VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
A mom’s journey with video game addiction in the family
A mom’s journey with video game addiction in the family
A mom’s journey with video game addiction in the family
Friday 9th May 2025
Elaine Uskoski shares her journey from helping her son overcome gaming addiction to becoming an award-winning coach.
37 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Compassionate
Supportive
Hopeful
About this podcast
Author:
VIMHS
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Community & Support Networks
Policy & Advocacy
Body & Mind
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!From Crisis to Coach: A Mother's Battle with Gaming Addiction
Episode Overview
- Video game addiction can mirror substance addiction in its impact on mental health.
- Addressing core issues like mental health or trauma is crucial in managing gaming addiction.
- Building trust and communication within families can aid in recovery.
- Parents should prepare teens for independence to reduce risks of addiction.
- Gaming addiction requires empathy and patience for effective recovery.
"He literally looked like a street addict when I got to him."
Elaine Uskoski's journey from concerned mother to award-winning coach and author is nothing short of remarkable. It all began on a chilling Halloween in 2014 when she received a desperate email from her son, Jake, who was struggling with video game addiction during his university years. This episode of People First Radio offers a deep dive into Elaine's experiences and the transformative path she embarked upon to support her son and others facing similar challenges.
Elaine shares the heart-wrenching moment she found Jake in dire condition, physically and mentally depleted due to excessive gaming. Her determination to help him led to a long journey of detox, relapses, and ultimately recovery. Today, Jake thrives as a software engineer, having not gamed for nearly eight years. Elaine's story is one of resilience and understanding, highlighting the complex nature of video game addiction.
The podcast also explores the broader context of gaming addiction, touching on how certain games can be more addictive and the underlying issues that may lead individuals to excessive gaming. Elaine discusses the importance of addressing core issues such as mental health or trauma, rather than solely focusing on the gaming itself. Elaine's candidness about her personal experiences and professional insights provides valuable guidance for parents navigating similar situations.
Her approach emphasises empathy, communication, and rebuilding relationships within families affected by gaming addiction. This episode is an eye-opener for anyone interested in understanding the nuances of behavioural addictions and the impact they can have on families. Whether you're a parent dealing with a similar issue or simply curious about the topic, Elaine's story offers hope and practical advice for managing and overcoming gaming addiction.