By: Jesselyn Cook
Jun 28, 2015 - 6:11 PM EDT
Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare has announced it is expanding its services to offer treatment for individuals who struggle with video game- and Internet-dependency.
The new program launched on Friday at the 10-year anniversary of Problem Gambling — Residential and Day Treatment Services event at the hospital. Problem Gambling Services staff have treated more than 800 clients since the residential and day treatment services began in 2005.
HDGH Problem Gambling counsellor Shawn Rumble says Internet- and online gaming-dependencies are in some ways quite similar to gambling and substance addictions.
“Some individuals may engage in excessive gaming or Internet use as a diversion from feelings of apprehension, anxiety, loneliness or boredom,” he explained. “Ultimately what this program will focus on is life skills, coping mechanisms, stress management, strategies and self-awareness.”
Rumble believes the need for a treatment program targeting online addictions has existed for a while, and he is thrilled that these services are now available in Windsor. Individuals can attend weekly or monthly sessions, or participate in the free 21-day inpatient program.
“This program is unique to the Canadian landscape. It’s groundbreaking, and we’re very excited our hospital has decided to go forward and embrace this opportunity,” he said.
A 2014 report from global social media agency WeAreSocial reveals that every day, Canadians spend 4.9 hours online using their laptop or desktop computers, in addition to 1.9 hours online using mobile devices. Just over two hours are spent on social media platforms, with 91 per cent of Canadians using Facebook and 46 per cent using Twitter.
“It is a very real public health concern,” said Rumble. “Excessive gaming or Internet use will have an adverse effect on one’s immune system, on their sleep patterns, on their ability to concentrate and on their social and family relations.”
Rumble says he has worked with individuals who have lost their employment, been put on academic suspension and had family relationships break down due to Internet- or gaming-dependency.
He believes online addictions can be fuelled by the fear of missing out, often referred to as FOMO.
“These online games, they continue on without you. If you’re not playing, the value of your character and the world you’ve established decreases,” he said. “People seem to think, ‘If I’m not on Facebook, I’m losing touch with people. I’m missing out on those opportunities to connect with people.’”
For people who are unsure if they have a gaming- or Internet-dependency, Rumble recommends taking an online test created by Dr. Kimberly Young, a psychologist and world renowned Internet addiction expert.
jcook@windsorstar.com
http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/internet-addiction-treatment-now-offered-in-windsor
Liz Woolley
Media Release
For Immediate Release June 26, 2015
Taking Our Game to the Next Level: Hotel-Dieu Grace Adds Video Game and Internet Dependency Services
Windsor, ON - Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) invited the community to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Problem Gambling - Residential and Day Treatment Services on Friday, June 26, 2015. HDGH hosted an open house for staff, former patients and the community to celebrate this milestone at Problem Gambling Services new location on the first floor of the Emara building of the Tayfour Campus.
Problem Gambling Services has pioneered outpatient treatment and support services since 1994 but it was in 2005 that they began offering Residential and Day Treatment services. Through Ontario's only gambling specific residential and day treatment program, Problem Gambling Services staff have served over 800 clients through 21-day cycles since 2005.
Those who attended the open house learned from Joe Karb, HDGH Director of Mental Health Services that Problem Gambling is expanding on current services offered to meet the growing needs of our cyber community members. "We are proud to build on a legacy of success and advanced critical training by taking our game to the next level and announce that we are adding Video Game and Internet Dependency services to our programming," said Karb.
Shawn Rumble, HDGH Problem Gambling Counselor and a recognized Provincial Specialist and Trainer is leading this expansion of services. He indicated that Video Game and/or Dependency may be referred by different terms including Internet and Video Game Addiction, Internet Gaming Addiction, Cyber Dependence, and Disruptive Use Behaviours. "Our approach is to add Video Game and Internet Dependency focus in all aspects of our interactions with clients - from assessment criterion, to counseling with our staff who have received training on Problematic Internet Use, as well as incorporating into the current Residential Treatment Services," said Rumble.
Janice Kaffer, President and CEO of HDGH, thanked the community and former patients for making HDGH part of their care journey, as well as the passion exhibited from Problem Gambling Services staff. “This dedicated team of 16 professionals exemplifies our corporate values each day,” said Kaffer. “They provide high quality and innovative programs to address addiction including our newest addition: Video Game and Internet Dependency.”
"As direct service providers, Problem Gambling Services has observed a subtle and profound merging of video games and gambling," said Karb. "It is our hope that by adding Video Game and Internet Dependency services we can address the needs of our clients and the community."
For further information please contact:
Bill Marra, Vice President Government & External Affairs at 519 919-0033
Nicole Crozier, Manager of Communications – 226 345 9710
Liz Woolley