A concerned reader writes about their mother, aged in her 70s, who is addicted to video games such as Tetris, solitaire variations, and slot machine gambling games. The addiction began in the 1990s with card games on a desktop computer and has evolved to a smartphone. The mother's gaming has left her emotionally unavailable to her children, who now struggle to get her attention during visits. The behavior has become a family joke, but the underlying pain is real.
Her actions may be numbing pain she feels in other areas of her life, so you must approach the issue thoughtfully.
Advice columnist Annalisa Barbieri suggests that the mother's gaming could be a way to cope with emotional distress. She recommends addressing the issue with empathy, avoiding blame, and encouraging open communication. If the mother is willing, professional counseling or support groups for gaming addiction may help. Family members should also set boundaries to protect their own emotional well-being.