From virtual reality to medical attention

In recent years, new research on playing video games has focused on whether or not excessive video game use can be considered an addiction akin to alcoholism or drug abuse. Some rehab centers have begun including video game addiction therapy into their services. In fact, the psychiatric hospital McLean, which is located in nearby Belmont, offers a Computer Addiction Service to patients.

Whether or not too much gaming can be classified as an addiction, the mix of excessive video game use and the rigors of an elite academic institution has become a problem for some students at Tufts.

Jean Haley, a counselor at the Tufts Counseling Center, said that while she does not know anything specific about video game addictions, she has seen Tufts students with video or computer game addictions.