Understanding Gaming Addiction in Emerging Adults

“My son literally hasn’t showered in weeks. He’s up all night gaming and sleeps all day. He refuses to get a job. He doesn’t even think it’s a problem. He lives on energy drinks and he’s making himself sick.”

If this sounds like your house, you’re not alone. I hear from parents every day facing this exact reality. It’s heartbreaking. It’s scary. And it’s frustrating beyond belief.

You know something is wrong.
You feel the urgency.
But your emerging adult doesn't see it the same way, and the disconnection only deepens.

So what can you do?

Problematic Gaming Is Real. And It’s Recognized

Let’s start here: Problematic gaming isn’t just bad behavior or laziness.
It’s been recognized for several years now as a legitimate psychological issue.
And when it takes root during a vulnerable time like the transition to adulthood, it can derail everything…health, motivation, sleep, school, jobs, and relationships.

And yes, it is incredibly hard to manage when the person experiencing it lives under your roof and refuses help.

You're Not Alone, and There Are Resources

I want to introduce you to a book I recently found that I believe every parent in this situation should read:

Cyber Sober: A Caregiver’s Guide to Video Gaming Addiction by Elaine Uskoski

Elaine isn’t just an expert, she’s a mom who lived this. She walked this painful path with her university-aged son, Jake, who was deeply addicted to gaming. And what makes this book incredibly powerful is that Jake shares his own story too, offering raw and real insights from the inside of addiction.

This book doesn’t offer a magic solution. Nothing does. But it does offer clarity, direction, and most importantly, hope.

Why This Book Matters

Too many parents are still stuck thinking, “My kid is just lazy.” But gaming addiction isn’t a matter of willpower. It’s not a parenting failure. It’s not just about screen time. It’s about understanding what’s really going on beneath the surface, and learning how to stay connected to your child while guiding them toward recovery.

Cyber Sober helps you:

• Understand the neurological and emotional hooks of gaming
• Hear directly from a young adult who was caught in the cycle
• Feel less alone in your struggle
• Start finding ways to support without enabling

You can find Cyber Sober on Amazon or through my Book Recommendations page on my website.

If you're parenting a young adult stuck in a downward spiral of gaming, I see you. You didn’t get here overnight, and there’s no instant fix. But there is a path forward. And resources like this can be a powerful step in helping both you and your child get unstuck.

Want more tools, connections, and real support? Join my Empowered Parents of Emerging Adults support group. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

👉 Click here to join the support group.