The leveling game - My breakthrough out of Gaming

Hi computerfreako and welcome to Olga. I'm so glad you've realized your need for help in stopping gaming. That's a big step to get to that place. Stick around here and you can get support and encouragement to help you stay game free. There's lots of good posts to read with very helpful information and we are all trying to stay game free so we understand what you're going through. Good luck!

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computerfreako2 wrote:

I am trying to limit myself to 2 to 4 hours each day. Is that a good goal?

Maybe for you; but the rest of us here cannot moderate or play casually.

2 to 4 hours a day X 7 days a week = 14 to 21 hours a week. Lots of time.

For me, any amount of playing games is something I cannot do. If I play 5 minutes, then I'm on to playing 12+ hours a day.

When I try to control how much I'm gaming I'm frustrated all the time. When I can surrender it completely I find relief and happiness.

I came in here because I was playing FreeCell addictively (more than once until after 2am when I had to get up the next morning).

I'm a Christian, too, computerfreako2, and once I stopped gaming, I could see that it was an idol in my life because I pretty much stopped reading the Word and praying too, in order to have more time for gaming. Just think if you spent that 2-4 hours a day with God instead of gaming, how much further ahead you'd be. The other problem with moderating your gaming is that, when we are addicted, it's just not enough. If we're not gaming, we're wishing we could be.

The only way to end the obsession is to quit gaming entirely and God can certainly help you do that. He helped me. I didn't think I could ever quit gaming, but I know He gave me the strength to do it. I hope you can find your way out.

When you quit, explain why you're quitting to at least one friend. I told one other person in my game when I quit, as I quit very suddenly. I actually gave all my accounts to her as I couldn't delete them. What helped me be able to quit was a Bible study I had started doing at my church. I reached a point where I felt like I had to choose between God and my game - I chose God. I had wanted to quit for over a year before that point but just couldn't bring myself to do it. Just start asking God to give you the willingness to quit. He will.

Congratulations, computerfreako2!!! You did it! Do anything with your time, other than game. Watch movies, read, exercise, go for walks, come here and read posts and post, hang out with friends or family, anything...just don't game. Also, go and read the post about withdrawal symptoms, which you will be experiencing. I think it helps to know what to expect. Sometimes you will think you're going crazy, but just know that it doesn't last. It's found here: http://www.olganon.org/?q=game_addiction_withdrawal_symptoms

It's not easy getting through withdrawals, but you can do it. Post what you're going through to get some support and encouragement from everybody here. It really does help. There are also meetings every night at 10 pm in the chat room and 3 times a week on skype (check the meeting schedule). Try to attend the meetings if you can. Good luck!

Hey computerfreako2 it was really good of you to delete your games, I know that sometimes doing that can be painful due to the sense of attachment you get to your games...but you must definitely start somewhere. Kudos to you.

computerfreako2, doing service for others is a great idea. It takes your mind off the gaming and gives you something useful to do.

Check other posts from new people on the website. After you have a few days without games, you may be able to help them quit games too.