The World Health Organization recently formalized gaming addiction as a mental health disorder. It is defined as a pattern of impaired control over digital gaming behavior with increased priority given to gaming to the extent that it takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite negative consequences. This is part of a larger problem that includes digital and social media. Is it a new epidemic?

Gaming addiction is consistent with a long list of other behavioral addictions to other activities such as food, sex, working, exercising and shopping. The point is that many behaviors, which are considered normal and even important to health in measured amounts, can get out of hand. Obsessive thoughts and cravings drive behavior to the point that other normal and necessary daily activities get crowded out.

Addiction can reach a level where one forgets to eat and drink to the point of collapse, family relationships and friendships wither and all interest in education, work, exercise, sleep or personal hygiene gets squeezed out. When negative consequences arise as the result of addiction, the gaming addict might not notice or care. Even if the addict does care, one cannot muster the willpower to re-balance behavior.

In truth, gaming addiction is only part of the broader problem of escalating dependence on the digital world that includes social media from Facebook to Twitter to Instagram, myriad apps that take us away from the present and into another head space and just straight-up internet and email. Yes, even checking the news or the stock market can become an addiction.

At the recent Hawaii Book and Music Festival, experts on several of the wellness panels discussed how obsession with social media has the potential to bruise feelings, alienate our youth and even result in suicide.

It is essential to identify early warning signs, remove triggers and intervene before it is too late. At Manakai o Malama we continue to expand our psychology department to accommodate patients who request professional support for gaming or other digital addictions, associated sleep issues and isolation or bullying from social media.

The increasing social obsession with digital media also has affected behaviors. In the old days of simple network television, we suffered through appointment viewing. We had to go into the living room at a certain time each week to watch the next show of a season of “Star Trek” or whatever and sit through the commercials. With the rapid proliferation in competition in digital streaming, whole seasons come out at the same time so we can binge. With shorter attention spans, viewers demand quick cuts as they consume programming, according to Evon Barros, a Hollywood film editor. We also require more extreme violence and sex to satisfy our increased threshold for shock and surprise. Think “Game of Thrones” or “Vikings.”

Remember the value of family, community, genuine friendship and real-time human conversation.

Ira Zunin, a practicing physician, is medical director of Manakai o Malama Integrative Healthcare Group and Rehabilitation Center and CEO of Global Advisory Services Inc. His column appears the first Saturday of every month. Please submit your questions to info@manakaiomalama.com.