I am honoured to share that my article, “When Gaming Took Over at University: Our Family’s Story,” has been published in the latest issue of Psynopsis, the magazine of the Canadian Psychological Association.
For many years, behavioural addictions received far less attention than substance addictions. Families struggling with problematic gaming, online gambling, excessive social media use, or other compulsive digital behaviours often found themselves searching for answers in a landscape where resources were limited and understanding was scarce.
Today, that conversation is changing.
This special issue of Psynopsis reflects the growing recognition that behavioural addictions deserve the same thoughtful attention as other mental health concerns. Alongside my family’s story, the magazine features articles exploring a range of timely topics, including sports gambling, online betting, social media, the epidemic of loneliness, and other emerging behavioural addictions. Together, these contributions offer valuable perspectives on how our increasingly digital world is shaping behaviour, relationships, and mental health.
My article shares our family’s experience as my son Jake’s recreational gaming gradually evolved into a severe addiction while he was attending university. It is a story of confusion, setbacks, perseverance, and ultimately, recovery. By sharing our journey, my hope is to help parents recognize the warning signs earlier, better understand the connection between neurodiversity and problematic gaming, and know they are not alone.
When our family first entered this world, gaming addiction was rarely recognized. Today, thanks to continued research, advocacy, and the willingness of families and professionals to share their experiences, awareness continues to grow. While there is still much work to be done, publications like this represent an important step forward.
I am grateful to the Canadian Psychological Association and the Psynopsis editorial team for including this important topic in their Behavioural Addictions issue. It is a privilege to contribute alongside so many respected researchers and clinicians who are working to advance understanding and support for individuals and families affected by behavioural addictions.
The conversation is growing, and that gives me hope.
https://cpa.ca/docs/File/Psynopsis/2026-Vol48-2/index.html#p=1