Gaming addiction has become a serious concern as technology becomes more central to our lives. About 6.7% of people worldwide struggle with internet gaming disorder, a condition that can disrupt sleep, academic performance, and overall quality of life. New research suggests that cognitive behavioural therapy, a type of talk therapy, offers real hope for people dealing with this addiction.
What the Research Found
Scientists reviewed 13 different studies involving over 1,100 people, mostly young adults around 19 years old, to understand how well cognitive behavioural therapy works for gaming addiction. The results showed that this type of therapy produces moderate but meaningful improvements in reducing addictive gaming behaviours when compared to people who didn't receive treatment.
The research team found that cognitive behavioural therapy helps people identify the thoughts and triggers that lead to excessive gaming, then teaches them healthier ways to cope with these urges. This approach focuses on helping people solve their own problems rather than just telling them what to do.
The Global Picture
Gaming addiction affects millions of people worldwide. The condition goes beyond just spending too much time playing games. People with internet gaming disorder often experience declining grades, disrupted sleep patterns, reduced physical activity, and increased psychological distress. The addiction can also be linked to depression, anxiety, and substance use problems.
What Makes Treatment More Effective
The research revealed several factors that influence how well cognitive behavioural therapy works for gaming addiction. Longer treatment periods and more intensive therapy sessions tend to produce better results than shorter, less frequent interventions. This suggests that overcoming gaming addiction requires time and sustained effort.
Interestingly, the study found that individual therapy sessions worked better than group therapy for this particular problem. While group therapy can be helpful for many conditions, people with gaming addiction appeared to benefit more from one on one sessions with their therapist.
The quality of the research studies also mattered. Studies that received proper funding and followed rigorous scientific methods showed more reliable results, highlighting the importance of well-designed treatment programs.
Practical Implications
For people struggling with gaming addiction and their families, this research offers encouraging news. Cognitive behavioural therapy provides a structured, evidence-based approach to recovery that doesn't rely on medication. The therapy helps people understand their gaming habits, recognize warning signs of excessive use, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Healthcare providers now have stronger evidence to recommend cognitive behavioural therapy as a primary treatment option for gaming addiction. The research suggests that clinicians should consider longer treatment periods and focus on individual rather than group sessions for the best outcomes.
While medication options exist for gaming addiction, their long-term effects remain unclear, and research has involved relatively small numbers of patients. Family therapy is another option, but it can be difficult to access and may not be available in all communities.
Cognitive behavioural therapy offers a practical alternative that addresses the root causes of gaming addiction rather than just the symptoms. The therapy teaches skills that people can use throughout their lives to maintain healthy relationships with technology and gaming.
This research adds to our understanding of how to effectively treat digital addictions, which are becoming increasingly common as our world becomes more connected. For the millions of people affected by gaming addiction, cognitive behavioral therapy represents a proven path toward recovery and healthier technology use.
Reangsing, C., Wongchan, W., Trakooltorwong, P., Thaibandit, J., & Oerther, S. (2025). Effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on addictive symptoms in individuals with internet gaming disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research, 116425.
