A single yes to one question isn't necessarily indicative of a problem - it's the combination (for the DSM proposed criteria it's 5 or more of 9) that creates the pattern and may show a problem. These questions are from the Gentile Scale of Internet Gaming Disorder (published in the APA) with a few adjustments based on other research (such as King's paper on Tolerance.)
It's certainly a valid concern and something I think is always worth being in the discussion. Personally the way we've navigated this is making sure you don't (need) any of the paid programs to succeed - all of the help and more is available either for free on youtube or with peer support on the forums. The paid programs are only a curated version of the content with a few bonuses like extra worksheets.
Hi HN! I am a former video game addict who searched for help online and found none. When I shared my story in a blog post I heard from thousands of others asking for help, and decided to create a community for all of us to support each other: Game Quitters.
We have hundreds of resources, inspiring stories, free tools to find new hobbies, and community support. 99% of the website is free with a few reasonable paid programs with structured step-by-step guides and additional bonuses.
Escapism is a big part of it, and also the heightened level of stimulation (immersion) you get from games. Overall games fulfill our emotional needs (to escape, to socialize, to see measurable progress, and to feel a sense of purpose) much better (seamlessly) and easier than 'real life', which is why you can find yourself gaming more and more and more. The level of safety and control is also a big part of it.
Anyways if you're looking for help we have a ton of support for you on the site. Happy to answer any questions you have.
Thanks for reading. Gaming is a very common substitute for social interaction - for me as someone with social anxiety it was easier to just stay home and 'socialize' online then to go out and meet other people, but that only left me more isolated and depressed. Getting out and interacting with other people has helped me more since I've quit.
The difference between a passion and an addiction begins with the negative impact (the thing) is having in your life. The World Health Organization has an official criteria for a "Gaming Disorder" which you can find here: http://who.int/features/qa/gaming-disorder/en
If someone is gaming and their life is fine, then it's no problem, but if they are failing school, dropping out of college, struggling to keep a job, or getting divorced, amongst other negative factors, then it's something they should be able to seek professional help for, and removing gaming for a 90 day period (what I personally recommend) has been shown to help immensely as a 'reset'.