Helping children of addicts with video games

Coping with addiction in the family is never pleasant, in some cases it is managed very well, and the support network helps all involved to cope in a very difficult situation.  Unfortunately, the more common scenario is that individuals who live with an addiction sufferer face as many challenges and health issues as the sufferer themselves, and when there are children involved it makes the situation even more complex. 

Children are at a distinct disadvantage as they often have no say in what happens around or to them, and commonly don't understand the situations and thus feel confused at decisions being made.  There are services that support young individuals if they live with an addiction sufferer, but in some cases the influence and interference from outside sources can make the situation even more confusion and scary, especially if what is happening is not explained adequately.

But despite the support that can be offered, it is often very difficult for social workers or health professionals to sympathise with children in these situations or understand what they are going through.  It is for this reason that one man has released a video game that is intended to allow young individuals the opportunity to navigate through life in a pseudo-addiction world, with a big monster being the metaphor for addiction (The Fix, 2012).  The creator of the game hopes that it will help young people learn through playing, how to cope with the negative situations brought up by addiction, and also how to cope with unpleasant memories from the past.

Although the video game may not be a direct form of therapy, it may be that having the opportunity to explore feelings through a safe video game could be important in helping young people cope with the horror of living in an addiction stricken family.  Of course having access to further support and therapy, as well as a safe environment is key to helping minimise the impact addiction can have on young individuals, and helping them understand about and support parents through addiction rehab can also have a positive impact.  But whatever steps are taken to help youths in distressing scenarios such as these, it is important that they are always supported, and educated about the risks of drugs, to help prevent them succumbing to the same fate.

The Fix.  (2012).  New video game aims to help children of addicts.  Sourced from: http://www.thefix.com/content/new-video-game-children-addicts90472

Published by on 29/08/2020.

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