How is video game slot addiction treated?

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Treatment of Video Game Slot Addiction

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment for video game slot addiction, with naltrexone as the primary pharmacological option for patients with significant urges and cravings. 1

Understanding Video Game Slot Addiction

Video game slot addiction is a form of gambling disorder characterized by:

  • Persistent and recurrent maladaptive patterns of gambling behavior
  • Functional impairment and reduced quality of life
  • Neurobiological changes similar to substance addiction
  • Potential for severe consequences including financial problems, relationship issues, and suicidality

Assessment and Screening

  • Screen for suicidality: Essential due to extremely high suicide rates associated with gambling disorder 1
  • Assess for comorbidities:
    • Substance use disorders (present in up to 56% of cases)
    • Depression (present in approximately 30% of cases)
    • Anxiety disorders
    • ADHD (individuals with ADHD symptomatology may be at greater risk for developing video game addiction) 2

Treatment Algorithm

First-Line Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT components specifically effective for video game slot addiction include:

  • Cognitive restructuring to address gambling-related cognitive distortions
  • Problem-solving skills training
  • Social skills development
  • Stimulus control techniques
  • In vivo exposure with response prevention 1

Pharmacological Interventions

  • First-line medication: Naltrexone

    • Opioid antagonist with strongest evidence base
    • Particularly effective for reducing gambling urges and behavior
    • Dosing similar to protocols used for alcohol use disorder 1

  • Second-line medications: SSRIs (e.g., fluvoxamine)

    • Consider when comorbid with anxiety or depression 1

Supportive Interventions

  • Support groups: Combine professional therapy with Gamblers Anonymous (GA)

    • Note: GA alone has limited success (only 8% achieve one year of abstinence) 1

  • Family/Marital Therapy:

    • Addresses relationship damage
    • Establishes support systems
    • Consider Gam-Anon participation for family members 1

  • Digital Tools and Boundaries:

    • Implement technology management strategies
    • Establish clear digital boundaries
    • Use apps for stimulus control and early interventions 1

Unique Challenges of Video Game Slot Addiction

Video game slot addiction presents specific challenges requiring targeted approaches:

  • 24/7 accessibility requiring strict digital boundaries
  • Blurred lines between gaming and gambling
  • Targeted advertising increasing vulnerability
  • Social isolation that may worsen with excessive use 1

Relapse Prevention

  • Identify high-risk situations and develop coping strategies
  • Address environmental triggers specific to video game slots
  • Recognize pathways from gaming to gambling
  • Consider the role of Internet Gaming Disorder as a potential precursor 1

Treatment Outcomes

Treatment combining professional therapy with support groups significantly improves outcomes compared to either approach alone. The neurobiological understanding of addiction as a brain disease with effective pharmacological and cognitive-behavioral treatments allows for optimistic treatment outcomes when properly addressed.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Waiting for "readiness": Delaying treatment until the patient feels "ready" can be dangerous
  • Detoxification alone: Often ineffective without comprehensive follow-up care
  • Ignoring comorbidities: Failing to address underlying mental health conditions
  • Neglecting technology-specific factors: Not addressing the unique aspects of digital gambling accessibility
  • Underestimating addiction severity: Video game slot addiction meets criteria of addiction even without monetary reward 3

By implementing this comprehensive treatment approach, clinicians can effectively address video game slot addiction and improve outcomes for affected individuals.

References

1
Guideline

Treatment of Pathological Gambling Triggered by Video Game Slots

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

2
Research

Video game addiction, ADHD symptomatology, and video game reinforcement.

The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse, 2019

3
Research

Excessive computer game playing: evidence for addiction and aggression?

Cyberpsychology & behavior : the impact of the Internet, multimedia and virtual reality on behavior and society, 2007

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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