We SOOO Need This in America
European rehab opens for video game addicts
June 8, 2006
KCTV5 Web Site
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - Almost anyone with a teenager may think they know this already.
The head of a new Dutch detox center says video games may look innocent, but they can be as addictive as gambling or drugs -- and just as hard to kick.
Keith Bakker is opening Europe's first rehab center for game addicts, offering in-house treatment for gamers who just can't leave the controller alone.
Bakker says he's already treated 20 people from 13 to 30. And he says some of them even show withdrawal symptoms, like shaking and sweating, when they look at a computer.
The detox program that starts in July in Amsterdam will include discussion with therapists and efforts to build interest in other pursuits.
June 8, 2006
KCTV5 Web Site
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - Almost anyone with a teenager may think they know this already.
The head of a new Dutch detox center says video games may look innocent, but they can be as addictive as gambling or drugs -- and just as hard to kick.
Keith Bakker is opening Europe's first rehab center for game addicts, offering in-house treatment for gamers who just can't leave the controller alone.
Bakker says he's already treated 20 people from 13 to 30. And he says some of them even show withdrawal symptoms, like shaking and sweating, when they look at a computer.
The detox program that starts in July in Amsterdam will include discussion with therapists and efforts to build interest in other pursuits.