What is gaming addiction treatment in Switzerland?
Gaming addiction treatment in Switzerland is a residential programme for gaming disorder and problematic internet use. It combines a structured digital detox with psychotherapy and a rebuilt daily routine.
Clients are often young adults who have dropped out of university or work. Swiss clinics treat the gaming behaviour together with the anxiety, depression, ADHD or social withdrawal behind it.
Gaming & internet addiction explained. Gaming disorder is a pattern of gaming with impaired control, increasing priority over other activities and continuation despite harm, normally evident for at least 12 months (WHO, 2018). Related compulsive behaviours include social media and pornography use.
Key figures
- 6.8% of the Swiss population used the internet in a problematic way in 2022, up from 3.8% in 2017 (Obsan, 2022).
- A meta-analysis of 53 studies estimated worldwide gaming disorder prevalence at 3.05%, or 1.96% in studies with stricter sampling (ANZJP, 2021).
- Gaming disorder is roughly two and a half times as common in males as in females (ANZJP, 2021).
“affects only a small proportion of people who engage in digital- or video-gaming activities”
Common signs
- Gaming through the night
- Dropping out of studies or work
- Irritability when offline
- Social isolation
- Neglect of hygiene and sleep
Who it is for
- Young adults whose gaming has replaced study or work
- Clients with compulsive social media or pornography use
- Families who can no longer set limits at home
Best clinics for gaming addiction treatment in Switzerland
These 2 licensed Swiss clinics run dedicated programmes for gaming & internet addiction. Formats range from one-client-at-a-time residences to specialist clinical centres. Not sure how to compare them? Read how to choose a rehab clinic.
