Are video games more addictive than drugs?

Potentially habit forming, even mildly addictive in at-risk people, yes. Capable of inducing a small but measurable withdrawal effect, yes. But not more addictive or even as addictive as drugs. No. Not even close. Every addictive thing involves the same mechanism: your brain's chemical reward system. read more

So drugs have a much more negative impact on society than do video games. Anything you enjoy that rewards you in some way can become addictive. But some addictions have less impact than others. read more

Scientists say that more research is needed before they can tell whether being hooked on a video game is actually an addiction. read more

While people addicted to drugs, alcohol or food will physically consume something in order to achieve the desired effects, in video gaming addiction, nothing is consumed. Instead, a game is played so excessively, either online or offline, that it causes problems in the individual’s day-to-day life. read more