being successful requires a lot of effort. If your child has ADHD, they may not be able to handle all this very well. Kids with ADHD easily lose track of time. Since they have trouble paying attention, they are not always able to understand what their teacher is telling them.

The same goes for working. Adults with ADHD might miss deadlines and often have trouble with organizing their tasks properly. Just as a child forgets they had homework, an adult may forget about an important meeting.

An additional burden is that many people are unaware of what this condition implies. People just don’t understand why somebody with ADHD acts in certain ways. This is the source of many misunderstandings. Moreover, it often leads to frustration.

Gaming Addiction

Gaming addiction, also known as internet gaming disorder, is when a person has difficulty controlling their gaming habits. People addicted to gaming:

As we can see, being a hard-core gamer can lead to serious (negative) consequences. Recognizing the early signs of excessive gaming is crucial for seeking help and preventing long-term damaging effects on mental and physical well-being.

Impact of Gaming Addiction on Mental Health and Daily Life

Many people who play video games report that they are addicted. In 2019, almost 23% of gamers reported addiction symptoms. Being dependent on playing video games is associated with numerous harmful outcomes (not just the connection between ADHD and gaming addiction).

To bystanders, playing games all the time seems like a lot of fun. The reality is – people addicted to gaming are usually depressed. They often suffer from anxiety or feel alone and isolated. In addition, they always feel the need to play games, which can cause a lot of stress, leaving little room for genuine enjoyment.

All this can make daily life pretty unpleasant. Students might skip classes to play games. And let’s not forget that they usually play games till late hours and don’t get enough sleep. They come to school tired, cannot focus on classes, and perform poorly in exams.

Adults are not successful at managing their gaming dependency either. They often miss work or fail to meet deadlines. If this happens repeatedly, they can lose their jobs and/or get demoted.

Physical health (besides the mental) is one more concern for people addicted to gaming. As you can guess, they sit most of the time and don’t do much physical activity. Eventually, this results in weight gain and poor posture. Many of them have issues like eye strain and headaches as well.

The Connection Between ADHD and Gaming Addiction

How come these two conditions often go together? Here are some reasons:

• People with ADHD cannot control their impulses. Therefore, they play games as a way to escape from this. Games are highly engaging, and they provide instant gratification.
• ADHD makes it hard to focus on non-stimulating tasks. In comparison to daily tasks, games are very enjoyable and fun. They can invest themselves in the game and can stay concentrated.
• The brain of a person with ADHD is more sensitive to the immediate rewards. Games provide this feeling. People love this and they go on playing games to the point where it becomes dependency.
• A person with ADHD is usually intimated by face-to-face social interactions. However, they are comfortable socializing with other online players. It is a great chance for them to connect with other people.

Seeking Help for Gaming Addiction and ADHD in Florida

Do you recognize the majority of the symptoms in yourself? Is your loved one struggling with ADHD and gaming addiction, maybe? If to any of these questions the answer is yes – you should request help from professionals. Do your research, type “a center for mental health near me,” and find a reliable facility. Look for recommendations, check their services and approaches, and find the right help for gaming addiction and ADHD. Or simply dial the number of We Level Up Tamarac FL and start your treatment as soon as possible.

Residential Mental Health Facilities in Florida

Are your or your loved one’s ADHD and gaming addiction severe? Then, you need support from residential mental health facilities in Florida, such as We Level Up Tamarac FL. Here, you can get a chance to concentrate fully on your well-being.

The benefits of residential treatment for ADHD and gaming addiction include:

• Structured environment: A controlled setting that minimizes distractions and triggers.
• 24/7 support: Constant access to medical and mental health professionals.
• Comprehensive care: A combination of therapies and activities designed to support overall well-being.
• Community: Being around others who are dealing with gaming addiction and ADHD can provide support and motivation.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Florida

ADHD can make gaming addiction worse, and gaming addiction can worsen ADHD. Therefore, treating them together can help break this cycle. Our reliable dual diagnosis treatment Florida center will treat both conditions simultaneously. A dual diagnosis plan includes therapy and medication to address both ADHD and gaming addiction at the same time. This ensures that both conditions get the attention they need.

Dual diagnosis treatment for gaming addiction and ADHD includes personalized therapy, group sessions, and support to develop healthy habits. This helps people (and children) learn how to manage ADHD and gaming addiction. Also, treating both conditions together lowers the risk of relapse. Since these disorders are connected, improving one can help improve the other, which will contribute to lasting recovery.

ADHD Treatment Options in Florida

Treatment can improve a person’s ability to focus, reduce hyperactivity, and help them control impulsive behavior. At our ADHD treatment center Florida residents trust, we use stimulants to increase dopamine levels in the brain, which helps with thinking and attention. Common stimulant medications for adult ADHD include Methylphenidate and Amphetamine Compounds. We use non-stimulants, as well. These medications take longer to work but are also effective in improving focus, attention, and impulsivity. Non-stimulant options for adult ADHD include Atomoxetine, Guanfacine, and Clonidine.

We offer non-drug therapies, as well. We use:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to improve time management, planning, and organization skills. We specialize in CBT for anxiety disorders, which helps reduce stress, control impulsivity, and regulate emotions.
• Occupational therapy to help yourself or your loved one manage daily activities like self-care, work, and leisure. It may involve developing new skills or modifying the environment to suit the person’s needs better.
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy that helps people stay present and aware and acknowledge thoughts and feelings without judgment.

ADHD and Anxiety

Many people with ADHD also experience anxiety. The constant struggle to focus, stay organized, and manage daily responsibilities can lead to feelings of worry and unease. Addressing both ADHD and anxiety is important for the best outcomes. Treatment for co-occurring ADHD and anxiety includes a combination of medication and therapy to handle both sets of symptoms effectively.

Adult ADHD and Depression

Adults with ADHD often face challenges that can lead to depression. The difficulty in managing daily tasks, maintaining relationships, and performing well at work can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Because of this, adult ADHD and depression often occur together. Treating both conditions simultaneously is crucial to improving overall well-being. This combined approach can help alleviate the symptoms of depression while also addressing the underlying ADHD. This will lead to better mental health and daily functioning.

Start Treatment and Live a Happier Life

ADHD impacts daily life. Being successful at school or at work is not an easy thing to do for a person with this condition. Even maintaining a relationship becomes tough. People with ADHD cannot control their impulses and they need stimulation. Games stimulate our brains and give us an instant reward. This is the link between ADHD and gaming addiction. Do not take this lightly. It is not just a bad habit. It is a condition that you need treatment for. Reach out to We Level Up Tamarac FL for support today. Help yourself, your child, a friend, or somebody you care for live a more balanced life.