How many hours spent on video games is an addiction?? (self.asklemmy)

submitted 2 days ago by atheqtpie to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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So, lately I've been seeing some posts on gaming and I've been wondering. I've been playing Roblox for an hour and I plan to hit my usual time of 4-5 hours. I do it to pass the time.

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[-] lattrommi@lemmy.ml 1 points 2 days ago

People can smoke cigarettes without interfering with higher priorities. I don't feel it applies to 'most addictions'. It applies to a lot of them, but the opposite can be true sometimes too. I've known alcoholics who would have to call off work if they STOPPED drinking for a day, who would not be able to visit with family/friends unless they had a drink or three first.

It's a good rule, I agree with that, but not necessarily for most addictions, especially the more entrenched one has become in the habit.

[-] arthur@lemmy.zip 1 points 1 day ago

Yeah, that is called withdrawal syndrome, when there are symptoms if the person stops using a substance. I think that's a problem caused by an addiction that interferes with a higher priority.

By the way, this is no joke and can lead to death depending on the severity.

For tobacco, I don't think withdrawal syndrome can kill, but it can last for 6 months according to a psychiatrist I know.

And about the criteria for addiction, in my country it is:

manipulative behavior to keep doing it (it = using the substance or the activity)
repertory restrictions (avoid doing other activities that the person used to do)
harm in other aspects of life (like what we said before)
keep doing it, even with those damages

this post was submitted on 19 Oct 2025

37 points (100.0% liked)

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