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Video game addiction, recognized by both the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association, has become a well-documented behavioral health issue. But an intriguing question arises: could video games, such as the popular Overwatch, contribute to the development of substance use disorders, including drug or alcohol addiction?
A potential connection lies in the behavioral overlap—some gamers turn to substances like caffeine, energy drinks, or even prescription stimulants to stay awake and maintain focus during prolonged gaming sessions. This pattern reflects a deeper interplay between compulsive gaming habits and substance use, particularly stimulants.
According to addiction experts, it’s not uncommon for one addictive behavior to amplify or even trigger another. This raises the possibility that gaming addiction could exacerbate or co-exist with substance use disorders.
The Science of Co-Occurring Disorders
Research highlights the complex relationship between addiction and mental health. Scientists are still unraveling how different use disorders—whether behavioral or substance-related—interact. For example, many individuals with gaming or substance use disorders also struggle with co-occurring psychiatric conditions such as social anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder. These underlying issues may play a significant role in perpetuating both types of addiction.
Gaming disorder itself is often linked to other behavioral or substance-related conditions. A 2021 study published in Computers in Human Behavior surveyed 526 gamers and found that 42% admitted to using performance-enhancing substances, including caffeine, energy drinks, and prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin. These substances, often used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), were particularly prevalent among participants with ADHD-related symptoms.
This study, which recruited respondents from online gaming forums and e-sports events, underscores how the pressure to perform in gaming—especially in live-streamed environments—can lead to substance misuse. Gamers on platforms like Twitch have been known to play for 24 to 48 hours without breaks, often relying on stimulants to sustain their performance.
Overwatch and the Addictive Pull of Gaming

Blizzard Entertainment’s Overwatch is a prime example of a game that has captivated millions since its release in 2016. The first-person shooter quickly amassed a global following, with over 10 million players during its beta phase and 50 million players within its first three years. Praised for its animation style and immersive gameplay, the game has earned accolades from IGN, Polygon, and Popular Mechanics.
However, this level of engagement has a darker side. One Twitter user, known as @Fl4k_Drifter, gained viral attention earlier this year after sharing a video of themselves throwing a laptop into a lake. The act was described as a desperate attempt to escape their addiction to Overwatch. In a series of tweets, the gamer revealed that their therapist had compared the severity of their gaming addiction to a cocaine addiction.
“I have played this game almost every day since its release,” the user tweeted, highlighting the profound grip the game had on their life.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
The link between video game addiction and substance use is a growing concern that warrants further investigation. While not every gamer will experience addiction, the behavioral patterns observed in gaming communities—such as prolonged sessions and reliance on stimulants—can act as a gateway to more severe issues. By addressing underlying mental health challenges and promoting healthier gaming habits, it may be possible to reduce the risks associated with both gaming and substance use disorders.
The Dopaminergic Reward System and Gaming

The mechanics of video game addiction often exploit the brain’s reward pathways. Through mechanisms like loot boxes, game developers deliberately engage the dopaminergic reward system to keep players hooked.
In classic games like Super Mario Bros., reward elements such as mushrooms, stars, and flowers offer a sense of progression or achievement. These elements are designed to trigger a dopamine release, reinforcing the urge to continue playing. A 2015 German study highlighted how video games utilize “elaborate reinforcement and reward schedules,” making them highly effective at motivating continued play.
Modern titles like Overwatch take this to another level, incorporating advanced systems that amplify the addictive appeal of these rewards. By simulating achievement with minimal effort, such features mirror gambling behaviors. For example, the random nature of loot boxes replicates the “luck of the draw” found in slot machines, offering unpredictable rewards that keep players engaged.
Gaming Addiction as a Public Health Concern
As video games grow increasingly sophisticated, the overlap between gaming and gambling behaviors becomes a more pressing issue. By leveraging reward systems to create compulsive behaviors, gaming has the potential to foster addiction in vulnerable individuals. With growing evidence linking gaming addiction to mental health disorders and gambling-like behaviors, there is an urgent need for public health initiatives to address these risks.
Further research and awareness can help prevent gaming addiction from escalating into a larger mental health crisis while encouraging the development of healthier gaming practices.
Hidden Treasures for the Sake of Reward
The evolution of gaming mechanics, particularly those tied to rewards, provides fascinating insights into how these systems can foster compulsive behaviors. A prime example of this can be seen in the Spyro the Dragon series. Each level in Spyro features treasure chests filled with colorful gemstones, offering players varying amounts of in-game currency. Similarly, defeating enemies for the first time often yields additional rewards, creating an enticing feedback loop for players.
Spyro also introduced a concept that has become a hallmark of modern gaming: easter eggs. These hidden items, such as dragon eggs in the original Spyro game, serve no functional purpose other than completing the task of collecting them. Yet, players are motivated to find every egg to achieve the coveted 100% game completion—a statistic prominently displayed to taunt them if they fall short.
The Allure of Easter Eggs in Modern Gaming
Easter eggs have since become ubiquitous in titles such as Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, Spider-Man, and Metal Gear Solid. They often involve finding obscure or hidden items, such as floating horseshoes in Grand Theft Auto or photographing New York landmarks in Spider-Man. The appeal lies in the completionist mindset they inspire, encouraging players to uncover every secret to “fully” experience the game.
In some cases, the rewards for finding these easter eggs are not material but rather intellectual, such as uncovering lever references to other games or pop culture. For instance, Metal Gear Solid is famous for its intricate nods to its own franchise and even its creator, Hideo Kojima. While the reward is intangible, the dopamine hit from achieving a hidden objective is real.
What Does This Suggest About Gaming and Addiction?

These reward systems, initially designed to enhance engagement, may inadvertently contribute to compulsive gaming behaviors. The parallel between gaming rewards and gambling mechanics is becoming increasingly clear. Just as gambling exploits the brain’s dopamine-driven reward system, so too can video games foster compulsive habits.
This understanding is particularly relevant in the context of addiction replacement. Studies show that individuals recovering from one addiction may substitute it with another. For example, someone abstaining from methamphetamine might begin to overuse alcohol, or a person recovering from cocaine use disorder might develop a binge eating habit.
Addiction Replacement: A Barrier to Recovery
Addiction replacement, or substituting one addiction for another, is a well-documented phenomenon in addiction recovery. It underscores how behavioral and substance-related compulsions are interconnected. Recovery programs often stress total sobriety, but addictionologists increasingly recognize that harm reduction approaches may be more realistic for some individuals.
Nonetheless, without addressing the underlying psychological factors driving these behaviors, the risk of transferring compulsions remains high. Gaming’s reward systems, much like gambling or substance use, can serve as a crutch during recovery, potentially feeding a new cycle of dependency.
Seeking Help for Gaming and Substance Addiction
If you’re a gamer and suspect that you or someone you know might be struggling with substance use disorder, it’s important to seek help. Behavioral addictions, such as compulsive gaming, can amplify the challenges of recovery, making professional guidance essential.
At Sunrise Recovery, we provide comprehensive support to help individuals overcome addiction and build healthier lifestyles. Contact us or visit our website to learn more about how we can help.