Unplugged: My Journey Into the Dark World of Video Game Addiction

Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (07/10) I have to say that after being a substance-abuse counselor for over twenty-five years, I never imagined that we would come to this- video game addiction. However, I do believe that the author truly gave his own insight into how he got addicted, even though he didn't believe it and lost his whole world. He gives you the opportunity to get inside his mind, his passion and neglect of everything he loved to "Play." His vivid descriptions of his thoughts, withdrawal and putting video games before anything really gives readers an insight to what goes on in the mind of gamers. Thinking back now on when video games first came out and how crude they were as in comparison today, it's no wonder our children, husbands and family members get addicted. What holds the power is that you have no control over your life and once you enter this realm, you can be whomever you want and act how you want to. We all want to be in control and be powerful, as well as be admired for our talents. It is no different with video games. Even like those who have other addictions, one always says they will quit or cut back, but it never happens. We choose our friends by what they do and that is what we want to do. We don't sleep, eat, exercise or pay attention to our family or friends. Even if we have family who try to understand what is going on with us, no one really knows what goes on in the mind of an addict. We choose risky behavior- regardless of who it will hurt. You will see this in the author's tales of what he did to try to ignore playing- drinking, sex with others whom he really didn't care about and placating others- just to get his fix. You will be amazed that he could talk about others whom he thought were "addicted," but it wasn't him. His long road to recovery led to having a website for those who feel they are addicted to video games. He is still in recovery, for it is a life-long process. There is always the temptation to just "do it" one more time. One of the catches for him was the social aspect- dealing with people who thought like he did and wanted the same thing- ongoing challenges that hyped you. "Unplugged: My Journey into the Dark World of Video Game Addiction" contains amazing information and this is a book I will discuss with my college psychology class when we talk about addictions. It is an amazing read that will really get you to look at your game playing or that of others you love. The author gives a great many resources to help those who are addicted or starting the addiction process.

One of the charges laid against video gaming is that its addictive nature can isolate susceptible players from developing or participating in relationships by substituting a virtual environment for the real world. "Unplugged: My Journey into the Dark World of Video Game Addiction" is the personal story of Ryan G. Van Cleave, a player in "World of Warcraft" video game who found that his addiction jeopardized his career as a college professor, his family life as a husband and father, and even his mental health and well-being. "Unplugged" is also the story of how video games have advanced in their technology -- and their grip upon their players. A fascinating read that is both informed and informative, "Unplugged" is highly recommended for both academic and community library collections -- and should be considered mandatory cautionary reading for anyone engaged in online video gaming.

If there were ever a time for a book like this, it's now. This book helps to understand how people affected by video game and electronic addiction behave - so that those affected by this can recognize how to help. Normally, self-help books are a snooze - and really, this is a self-help book. But the fact that it's an expertly written memior keeps it interesting and engaging. I can only imagine the people that this book can help. It's sad that some will choose to see this addiction as less legitimate because it doesn't introduce chemically addictive drugs into your metabolic system. In fact - I think it's worse. Essentially, your body is hooked on itself. I know many people who need to read this book.

This is an elegantly written book that is not only insightful, it is also compelling to read. Rich with detail and and personal experience, the book depicts a honest account of one person's deep attachment to video games--an attachment that nearly destroys his professional and personal life.

I'll admit that I knew the author during a few years covered in the book. I was surprised how clear and vivid his memories were of this time. The details are simply spot on. I found myself remembering many events. I was also surprised to learn a few things about his secret life of video addiction--which in retrospect makes completes sense now. I knew he was a big gamer, with pretty much every platform available and a number of very fast computers, but I never knew how deeply he was drawn to that world. These details perfectly fill in the missing time, missing details in a way that not only makes sense but also makes a great story. Completely enjoyed this book. I'm familiar with substance addiction, but this book opened me up to other types of addiction, the kind that is rooted in experience. Total reading time: two nights!