Originally Posted by
-Zait-
You are right on the definition (interesting, didn't know there was a bunch of criteria), but I'd still argue that video games aren't addictive.
Tolerance: Does the patient tend to need more of the drug over time to get the same effect?
The "effect" is fun and entertainment, so that doesn't count since this definition means a physical one like a heroin or cocaine high.
Withdrawal symptoms: Does the patient experience withdrawal symptoms when he or she does not use the drug?
No withdrawal symptoms come from not playing a video game for a while. You don't get the shakes, you don't get cold/hot flashes, you're not waking up with cold sweats in the middle of the night, etc. There are no withdrawal symptoms other than REALLY REALLY wanting to play, which doesn't count.
Continued use of drug despite harm: Is the patient experiencing physical or psychological harm from the drug?
There is no harm other than having something suck up your free time if you're too lazy and unorganized to prioritize your life properly.
Loss of control: Does the patient take the drug in larger amounts, or for longer than planned?
Yes, but that's from sloth and the fault of the person playing the game if they can't manage their time. It's not like they get a high from playing it and can't stop.
Attempts to cut down: Has the patient made a conscious, but unsuccessful, effort to reduce his or her drug use?
Again, if you have issues with this it's because your obsessed and lazy.
Salience: Does the patient spend significant time obtaining or thinking about the drug, or recovering from its effects?
There's no "recovering" from it's effects because there are no effects.
Reduced involvement: Has the patient given up or reduced his or her involvement in social, occupational or recreational activities due to the drug?
I'd argue that people that do this are already anti-social. And also if you count WoW or games like it, you're playing with other people so that counts as a social activity. Albeit a lazy one. (x
So by this definition, I still hold firm that you can't be addicted to video games. Obsessed yes. Addicted, no.