Heroin-ware is a nickname for video games that are supposedly so realistic that players can get addicted. Experts, some of whom believe millions may be affected, say that video game addiction could be the gambling addiction of the future

Some major health-research universities are trying to get on top of the growing problem.

Andy Rosales, of Portland, Ore., plays online video games, but not too much, he said.

"It'll be tough to stop sometimes. It's kind of like a time machine, you start playing and then suddenly it's five hours into the future. It's pretty intense sometimes," Rosales said.

He knows people who are hooked on the digital drug.

"Yeah, I know lots of people who are addicted to video games. I think what happens is, it becomes an outlet for them," Rosales said.

Tad Jones said that he is a recovering addict and no longer plays video games.

"You know, I think I have always been a video game addict," Jones said. "You just can't stop playing. I just couldn't stop. I just wanted one more game, one more game. It turned into two, three more hours."

Jones said that at the height of his addiction, he played six to eight hours a night. He has not played any game in two months.

"I miss it a lot. I mean, I was addicted to it. I miss it a lot but I've decided not to do it anymore," Jones said.

Dr. James Mol is a psychologist who believes Tad has plenty of company.

"People who become addicted to video games may be less inclined to seek help," Mol said. "People are taking guesses about how many people struggle with video games or computer-based addictions."

One study said that one in four teenagers who plays video games feels addicted.

The problem may be more widespread for adults, considering the average age of a gamer is 28, and almost equally split between men and women, according to doctors.

It's also an industry enjoying explosive growth.

"There are likely to be lots more consumers than there are currently. And with more consumers, more likelihood the percentage of people addicted will be greater as well," Mol said.

Harvard Medical School has a clinic devoted to treating computer-addicted people.

It said that symptoms include dry eyes, backaches, skipping meals, neglecting family and friends, lying about computer use and feeling euphoria when sitting at the computer.

Jones now fills his days with what he calls "healthier activities."

"It's actually been amazingly different. It frees up your life, and is a weight off your shoulders, really," Jones said.

A video game trade association president issued the following statement about video game addiction.

"All those who play computer or video games need to take personal responsibility to ensure they use games in a sensible and appropriate way, as tens of millions of people do every day," said Douglas Lowenstein.

If someone you know is struggling with video game addiction, visit Mothers Against Videogame Addiction and Violence and www.computeraddict.com.