Understanding Gaming Addiction
Gaming can be fun, immersive and an important social outlet — but when it starts to take over your life, you may be facing a serious issue: gaming addiction. The World Health Organization recognises gaming disorder as a mental-health condition, defined as “a pattern of gaming behaviour … characterised by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other interests … and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”
Similarly, Internet addiction — where online gaming becomes the dominant way of engaging with the digital world — can disrupt relationships, work or study, and your sleep or physical health. At The Kuaya we recognise how gaming addiction, gaming disorder and Internet addiction often overlap, and we’re here to help you regain balance, connection and control.
What Gaming Addiction / Gaming Disorder Looks Like
Those experiencing gaming addiction or gaming disorder may find themselves thinking about games constantly, spending increasing time online at the expense of other activities, or feeling restless or irritable when not gaming. Research shows that people with Internet addiction may disengage from real-life responsibilities, lose interest in other tasks, or hide their gaming from family and friends.
What begins as recreational gaming can become a coping mechanism: the game becomes the go-to way to escape stress or negative emotions. Over time, the cycle strengthens — more gaming leads to avoidance of other areas of life, which increases distress, which leads back to more gaming. This pattern is typical of gaming disorder and gaming addiction.
Why It Matters
Left unchecked, gaming addiction or Internet addiction can have far-reaching consequences. Work or study may suffer, friendships may weaken, physical health can deteriorate (through poor sleep, diet or posture), and mood or self‐esteem may decline. The term gaming disorder reminds us that this is not just “playing too much” — it’s a condition where gaming dominates life in a way that leads to harm. Research found that younger age, loneliness, and excessive time online were significant risk factors for this kind of disorder.
Recognising the problem is a powerful first step. Internet addiction and gaming addiction are not signs of moral failing but indicators that a digital habit has crossed into behavioural territory that needs support and understanding.
How We Can Support You
At The Kuaya we approach gaming addiction, gaming disorder and Internet addiction with compassion, practical insight and tailored support:
Assessment: We help you explore how your gaming fits into your life — what drives it, what it’s replacing, how gaming addiction or gaming disorder may have developed.
Strategy & Support: We work with you to establish healthier routines around gaming and screen time, rebuild other interests and relationships, and manage the emotional triggers that keep Internet addiction alive.
Skill-building: Through therapy and coaching, we support you to develop self-awareness, emotional regulation and alternative coping strategies so that gaming becomes an activity you control — not one that controls you.
Integration: We collaborate with families, schools or workplaces where relevant, because gaming disorder and gaming addiction often impact not just the individual but their wider environment.
Why Choose The Kuaya
If you’re dealing with gaming addiction, gaming disorder or Internet addiction, you’ll find here a team that listens, understands and works with you as a whole person. We recognise that gaming itself isn’t the enemy — it’s how it has taken over other important parts of life that matters. With support, you can reclaim your time, rebuild connections, and find a healthier relationship with gaming and the internet.
Take the First Step
If you suspect that gaming addiction, gaming disorder or Internet addiction is affecting you or a loved one — maybe because gaming is getting in the way of sleep, school, work or relationships — you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out to The Kuaya and let’s explore how you can regain control, reconnect with life and rebuild balance.
Please contact our client services team at reception@thekuaya.com or call us at 03-3001 2980