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Cyber Junkie: Escape the Gaming and Internet Trap
Recovering video game addict Kevin Roberts offers a step-by-step guide to recovery for those struggling with compulsive video gaming and Internet surfing.
Video gaming and Internet surfing are the top sources of entertainment for tens of millions of North Americans today. As these technologies continue to grow and flourish, so does the number of people becoming obsessively absorbed in the imagination and fantasy that they present. More and more people are isolating themselves, turning their backs on reality, ignoring family and friends, and losing their sleep and even their jobs due to excessive use of video games and the Internet--and they continue to do so despite harmful consequences to their mental, physical, and spiritual health, a telltale sign of addiction.
In this groundbreaking book, recovering video game addict Kevin Roberts uses extensive scientific and social research, complemented by his and others' personal stories, to give compulsive gamers and surfers--and their family and friends--a step-by-step guide for recovery. He outlines the ways that "cyber junkies" exhibit the classic signs of addiction and reveals how they can successfully recover by following a program similar to those used for other addictions. Readers learn to identify whether they have an addiction, find the right resources to get individualized help, and regain a rewarding life away from the screen by learning new thoughts and behaviors that free them from the cravings that rule their lives. Included is a guide for parents for working with their addicted children.
Video gaming and Internet surfing are the top sources of entertainment for tens of millions of North Americans today. As these technologies continue to grow and flourish, so does the number of people becoming obsessively absorbed in the imagination and fantasy that they present. More and more people are isolating themselves, turning their backs on reality, ignoring family and friends, and losing their sleep and even their jobs due to excessive use of video games and the Internet--and they continue to do so despite harmful consequences to their mental, physical, and spiritual health, a telltale sign of addiction.
In this groundbreaking book, recovering video game addict Kevin Roberts uses extensive scientific and social research, complemented by his and others' personal stories, to give compulsive gamers and surfers--and their family and friends--a step-by-step guide for recovery. He outlines the ways that "cyber junkies" exhibit the classic signs of addiction and reveals how they can successfully recover by following a program similar to those used for other addictions. Readers learn to identify whether they have an addiction, find the right resources to get individualized help, and regain a rewarding life away from the screen by learning new thoughts and behaviors that free them from the cravings that rule their lives. Included is a guide for parents for working with their addicted children.
204 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
22 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 25, 2014
I've recently begun working with my therapist to treat my Internet addiction and among the books I've read so far on related topics, this is the most comprehensive and helpful in providing education for both the addicted individual and his/her friends and family that wish to support and understand his/her difficulties. I like the way Roberts segments the book. He illustrates specific examples of the evolution of his own game addiction, as well as those of his clients. The reader can walk away with an understanding of how addiction can quickly spiral out of control for ANYONE when basic needs like connection, self-esteem, and guidance are not met. Roberts has also done his research into the science of the addicted brain and how a tech/online oriented lifestyle really affects a person's reality and entire perception of priorities. Finally, in addition to sharing his own journey of recovery, he also shares a wealth of professional experience in helping clients of all demographics through their very unique journeys to recovery. Ultimately, what I really love about this book is that Roberts makes sure to remind readers of the human side of addicts - that they are still well-intentioned people with a lot of potential that have simply lost their way and are in need of support and information to get back on track.
July 22, 2011
This book is good for anyone who has teenage kids who they may suspect of spending too much time "gaming" or socializing through FaceBook or other Social Network sites. They could be early warning signs of addiction and will, perhaps, need professional intervention. The author has a history of gaming addiction and currently works with kids with ADHD and other co-morbid conditions which create vulnerability for this type of addiction, especially with young teenage males.
It's a very well written and accessible book for anyone interested in this increasingly common, but largely ignored addiction. The book does not address online addictions such as sex or pornography. These would fall outside the scope of this author's expertise.
It's a very well written and accessible book for anyone interested in this increasingly common, but largely ignored addiction. The book does not address online addictions such as sex or pornography. These would fall outside the scope of this author's expertise.
June 19, 2015
Writing this partially as a reminder to myself not to get this from the library a second time. There was far too much pearl-clutching, even early on in the book, and his decision to use the word "addiction" to describe something still under investigation by the APA struck me as problematic. Also seems way more memoir and way less offering solutions. Would not recommend. If you have compulsive behavior issues, seek prpfessional help, not this book.
July 20, 2020
The first half of the book explores the nature of addiction. If you already know a fair amount about addiction, I’d skip to the second half, which gives some good advice on how to help your child/family member with a gaming addiction or prevent them from falling victim to a gaming addiction. I’m not sure how practical this advice is during a quarantine, however. But once school starts again, we will be putting some of these suggestions into place.
September 7, 2022
Very good overview of video game addiction. The author has first-hand experience and uses it well to explain to those outside the addiction. Treatment options are also well covered. Definitely worth reading for those looking for help to solve the problem of gaming addiction for themselves or a family member.
April 2, 2023
کتاب خیلی خوبیه احساسات شما در هنگام استفاده بیش از حد از بازی یا نت رو گفته و مثال هایی از اعتیاد ادمهای دیگه میزنهی زنه همچنین نگفته کامل بزارین کنار نت یا بازی رو فقط میگه کنترل شدن لازمه
اگر خواستید میتونید این کتاب رو از نرم افزار طاقچه دریافت کنید:
https://taaghche.com/book/17694
اگر خواستید میتونید این کتاب رو از نرم افزار طاقچه دریافت کنید:
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September 29, 2019
Reminds me of the methods developed to "fix" gay people.
July 17, 2023
Author wrote too much about himself, which is fine- but it was very repetitive
March 18, 2018
Addiction, in many forms, is a pernicious issue that requires thoughtful consideration. Reading a book on the subject is not a replacement for professional help and intervention. I discuss successful approaches, but only to provide the reader with knowledge of some of the many treatment styles used to help video gaming addiction. Do not consider this book a substitute for professional help. Pg. 131-132.
Technology is all around us, but can we be addicted to something that we consume every day? Ask anyone with a food addiction and they will surely say it is not only possible, but very real. When we become so attached to something, that the removal of it brings about anxiety or stress, it becomes a problem. Not being able to pry ourselves away from something, cutting into school work or family commitments, or even missing work over it, becomes very dangerous. Loosing friends, family and jobs over something becomes an issue we need to keep in mind.
It is no wonder that I’m posting my review for this book on the internet. I believe everyone should read this book to at least have it in their mind’s the issues at hand. I love technology as much as the next, but I make sure the relationship I have with it is healthy. Growing up, I probably spent too much time on video games (we all did in my neighbourhood), but this was always compensated through school work (though not through social interactions).
Roberts paints a very real picture of cyber addictions, both from video games and the internet. He draws upon his own history as a cyber addict and the (continuing) journey he’s on to recovery. He shows just how real a cyber addiction can be, and how dangerous it is. Drawing on real stories, both positive and negative, Roberts is able to convey just how important it is to get help for those suffering from an addiction. Bringing the video game and technology addiction to the current mindset is an incredible feat, one that I applaud Kevin for doing.
Technology is all around us, but can we be addicted to something that we consume every day? Ask anyone with a food addiction and they will surely say it is not only possible, but very real. When we become so attached to something, that the removal of it brings about anxiety or stress, it becomes a problem. Not being able to pry ourselves away from something, cutting into school work or family commitments, or even missing work over it, becomes very dangerous. Loosing friends, family and jobs over something becomes an issue we need to keep in mind.
It is no wonder that I’m posting my review for this book on the internet. I believe everyone should read this book to at least have it in their mind’s the issues at hand. I love technology as much as the next, but I make sure the relationship I have with it is healthy. Growing up, I probably spent too much time on video games (we all did in my neighbourhood), but this was always compensated through school work (though not through social interactions).
Roberts paints a very real picture of cyber addictions, both from video games and the internet. He draws upon his own history as a cyber addict and the (continuing) journey he’s on to recovery. He shows just how real a cyber addiction can be, and how dangerous it is. Drawing on real stories, both positive and negative, Roberts is able to convey just how important it is to get help for those suffering from an addiction. Bringing the video game and technology addiction to the current mindset is an incredible feat, one that I applaud Kevin for doing.
December 4, 2015
3.5 Stars
I picked this book up off the free table at a counseling association conference a few years ago. It was a topic that was interesting to me because I knew several cyber addicts in college and I had toyed with the idea of writing a research paper on this type of addiction during grad school. I never wrote that paper, but that's okay.
Kevin Roberts, the author, describes his personal struggles with video game/internet addiction in addition to providing additional qualitative data based on his work with other video game addicts. I know his research could definitely be updated (given how much he talked about MySpace in this one.) I'd be curious to know what data he has now that smartphones and Facebook have become nearly essential to current society.
All in all, I'd say it wasn't bad for a free book.
I picked this book up off the free table at a counseling association conference a few years ago. It was a topic that was interesting to me because I knew several cyber addicts in college and I had toyed with the idea of writing a research paper on this type of addiction during grad school. I never wrote that paper, but that's okay.
Kevin Roberts, the author, describes his personal struggles with video game/internet addiction in addition to providing additional qualitative data based on his work with other video game addicts. I know his research could definitely be updated (given how much he talked about MySpace in this one.) I'd be curious to know what data he has now that smartphones and Facebook have become nearly essential to current society.
All in all, I'd say it wasn't bad for a free book.
July 12, 2011
I really enjoyed the chapters/discussion on how addiction works on the brain.
It's filled with stories, including the author's, and examples throughout.
It's filled with stories, including the author's, and examples throughout.
May 25, 2013
Was disappointed. Good to know that I'm not alone, and I understand that the recovery is personal. Was looking for a manual on how to get out of the gaming life.
November 21, 2015
More of a memoir than a "step-by-step guide" as he claims. I came to the end of the book with a bit more information but not much practical advice.
June 10, 2016
Simply the best resource for gaming addiction. Roberts has a no-nonsense approach and delivers his message with intelligence, wit, and empathy. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews