Gamer Brain Waves Mimic Substance Abuse, German Study Says

Have a beer, smoke a bowl, or play a computer game?

According to a pair of new studies at Berlin's Charite Hospital, for some gamers the effect of their play on brain activity is the same as if they were using alcohol or marijuana. Researchers there have concluded that video games can lead to addiction.

In one study, 15 occasional gamers were compared to 15 "excessive" players. Excessiveness was defined as insatiable yearning for games, withdrawal symptoms when unable to play, and a neglect of other areas of the gamer's life.

Test subjects were shown screen shots from games as well as alcoholic drinks and neutral items. Researchers discovered that the game graphics caused a much stronger reaction in the brains of the excessive types than in the more casual players. The hardcore gamers also showed weak responses to the other pictures.

Ed: So... does gaming make people less interested in alcohol? Hmmm....

"Excessive playing of computer games presumably activates the same structures in the brain as drugs do, commented Sabine Grusser from the Interdisciplinary Addiction Research Group of the Charite hospital.

In a second study, 7,000 gamers were queried about their play habits. Researchers also gathered data on aggression and tendencies toward violent behavior. While 12% did show signs of game addiction, what may be more interesting in the context of the current debate over game violence is the researchers' failure to find a link between excessive gaming and higher levels of aggression.