What is addiction? How does it happen? Addiction is defined by negative re-use of substances or behaviours. Most common addiction's known today, are high amounts of drug and alcohol use, over eating and fast food, sexual temptation, gambling, and smoking cigarettes. Although, being in the 21st century, there is a whole new threat of addiction on the horizon; with computers and other electronic devices. Some examples include: Computer and Internet addiction, cell phone and texting addiction, music addiction, and of course video game addiction. Addiction occurs when we do something, and we enjoy it, leading us to try or do it again. But on the other hand, if you gave a person a cigarette and they've never smoked before in their life, they're not going to enjoy that cigarette in the slightest. Cigarettes contain "nicotine", which is a drug that improves your alertness and memory for a short time. But it also forms a strong "chemical dependence", once you have smoked a few times, your body won't be able to function correctly without the nicotine. Once you have this dependency, it proves very difficult to quit smoking. Exactly the same applies to drugs, alcohol, fast food and even coffee! Your body just craves for it.

Shockingly this also applies to video game addiction alike, it might not be a drug or chemical we consume with drugs, or alcohol. But rather, its a chemical that our bodies produce by itself, this chemical is known as "dopamine". This chemical is believed to help in the process of a number of emotions, including pleasure. Research shows that when we play video games, increased levels of this chemical is released into the brain. This increase is very similar to that of a drug addicts when they consume drugs! Experts believe that this chemical is leading to the addiction of video games. So instead of having a chemical dependency on drugs or smoking, your mind now has a dependency on this chemical inside your body. In order to release it the amounts your body craves for, you must play excessive hours of video games. This habit leads to behaviour and social skills changes in the person. When addicted you won't be able to live without your PC, game console, or cell phone anymore. Without them, you become a very angry and depressed person. Everything needs to be in moderation and balance, too much of anything can lead to an addiction. Which is frightening, when the addiction of most things lead to lives ruined, jobs lost, relationships in crisis, and sadly even sometimes death! Remember one always leads to two, and two to three. Watch the hours you play carefully each time you play video games!