Even guys who don't suffer from video game addiction are sometimes unable to resist the thrill of killing a few more shambling zombies, saving the princess or winning World War II.

But for those gamers out there who simply cannot put the controller down, video game addiction is a much more serious affliction, as was reinforced by Michael Fahey of Kotaku recently coming forward with the story of an "EverQuest" addiction that cost him his car, job and girlfriend.

The outpouring of similar stories in the comments section of this post reminded us that while the affliction isn't officially recognized by psychiatrists yet, to those who have suffered from it, it is very real. Keep reading to explore some of the more extreme cases of video game addiction.

Failed Intervention?

This clip from the TV show "Intervention" focuses on a young man who plays both "Halo" and "Dance Dance Revolution" with equal intensity. Swearing when you're tea-bagged by a high-pitched 12-year-old from the U.K. we can understand, but it doesn't take a psychiatrist to know something is wrong when a guy screams and flips off a cartoon avatar in a dancing game. Luckily, he does seek help and quickly leaves for a 42-day-long wilderness retreat. Unfortunately, he begins playing games again after getting back, which begs the question: Should gaming addiction be treated the same as other addictions? Members of Alcoholics Anonymous proudly state how long they've been sober. Should game addicts be held to the same standard?

Gaming and Mental Health

This story from two years ago tackles two cases dealing with the addictive nature of both "EverQuest" and "World of Warcraft," the latter of which boasts an active online audience in the millions. It seems like games that feature never-ending gameplay (thanks to online functionality) tend to elicit addictive behaviors more easily from users. One gamer discussed in the video committed suicide after his "EverQuest" addiction led him not only to withdraw from family and quit his job, but to refuse medication prescribed for ADD and epilepsy. While going off his medication probably had more to do with his suicide than his gaming addiction did, it's hard to completely discount it as a contributing factor.

New Kind of Junkie?
The "gaming leads to violence" movement has been around for years. However, does gaming addiction lead to violence? Possibly, or at least as much as other addictions. A brutal murder in Vietnam lends credence to the argument that game addicts will do anything to feed their habit -- much like drug, alcohol or gambling addicts. The story explains how a 13-year-old boy murdered an 81-year-old for money to fund his online gaming addiction. In another case, a 15-year-old boy who relied on extortion to earn cash to continue playing online games was arrested. And you thought gold farmers were bad.

Blurring Line Between Reality and Fantasy
China enacted strict regulations regarding to online gaming back in 2005 after a gamer killed another player in real life for stealing his in-game sword. A general concern about video games is that gamers get so immersed in online gaming that they disregard common sense and reality -- a concern sadly proven true in this case.

Total Breakdown
While perhaps only a tenuous connection to video game addiction exists here, the murder of Susan Petric by her 17-year-old son Daniel after she denied him access to "Halo 3" is horrifying in its implications. Is the urge to game so strong in some people that they're willing to kill when it's taken away? It's still difficult for many to believe people can actually be addicted to video games. Once associated with Mario breaking bricks and stomping turtles, games now feature full-fledged worlds -- places for gamers to not just play, but inhabit. However, until game addiction is more mainstream (which, unfortunately, may hinge on more related deaths), those who suffer are unlikely to seek help at all, not even knowing they have a problem.

If you or someone you know suffers from video game addiction, you can find some support here or contact your family physician.