Gaming Withdrawal
Compiled from cited sources · not yet medically reviewedUpdated 2 sources
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For information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before stopping or changing any medication. Medical disclaimer
Quick answer
The WHO’s ICD-11 defines gaming disorder as impaired control over gaming, gaming taking priority over other activities, and continuing despite harm, usually evident for at least 12 months. The WHO says it affects only a small proportion of gamers. Research on withdrawal from gaming is limited; a 2020 review found few studies but said short-term abstinence shows promise as an intervention.
Video gaming withdrawal timeline at a glance
| Phase | When | What you may feel | Severity | Red flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| After stopping or cutting back | Days to weeks (not well studied) | Urges to play; Irritability or boredom; Low mood | Unknown | Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call or text 988 now |
Print a daily symptom log for this timeline · My quit tracker
Symptoms, phase by phase
Evidence note: The WHO describes gaming disorder by impaired control, priority over other activities and continuing despite negative consequences, with significant impairment usually evident for 12 months. Fernandez and colleagues (2020) found a paucity of prospective abstinence studies for gaming and said rebound and compensatory effects weren’t adequately assessed. We don’t give a timeline because the research doesn’t support one.
After stopping or cutting back: Days to weeks (not well studied)
- Urges to play
- Irritability or boredom
- Low mood
What makes withdrawal longer or shorter
- How much it’s affecting life. The WHO says gaming disorder is diagnosed when gaming causes significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, work or other important areas of life.
When to see a doctor or get help now
- If the behavior is harming your relationships, work, money or health.
- Call or text 988 for thoughts of suicide.
- Call SAMHSA’s helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for help finding mental health support.
Not sure where to start? Call SAMHSA’s free, confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357, 24/7. See Get Help.
Tapering
Some people cut back gradually with time limits; others take a full break. There’s no evidence-based schedule.
Tips for getting through it
- Set time limits or use console parental controls
- Fill the time with other activities you enjoy
- For teens: involve parents and school counselors
Frequently asked questions
Is gaming addiction real?
Gaming disorder is in the WHO’s ICD-11, but it affects only a small proportion of gamers.
What are gaming withdrawal symptoms?
People report irritability, boredom and urges, but research is limited.
How long does gaming withdrawal last?
There’s no research-based timeline.
Next steps
Talk to others going through it. Share your experience or ask questions on the Day-by-Day Check-ins board in our community forum. Forum posts are personal experiences, not medical advice. Please read the community guidelines.
Related timelines
- Social Media and Phone Detox: What the Research Says
- Gambling Withdrawal Symptoms
- Porn Withdrawal: What the Research Says
Sources
- WHO: Gaming disorder (Q&A)
- Fernandez DP, Kuss DJ, Griffiths MD. Short-term abstinence effects across potential behavioral addictions: a systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev. 2020
Last reviewed: October 25, 2026. Researched and written by Withdrawal Timelines from the cited sources. This article has not yet been reviewed by a medical professional. See How We Review and our Medical Disclaimer. This is general information, not medical advice.
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