Game Over: Reclaiming Life from Screen Addiction

Abstract

Gaming addiction has become a growing concern among adolescents and is associated with academic difficulties, social withdrawal, emotional distress, and family dysfunction. Conventional explanations emphasize neurobiological, psychological, and environmental factors, and current interventions typically rely on counseling, behavioral therapies, and family support. However, some cases remain resistant to conventional approaches, suggesting that additional explanation frameworks may be relevant for understanding recovery experiences. In the present case, a child who refused to attend school for five years and developed severe gaming dependence reportedly showed little improvement despite various interventions. Within the Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door tradition, the condition was interpreted as involving not only psychological stress and family conflict but also karmic and spiritual influences. Therefore, this paper presents a case in which the child’s recovery was attributed to the Three Golden Buddhist Practices of the Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door—making vows, reciting Buddhist scripture, and performing life liberation. Following the mother’s adoption of these practices, the child reportedly returned to school, achieved strong academic performance, and demonstrated marked improvements in behavior and family relationships. This study illustrates how spiritual practice can be a pathway to behavioral change, emotional healing, and recovery from gaming addiction.