Case study
More Peace and Calm After Gaming Disorder Support
An illustrative internet gaming disorder recovery example describing greater peace and calmer routines after structured support.
Client Profile
- Name: Kabelo (pseudonym)
- Age: 24
- Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
- Occupation: University Student
- Condition: Internet Gaming Disorder
Presenting Problem
Kabelo reported:
- Gaming 6–10 hours daily
- Frequent late-night sessions (2–3 AM)
- Neglecting: Studies Sleep Social life
- Experiencing: Fatigue Poor concentration Loss of motivation
Program Used
- 4-week structured hypnotherapy program (8 sessions)
- Focus areas: Habit interruption Urge control Dopamine/stimulation balance Focus restoration Identity shift
Physical-like Dependence
- Sleep disruption
- Overstimulation
- Restlessness without gaming
Psychological Dependence (Primary)
- Reward/achievement loop
- Escape from responsibility
- Habit and routine
Week 1: Awareness & Disruption
Observations:
Breakthrough:
Changes:
- Recognised time-loss and automatic gaming patterns
- Became aware of triggers (boredom, stress, avoidance)
- Reduced gaming hours slightly
- Introduced pause before starting
Week 2: Urge Control
Observations:
Breakthrough:
Changes:
- Urges still present but less intense
- Successfully delayed or skipped gaming sessions
- Reduced gaming significantly
- Improved sleep schedule
Week 3: Focus & Real-World Engagement
Observations:
Breakthrough:
Changes:
- Increased ability to focus on studies
- Reduced need for gaming as escape
- Improved productivity
- More balanced daily routine
Week 4: Integration & Identity Shift
Observations:
Breakthrough:
Changes:
- Gaming reduced to controlled, occasional use or stopped entirely
- No longer compulsive
- Consistent sleep
- Improved academic performance
Physical-like
- Improved sleep
- Reduced fatigue
- Lower overstimulation
Psychological
- Reduced urge intensity
- Increased motivation
- Better emotional control
Behavioral
- Controlled or eliminated excessive gaming
- Established structured routines
- Improved discipline
WHY THIS CASE WORKED
1. Habit Interruption
2. Urge Control
3. Reward Rebalancing
4. Identity Shift
- Broke automatic gaming loop
- Reduced impulsive play
- Shifted dopamine reward to real-life activities
- From “gamer” → “in control”
CLINICAL INSIGHT
This case shows:
- Gaming addiction is driven by reward loops and avoidance
- Rebuilding real-life engagement reduces dependency
- Focus and discipline can be restored quickly with structure