Online Gaming is as Addictive as Heroin

Gaming is big business but it has its downside. People have died from gaming and the world is recognizing that game addiction is serious and spreading fast. Mental health professionals opine that gaming can destroy lives, keep students from focusing on learning, workers from working, and women from their duties. There are instances where gamers have not left home for years.

Games like EverQuest, Dark Age of Camelot, and others are popularly referred to as heroinware. And symptoms of addiction according to Computer Addiction Services at McLean Hospital are: obsession with the game; inability to stop; neglect of family and work; lying to hide activity; problems with studies and work; health problems, muscular as well as vision related; neglect of personal hygiene; as well as sleep disturbances.

The games provide social interaction to lonely people, gamers gain acknowledgement as well as power denied elsewhere due to their gaming expertise, and the game weaves a spell on the mind--one gets so absorbed by the virtual realities that it is hard to get away.

The addiction is so real that it requires intensive therapy. Treatment programs include: behavioral therapy, anti-depressants, as well as prescription drugs.

Not all agree that gaming is addictive. MIT's Games-to-Teach project manager opines that games sharpen critical thinking, improve social skills, and increase empathy. Many others do agree that games inspire imagination, creativity, and team work.

However, the problem is real and countries world over are taking measures. China has set up a clinic in Beijing for net-frazzled addicts to be treated with sports, acupuncture, and medication. The inmates according to the clinic's director have: depression, nervousness, fear, interaction problems, panic, agitation, shaking and numb hands, as well as sleep disorders. Gaming is a serious problem in Korea --- 1-2% of South Korea's online gamers are addicts. The government is taking steps and requesting game developers to create advisory patches to alert gamers to the impeding dangers.

A hard core gamer is one who is completely absorbed by his online fantasy, he isolates himself from family and friends, lets everyday activities fall by the wayside, spends over 16-20 hours a day playing the game and games at work, at home, and while on the road. Gaming becomes his whole life, a thirst that is never quenched.

Treatment is long and hard and like other addictions the first stage is the most difficult, getting the gamer to acknowledge that he or she has a problem. Addicts find it extremely painful to "kill" the characters of the game and to erase /destroy the software. Most are unable to "keep away" and return to the game addictively. Studies indicate that hard core players are often neurotic, shy, have emotional as well as behavioral issues, and problems in the home environment.

To overcome the addiction, the player must consider and analyze the issues underlying the game--it is the question of power, social standing, respect, and emotions.

Gaming is set to become a global epidemic and needs immediate attention as well as solutions.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888FreeOnlineGames.com, the premier website to play thousands of free online games including arcade games, action games, card games, flash games, strategy games, puzzle games and more. He also freelances for http://www.1888SoftwareDownloads.com

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Superhero Games - Awesome Gaming Experience

All time superheroes, such as Superman, Spiderman and Batman have gained a remarkable place in the world of gaming. Superhero games are designed to provide an awesome gaming experience, backed by character driven stories that make players get a real feel of the character they are playing. The creativity used in depicting the hero's powers coupled with the character's personality is matchless. Therefore, players get to explore the person behind the superhero and get a realistic and fulfilling experience while playing these games.

Superman is considered to be one of the earliest superheroes mainly because hit movies of Superman were released a few decades ago. Even though the fervor for Superman movies and television series seems to have diminished over the years, the superhero has retained a robust presence on the Internet. There are several Superman games online based on different themes. The main reason for his perpetual fame pertains to his immense powers and strength. Most of the games emphasize on his superior strength while a few are centered on his laser vision that is capable of destroying things in seconds. As per the story of Superman, he is actually an alien superhero and not a human. He was sent to Earth when he was an infant, in order to escape the execution that was to come about his parents. In fact, he is considered a trendsetter in the world of superheroes and even today's kids can recognize this old and mighty superhero.

Spiderman is another successful superhero who has crept into the world of games. The character was created in the 1960s comic book, but gained fame in the small screen quickly. Spiderman movies created a sensation among superhero fans. The character has also become famous in online superhero games. There are plenty of free Spiderman online games that can be played without downloading or installing any files. Entering a search phrase for free Spiderman games on search engines will bring search results showing hundreds of websites with many different kinds of flash games. Console games based on this superhero are also popular; the better known games are Marvel vs. Capcom and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance. They are also available on Xbox Live and PlayStation.

Batman games are based on Batman, an interesting superhero depicted in a 1939 comic book. His heroic temperament combined with extraordinary powers has made him popular in superhero games. Ever since the launch of the first batman games in 1986, this superhero has retained his fame among gaming enthusiasts. While the most popular means of playing these games is to register with free online gaming sites, playing them on consoles, such as PlayStation, Nintendo DS, Xbox and Wii is also a popular option. The graphics in these games imitate the exact character in the comic book. Batman: Arkham Asylum released in 2011 is a famous game and is considered to be the best of all the batman games.

Whether it is an astounding game involving web-slinging sports or carrying the world on the shoulders, superhero games are enjoyable and amazing for children and adults alike.

If you enjoy playing superhero games, join us and discover the most addicting games on the net.

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Hot Wheels Games for Gaming Counsels

While many people might remember the hot wheels games that they used to play with on the floor, modern technology has taken the loveable die cast cars and moved them to the television screen. From the Wii System to the Xbox 360 and beyond, there are a number of different videogames that both adults and children can enjoy that use these classic cars. Since they are family oriented, moms should be able to give their seal of approval on them as well.

One of those games is one that is called Stunt Track Challenge. In this game, the player assumes the role of a stun car driver that goes through a series of different venues in an attempt to become the best driver in all of the hot wheels games. Of course, we also find that this is a racing game as well, so others can grab a controller and benefit from this game as well. This doesn't mean that your child can't play solo if there isn't anyone around to challenge them. They can in turn choose to go up against some of the AI players and end up expanding their skill sets when they do take on their friends and other family members as well.

Coming truer to the original vision of their creators, Beat That! takes the gaming action to the floors of bedrooms, backyards and more as racers play on the old-fashioned tracks against other AI and real life players to become the top car. Just like the tracks you build, you can also manage and create your own scenarios and end up with a fun and exciting final product that tests the skill of the drivers as well as gain excitement from the process as well. This can also be a great way for you to incorporate the game with the original sets and potentially create an activity that focuses on both imagination and genuine childish fun as well.

While these are the newest games out, we still find that there are more in production. Since children are re-igniting their love for these cars on the TV screen, it won't be too long until the next generation also finds that they love playing with the digital versions of these vehicles, as much as they do with the ones placed on the floor. Be sure that you take the time to try to encourage your child to begin picking out their favorite cars and see what can of fun you can make together.

In fact, there are a number of different tracks available that will work as a great starting point. Some will deal with the color change cars, which might impress them. Others have battery-powered items for the child that needs something mechanical to interest them.

No matter what direction you go in, know that you will be inspiring your child with something that they will love and cherish for the entire lifetime once they've been introduced to the hot wheels games you can find.

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Bean Bag Games - Fun Games for Everyone

If it is family fun that you are looking for, then bean bag games are the best. These are safe, children-friendly games that the whole family could enjoy at home. These are considered as both indoor and outdoor games, thereby giving you a great time during sunny afternoons or when the clouds turn grey.

For a long time already, bean bag games have been considered as everybody's favorite. They eliminate the fear of getting hurt because of sharp or really tough gaming paraphernalia. Even young kids could play with these games without the need for you to constantly watch over them. If you have a toddler who puts everything in her mouth, then she must not play with these games as she might accidentally put the bean bag in her mouth. So these games come highly recommended for children who are three years old and above, and for adults too.

For children, the games would usually consist of a board that would have faces of animals, monsters, or even their favorite cartoon characters. The board would have several holes on it and there would be a couple of bean bags included. The bags are small, and the objective of the game is to get the bag to pass right into the hole. Depending on the size and height of the hole, points are given. Those difficultly positioned holes bear much higher points than the others who are deemed as easy-to-score holes. These games with scoring are very applicable to older children who already know what "score" is all about.

For really young children, like three to four year olds, there are games that would have larger 3-level holes and no points are accorded for each hole. All children has to do is to toss the bean bag right into the hole and they would feel like winners.

For adults, there are games that are designed to be played outdoors only. The game would often consist of a rectangular wooden board where a hole would be located at the top portion. Just like children's games, the goal would be to toss the bean bag into the hole. This however, has a higher degree of difficulty since the mechanics of the game would require a certain distance from where the players could toss the bean bags. Whoever gets to toss the bag really well is the winner. This game is fun and could give the family a great afternoon together.

Learn more about bean bag games from a home decor and activity specialist - Suzie Sanchez.

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