&: Computer Game Addiction Signs

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lizwool
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&: Computer Game Addiction Signs

1. Unable to predict time spent gaming.
2. Can't control gaming for an extended period of time.
3. Sense of Euphoria while playing.
4. Craving more game time.
5. Neglecting family and friends.
6. Restless, irritable or discontent when not gaming.
7. Lying about your gaming.
8. Experiencing problems with school or job performance.
9. Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety or depression
resulting from gaming.
10. Changing sleep patterns.
11. Health issues: Carpel tunnel, eye strain,
weight change, back ache, sore neck, arms
12. Denying, rationalizing and minimizing bad consequences
of gaming.
13. Withdrawing from real life hobbies.
14. Eating more and more meals at the computer while gaming.
15. Increased free time surfing game-related websites
16. Constant conversation with uninterested friends/family/partner about the game.
17. Attempts to get friends/family/partner to play
18. Purchasing in-game items for real life money
19. Feeling the need to "stand up for gamers" and proclaim that your life is perfect by listing all of your life's achievements, and yet you still game for 4-6 hours per day.

If you answer yes to 3 of these items, you could have a problem.A,A If you answer yes to at least 5 of them chances are, you are addicted....

Liz Woolley

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Re: Time.

eecs: number 19 really got you, hmm?!

20. Constant thinking about games, even when not playing

"Live without dead time" Guy Debord

Mellatara
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Re: Time.

20. Constant thinking about games, even when not playing

so guys are addicted to afew things?

games, sex, sport?

shiva
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Re: Time.

You might laugh ... there are people (not only guys) who are addicted to sex - I have been - and it is not funny... at least not when you have no regular partner anymore, before it was great since we were kinda both addicted.

And sports ... there are people who are addicted to sports. Ask a bodybuilder, or any kind of extreme sports devotee.

Runners High anyone?

One can be addicted to many things, though some things lend themselfes more easily to addiction than others.

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lizwool
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Re: Time.

We suggest moderation in all things.

If you do too much of ANYTHING, you are going to become unbalanced, fall over, and get hurt.

Liz

Liz Woolley

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Re: Time.

1. Unable to predict time spent gaming.

Fact - Nobody can predict how long they will do anything, besides possibly work, and even that is unsure most of the time.

2. Can't control gaming for an extended period of time.

Fact - Absurd.

3. Sense of Euphoria while playing.

Fact - Ridiculous. To engage in any hobby or recreational activity is to pursue enjoyment. If you're doing something repeatedly, for hours, that you loathe, then you have bigger problems than Gaming. It's called Masochism.

4. Craving more game time.

Fact - Logic dictates (especially with the high prices of games these days) that one is not simply going to play a game once, and then never play it again.

5. Neglecting family and friends.

Fact - If you were raised around people who shaped you into a person that would rather play video games than hang out with friends or family, then perhaps it's best to stay away from them more often. All problems start at home. Properly raised people know when to step away, and know how to order their priorities.

6. Restless, irritable or discontent when not gaming.

Fact - Maybe it's time to get laid.

11. Health issues: Carpel tunnel, eye strain,
weight change, back ache, sore neck, arms

Fact - Here's a small list of a fraction of things that also cause these symptoms: Playing Guitar, Heavy Lifting at work, sleeping wrong, masturbating, staring into the sun, driving at night, going on a diet, clicking a mouse or typing at work, getting beat up by somebody, getting older, eating alot of food... Perhaps you should make self-righteous websites condemning all of these things as well.

13. Withdrawing from real life hobbies.

Fact - I'm sorry, I thought gaming was a hobby. My fault.

16. Constant conversation with uninterested friends/family/partner about the game.

Fact - Perhaps if Friends/Family/Partners were interesting people, this wouldn't happen. Personally, my Friends/Family/Partners are Interesting/Intelligent/Not Losers, so I don't have to push my interests on them, unless of course they share the interest.

19. Feeling the need to "stand up for gamers" and proclaim that your life is perfect by listing all of your life's achievements, and yet you still game for 4-6 hours per day.

Fact - Anybody who has attained success to any moderate degree most likely has a JOB. To have a Job severely limits time to play games. I know, because I have a job. I don't have time to do alot of things like say... play games for 4-6 hours a day, or cling to a mediocre website to justify my poor parenting/lousy bedroom performance/complete lack of being interesting to anybody around me by blaming it on video games.

But that's beside the point.

It seems to me from most of the posts here that the only gamers sticking up for the hobby are children, and therefore roundly trounced by the regulars.

You want a list of achievements? I know you're anticipating it, so here it is.

I program robots for a living. The work I do would make your head explode.

I am very succesful at what I do, and have been playing video games since I was 6 years old. Want to know the difference between me and a "Gaming addict?" My parents knew when to pull the plug. I learned, through tough love, that gaming has a time and place. My parents didn't take any crap. Through that maturity process, I learned to use video games in moderation. I do alot of things in moderation... sleep, drink alcohol, watch television, eat, and of course, play video games.

To come up with the term "addict" to justify poor parenting, or the fact that your spouse doesn't find you interesting/attractive accomplishes nothing.

To celebrate this complete destruction of any valid point anybody here thought they had, I have constructed my own list of the signs of a gaming addict. Enjoy.

1. Did your parents fail to raise you properly?

If you answered yes to between 1 and 1 of these questions, then congratulations, you're a tool! Moreso, you're probably addicted to alot of things.. like cigarettes, booze, internet porn, marijuana, japanese anime, and pizza, because your parents failed to backhand you across the face when you stepped out of line. The solution to this country's problem is simple. Stop making excuses, and start making a difference.

Congratulations. You just got taken to school.

P.S. - I have no plans to come back here to reply, or see responses, because I know I am right. So just soak in the logic, it might help some of you with your cases of DBA. "Diverting Blame Addiction."

shiva
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Re: Time.

Hmm I am debating whether to delete the previous post, but I think I will let it stand. He IS definitely right that upbringing and parent personalities, as well as the whole circumstances of oneA's youth have a lot to do with addiction. But saying my parents slapped me too little is a gross oversimplification.

There are supposedly genetic factors too, so one could blame them... or I could blame modern capitalism and take the blame off my parents - which I do in a certain way sometimes. In the end I think blaming accomplishes nothing. It does no good to blame the substance, it does not good to blame the people.

As he stated he will not come back, I will refrain from a detailed answer. Xandtar and Liz, feel free to delete this and the above post or to let it stand. If it will only stand by itself, it is not good. If we can find some worthy answers to the assertive young gentlemen, it might help other people with similar intentions, as well as may give our fellow brothers and sisters some armament for similar "discussion"

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Gamersmom
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Re: Time.

Interesting. I stumbled across this site while looking for information that might help my son. We are good parents. We raised our son right. We made sure he turned off his computer and got his homework done through high school. He nearly got straight A's. He's never had problems with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or sex. He held down a job for over three years and was the first Employee of the Month when they started an Employee of the Month program at his job.
Then he went away to college, where there was 24/7 always-on high-speed access and guess what? He got addicted to WOW and flunked out of college. The first person ever in our family to flunk out. By the end of 9 months at college he was so wrapped up in his games that he was completely nonfunctional. He could not carry out simple instructions or remember simple things. He flunked precalculus twice, even though he got A's and B's in it in high school. He flunked his JAVA class twice. He kept telling us that he had stopped playing games but I know he hadn't. He flunked BOWLING. He will be coming home to go to community college. He is currently out of state working at a place that has dorms with no high-speed access. He can go online through a cellphone, only after 9PM, but the connection is too slow for gaming. I don't know what we will do when he comes home, but we have to do something. He's turning into a zombie.

"Small service is true service while it lasts.  Of humblest friends, bright creature! scorn not one

The daisy, by the shadow that it casts,

Protects the lingering dewdrop from the sun." -------William Wordsworth

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Re: Time.

This place strikes my interest. I have been using a computer since I was 13. I had to share it with my two aunts, cousin and grandmother, whom i came to live with when I was 7. By your standards my birthmother is an addicted gamer, She plays EQ more than 7 hours a day , allthough she does have a live in boyfriend she has to take care of on the side. My husband and I play W.o.W., but we do know when the game stops and our own time alone or when friends and familly beginds. In college he was addicted to gaming, before he met me. Since then I believe his life did a u-turn, as he graduated a CS major, with honors, and now has a verry well paying job that takes care of all of our needs. We even have pets that he takes care of like really small children. (we have two rats.) As we do spend alot of time on game, 2-6 hours every other day, I have a question for you, an honest one that isnt meant to put anyone down. Does it count as being addicted if its merely one of the things we do for fun with each other, and we have close friends that live verry far away on game, whom we know down to their massive families names and all? I would honestly like a response that isnt hostile to this question. Thank you.

A small edit, this is what i do when hes not home:
My Art

Edited by: Shadowsong at: 10/9/06 17:56

Xandtar
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Re: Time.

That is NOT addiction. It is just another part of your normal life.

Leveling in Real Life

Berner
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Re: Time.

1. Unable to predict time spent gaming.
So true. Wanting to go to bed at 11.30pm, going to bed at 2am. Work on next day, wake up 6.30 am.

2. Can't control gaming for an extended period of time.
Probably a yes too

3. Sense of Euphoria while playing.
Not really, I am more the controlled type there.

4. Craving more game time.
Indeed.

5. Neglecting family and friends.
I hope not, but honestly probably yes.

6. Restless, irritable or discontent when not gaming.
At times.

7. Lying about your gaming.
Definately. aEUoeFeeling ill todayaEU, skipping work and gaming (not often) or saying I was out with friends, but was playing

8. Experiencing problems with school or job performance.
A little bit, but my job still goes rather well

9. Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety or depression
resulting from gaming.
Sometimes guilty when my daughter comes home and I just switched off comp 1 second before.

10. Changing sleep patterns.
See 1

11. Health issues: Carpel tunnel, eye strain,
weight change, back ache, sore neck, arms
Weight change, well that comes from neglecting sports

12. Denying, rationalizing and minimizing bad consequences
of gaming.
Cant say that I guess. (I am over 30y old)

13. Withdrawing from real life hobbies.
Sports has declined much

14. Eating more and more meals at the computer while gaming.
Only when I am alone.

15. Increased free time surfing game-related websites
Very much also at work

16. Constant conversation with uninterested friends/family/partner about the game.
I try to not mention it at all

17. Attempts to get friends/family/partner to play
Once and never again

18. Purchasing in-game items for real life money
yes, spend upwards of 1000$ in last 4y

19. Feeling the need to "stand up for gamers" and proclaim that your life is perfect by listing all of your life's achievements, and yet you still game for 4-6 hours per day.
No I dont do that

Hm I feel addicted.
When I am 2 weeks on holiday I get the grip on myself again after the first week. 2 days at home gaming starts again.

What I gonna do about it is what I wonder.

shiva
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Re: Time.

Quote:What I gonna do about it is what I wonder.

Coming here is a good first step

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Achilleus
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Re: Time.

Here's another one:

When instead of laughing, you literally think or say "lol" or "rofl" etc.

Achilleus
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Re: Time.

You refuse to do laundry because your washing machine doesn't have enough USB ports.

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Gemma
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Re: Computer Game Addiction Signs

1. Unable to predict time spent gaming.

Well I knew I was spending on average, 10 hours a day, everyday, playing EQ2 (prior to that it was EQLive, and for a couple of months it was WoW). Plus I always stayed up later and later, unable to stick to times I had set for doing things like showering or bedtime etc.

2. Can't control gaming for an extended period of time.

Definitely could not control how much time I played for any length of time. Every day I had to log in otherwise I wasn't happy. It was like a compulsion for me.

3. Sense of Euphoria while playing.

At times, yes.

4. Craving more game time.

OMG yes, I craved it all the time.

5. Neglecting family and friends.

For sure. I rarely saw family and friends, used to lock myself away. I went for a best part of the year not seeing or talking to family in particular. Instead communication was through other people. A lot of it was down to the fact I neglected housework and by the end of the year, the house was in a really bad way, and so I felt too ashamed to face family. A lot of this boiled down to my gaming addiction.

6. Restless, irritable or discontent when not gaming.

Discontent and restless.

7. Lying about your gaming.

Yes, like missing appointments just so I could get a fix, and stuff like that.

8. Experiencing problems with school or job performance.

Wasn't in school or working at the time.

9. Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety or depression
resulting from gaming.

I felt ashamed because I had no time for housework or socialising. In the end I had a filthy house and I had put on so much weight, plus I had forgotten how to socialise. Even now I'm still struggling with it all (although I am not addicted to MMOGs or gaming any more).

10. Changing sleep patterns.

Yes, my body clock was regularly screwed up, I slept by day and gamed at night. If ever I got my body clock back to how it was, then it would slide back into sleep by day and game by night.

11. Health issues: Carpel tunnel, eye strain,
weight change, back ache, sore neck, arms

Weight gain.

12. Denying, rationalizing and minimizing bad consequences
of gaming.

That was me all over. I basically stuck my head in the sand.

13. Withdrawing from real life hobbies.

Totally lost interest in everything else, including stuff I used to enjoy doing other than MMOGs.

14. Eating more and more meals at the computer while gaming.

I ate 99% of my meals in front of the PC.

15. Increased free time surfing game-related websites

Mostly my guild's website, and the official website.

16. Constant conversation with uninterested friends/family/partner about the game.

No, remember that the majority of people I talked to were in my guild or outsiders playing the game.

17. Attempts to get friends/family/partner to play

No, I never used to talk to them.

18. Purchasing in-game items for real life money

Over the years I must have spent hundreds of pounds on things related to MMOGs.

19. Feeling the need to "stand up for gamers" and proclaim that your life is perfect by listing all of your life's achievements, and yet you still game for 4-6 hours per day.

No, I didn't do this.

SherryReaves
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Re: Computer Game Addiction Signs

hello, this isnt for me but my mother. not only kids have gaming adiction.

1. Unable to predict time spent gaming.
~ yes she will stay on all day besides 5 hours a day, thats not a exaderation eather.

2. Can't control gaming for an extended period of time.
~ u guess

3. Sense of Euphoria while playing.
~ yes

4. Craving more game time.
~ yes and she will get it too if she doesnt pass out for a couple hours first. shes even cacling thanksgiving just to play the game with her friends.

5. Neglecting family and friends.
~ yes never spent a day since i moved back and ihad her choose me or the game and she picked the game, shes also neglecting her husband that is extreamly ill. he also o.d'ed she didnt call the hospital and today she found out his head is busted open his arm is broken, his leg and worse and is gonna be removed, and he had a major stroke and lost the left side of his brain. and never got off the computer

6. Restless, irritable or discontent when not gaming.
~ she physically hurt my dad cuz she had to get off the game and try helping him up cuz he fell cus she wouldnt help him in the first place.

7. Lying about your gaming.
~yes says shes not on much and isnt adicted

8. Experiencing problems with school or job performance.
~yes she gets paid to take care of dad and she doesnt, yet she still gets the money

9. Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety or depression
resulting from gaming.
~ i donno

10. Changing sleep patterns.
~ yes only sleep 2-3 hours a day

11. Health issues: Carpel tunnel, eye strain,
weight change, back ache, sore neck, arms
~ all the above

12. Denying, rationalizing and minimizing bad consequences
of gaming.
~ yes

13. Withdrawing from real life hobbies.
~ yes she doesnt do anything besides the game

14. Eating more and more meals at the computer while gaming.
~ yes and gets mad when she has to use the bathroom

15. Increased free time surfing game-related websites
~ yes

16. Constant conversation with uninterested friends/family/partner about the game.
~ all the time makes dad think shes cheating on him.

17. Attempts to get friends/family/partner to play
~ yes my whole family is addicted besides me and my husband

18. Purchasing in-game items for real life money
~ yes she will spend at the absolue least $1000 on the game not incluse acceories for the computer or anything. the last time she went grocry shpping she brought home $200 chair and kfc. time before that a wireless mouse and candy

19. Feeling the need to "stand up for gamers" and proclaim that your life is perfect by listing all of your life's achievements, and yet you still game for 4-6 hours per day.
~yes she does says i cant get on the computer till i get a job, but im not alowed to work cuz im preg and she wont listen when i try to tell her that i am.

serously folks i need help getting my mom off this game, shes not only hurting herself but the whole family. my brothers dont go to school, because she wont get off and make them, she doesnt realize im 4 months preg with twins and cant work cuz my own medical probs, and also what shes doing to my dad. she doesnt see what shes doing to the family. she wont talk to anyone she wont let anyone near her and shes spending a lot on the game not including the light bill for leaving the computer on all day and night, or the phone bill from calling people out of the country or the amount of money she spends on the game itself. i had her choose between me and the game and she chose the game. because of this im moving back out with some friends cuz i need help and my mom is making it to wear im about to have a miscarage im having pregnancy problims from the stress. but before i go i to have her know why im leaving and to get her able to take care of herself and her family. what should i do. i fell like smashing the computer.

lizwool
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Re: Computer Game Addiction Signs

Hello Sherry,

Welcome to OLG-Anon.

Maybe you can print this out and show her what you are seeing .....

Liz

Liz Woolley

SnowWhite
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Re: Computer Game Addiction Signs

Hey there - that serious of an addicted gamer will probably be heavily into denial. This might be a rough road to take, but what if you turn her into whoever pays her for taking care of your dad, that would cause audits and she couldn't sit in front of the computer all day and if she did, she'd lose the money and job that supports her habit. Does she live with you or you with her? If it's your house, go to dialup or something. She sounds very out of control. I am so sorry. I am apart of another website that might be able to offer you support for your pregnancy. We'd love to be able to support you on that journey too! We have a few mommies of twins over there that have struggled. you can check it at www.drgreene.org - We have message boards there that are just wonderful. Take care and let us know when/if we can help. Your first concern needs to be you and your babies... Unfortunately this addiction is coming to the forefront and we want you healthy and safe first. Those babies are counting on you! Hang in there!

"This is the end...." The Doors

SherryReaves
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Re: Computer Game Addiction Signs

thanks you guys. yeah with the pregnancy thing. i had a miscarage july for 5 months with triplets. that hurt real bad. both were unexspected and we were using lots of protection i dont see how it was possable, but it happend. the last time i went to the doci found out they said it looks like im gonna have just twins. they are hard to carry, yet not as hard as triplets. im living with my mom. when i was 18 i moved out on my bithday i didnt have a good childhood. the only reson i moved back is cuz my husband never met my family. now we are stuck here. and all need is $1000 and im out. i would turn my mom is to the people but then i just keep thinking that she would move in with my grandma cuz that is the only sorce of income and its a mhp that she lives in. she has a nice house that needs repairs that my grandmas been doing. and it will be paid off in serously a couple years and shes screwing it all up. but then i also think hen i leave whats he gong to do with dad. serously he cant barly talk its all slured together he cant walk he cant do anything and need her. i am going to fight her in court if she wont hand him over to me when i do get my own place. shes just too into this dang game its called conquer online.... i played it once to me god it was boring and heck,i was more intertained trying to tell my musband mark i was preg again . usualy i the tyoe that dont let anything bother me, but i cant hold it in anymore, and me and mark ran out of ideas. i even screwed up the computer. i deleted something from the direct x file and it worked but then she took it into the shop and was a jerk the whole time waiting for it back. i did print her off what i posted and she got pist and slapped me, and told me not to come on here again. but im a adult and really dont have to listen to her. she said it hurt i would talk crap about her but its not crap its the truth, she doesnt see what shes doing. i think taking a sludge hammer to the computer sounds real good. but she does have the power to kick me out. and she would. but as of right now i got to know a lot of people and got everyone together and came up with the idea of killing her char when they see herthat way she really cant play. i would say i want my mother back, but i never had one in the first place i just need her to take care of adad while i get my own place. and also sorry if i have mispelled anything, there isnt a spell check cuz this computer my husband is fixing up and giving it away to kid that doesnt have one for school work. its not fast enough for game though. im also dislexic how ever you spell that. thanks you guys for the great advice and the nice welcome in

Arriz
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

I just did this test... oh my god.... 1. Unable to predict time spent gaming. 2. Can't control gaming for an extended period of time. 3. Sense of Euphoria while playing. 4. Craving more game time. 5. Neglecting family and friends. 6. Restless, irritable or discontent when not gaming. 7. Lying about your gaming. 8. Experiencing problems with school or job performance.
9. Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety or depression
resulting from gaming. 10. Changing sleep patterns. 11. Health issues: Carpel tunnel, eye strain, weight change, back ache, sore neck, arms 12. Denying, rationalizing and minimizing bad consequences of gaming. 13. Withdrawing from real life hobbies. 14. Eating more and more meals at the computer while gaming. 15. Increased free time surfing game-related websites 16. Constant conversation with uninterested friends/family/partner about the game. 17. Attempts to get friends/family/partner to play 18. Purchasing in-game items for real life money 19. Feeling the need to "stand up for gamers" and proclaim that your life is perfect by listing all of your life's achievements, and yet you still game for 4-6 hours per day. I have everything but nr. 9.....
I used gaming to get away from guilt, shame, anxiety and depression.

Yawn
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

Hi, I'm new, but probably not sticking around for long. I was drawn to this forum by morbid curiosity. This is not an insult, but merely the truth of my motivation. Some of the posts here thoroughly disgust me with their ignorance and others are pretty insulting with their "I'm more enlightened and therefor better than you" kinda of feel they give me. Most of the posts are decidely neutral and bland though. However, of all things this test was most frustrating to me, because it tells you absolutely nothing. So here's a test filled in by an addict who's very aware of the fact and psycholgy involved. I will throw some of my opnions in and I'll try not to be insulting, though I can't say for sure, because people tend to take thing differently. Let the rant comense: First off. I'm addict. I know I'm one and I won't deny it. My addiction spawned from a depression/medical problems/severe dislike of RL. NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. Just to make that very clear. 1. Unable to predict time spent gaming. That's not entirely true. If asked before hand, yes I can and I can keep to it. However, most of the time I just log on and quit when I feel like it. I play for long hours though. It's mostly 10 hours a day now, though it used to be five. 2. Can't control gaming for an extended period of time. I'm not sure what you mean with this? 3. Sense of Euphoria while playing. Euphoria goes a bit far when talking about games for me. I am happy when I'm gaming most of the time, loving the immersion in a fantasy world. I only ever got Euphoria from Horsebackriding which I really loved. 4. Craving more game time. Only if I'm bored. Otherwise, no 5. Neglecting family and friends. I have no RL friends, even before I became an addict. And my family is a problem I'd rather run from, it takes soo much energy trying to make sure a fight isn't started. 6. Restless, irritable or discontent when not gaming. No 7. Lying about your gaming. No, I freely admit it 8. Experiencing problems with school or job performance. Yes, well before the addiction. School, Shrinks, Therapy and medical problems really made me bitter about RL. I'd rather stick with fanatsy. 9. Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety or depression resulting from gaming. No, not from gaming. But I do feel it from all the crap RL is putting me through. 10. Changing sleep patterns. Yes, this started well before my gaming addiction. It started when I dropped out of school. I sleep long hours and would rather not get out of bed to face the day. 11. Health issues: Carpel tunnel, eye strain, weight change, back ache, sore neck, arms weight loss and a sore neck, resulting from stress and depression 12. Denying, rationalizing and minimizing bad consequences of gaming. Not at all. I game to Deny and minimize the bad consequences of RL. 13. Withdrawing from real life hobbies. Yes, thanks to social and medical problems getting in the way. Shrinks and not being able to go without a toilet for 30 minutes. I need to go to the hospital for test often, something which is not helping my depression. 14. Eating more and more meals at the computer while gaming. I never eat at the computer. I have the TV to keep me company for meals. 15. Increased free time surfing game-related websites. No. I look at websites for Anime/manage, TV-series, wiki and I love the read free fiction and fanfiction. So, anything fantasy will do. I also like to look at book and movie reviews, to see if they're worth it. I look up info about other countries and cultures, nature and animals. I look up more info to when having an online discussion about something. 16. Constant conversation with uninterested friends/family/partner about the game. I tell my parents what I'm up to if they ask. But if they don't want to hear it, I don't talk about it. 17. Attempts to get friends/family/partner to play I myself play world of warcraft (my addiction) But I only presuaded my mother into playing Donkey Konga with me, to do something fun together. I see no harm in trying to get someone interested in the things you like, as long as you don't get pushy. 18. Purchasing in-game items for real life money Hell NO! 19. Feeling the need to "stand up for gamers" and proclaim that your life is perfect by listing all of your life's achievements, and yet you still game for 4-6 hours per day. No, but I do feel a need to stand up against ignorance. I'm a game/fanatsy world addict. I won't even touch a game if it doesn't have a good story. There is a huge social aspect to MMORPGs. It's also the only place where I have some social contact and can goof off with friends and forget about my RL troubles. It's also the world where I Role Play and make up stories. For me it's a way of life that keeps me going. I still cry about the loss of my RL hobbies, but this was out of my control, I would have stayed if I could, but I was putting a strain on other people and was asked to leave. Yeah, RL sucks that way, isn't is beautifull? /sacrasm. School and it's so called social hierarchy of kids and the bullying destroyed me before that even. Funny thing is that when I'm really dpressed, I stop playing and temporarily cut off all social contact, online or otherwise. Just to read fanatasy book or crappy romance novels untill I feel somewhat better. This list is wrong in my opinion. These things are not caused by a gaming addiction, but are the reasons for it. Which doesn't necessarily point to an addiction. Infact I'll go as far as to say some of these points are down right ridicules. As for me, I just want to be left alone and not deal with the RL back stabbing. And on a last note: Don't compare an MMORPG to drugs or alcohol, that's just disgusting. Gamers game, They don't harm anyone with actions of intoxication. Don't belive me? Just take a look at the figures!

Xandtar
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

Welcome, Yawn. Look around. You will see that we do not seek gamers out. We know that for most people, gaming is not an inheritenly harmful activity. But when people come to us, we help them. Please, enjoy your gaming, and all the social activities that come with it. We wish you well. If you ever change your mind about gaming, we'll still be here. Good luck to you. :|

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satyag
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

Yawn, if you feel you want help (and it seems you don't) we are here. It's a mistake to think that excessive gaming doesn't harm anyone. There are plenty of people whose lives have been harmed by their loved one's gaming. I do not wish to argue with you but to just read through the posts and see. There's a huge time lag between the statistical research and the lay recognition of a problem. We are the latter stage still. Enjoy your gaming. I do hope your real life improves.

Gamersmom
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

Good luck to you in fixing your real life, Yawn.A If you need help and support with the gaming issue, come back.A We are here for those who want help.

"Small service is true service while it lasts.  Of humblest friends, bright creature! scorn not one

The daisy, by the shadow that it casts,

Protects the lingering dewdrop from the sun." -------William Wordsworth

Korpuss
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

Online gaming is my secondary addiction (primary is alcohol) and still I scored 11 out of 19 on this test, plus some of the other points I would admit partly. And I have started to come here because I feel it is a problem for me and because I know that 12 step program can help me. Even though my game of choice might seem harmless to most people and even beneficial to many (it is chess), I use it to escape from my real life problems and duties, that I actually WANT to solve, yet feel... I dont know... insecurity, fear of failure etc. So, chess is one of the means of procrastination and escape for me. And today, when I am on my 19th game-free day, I face a difficult task in my work, and I find it very difficult to get started, and for the first time in this 19 day period I went to a game-related website, telling myself that I just want to know what is going on in the chess-world. What for??? Thanks God, I did not slip into playing, yet I see it as a serious symptom that the problem has not gone away. And I am typing this not to slip back into playing. And I feel grateful for the existence of this site and for the experience of other people who have enough guts to admit a problem when there is one. And now I hope I will manage to get off internet for a while to get going with my work. Thank you all, sincerely.

Yawn
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

@Xandtar: :| You don't? Than please explain this here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhCm8E2DMXM You take the long way around, but you people 'do' seek them out. You want to help people and I respect that, but this is not helping. This is creating misunderstanding and that isn't helping anyone. This is my point, especially if you look at the list. @satyag: Oh, I do need help. But not with my gaming problem and especially not from here. I need help with my social problem that's been haunting me all my life. The addiction resulting might likey dissapear and I'll go back to being a casual gamer. But as it stands now, shrinks keep passing me around not knowing what to do with me. And the only way a loved one is getting hurt by gaming addiction is by having another thing to sneer at. They don't try to help out, no they go on these kind of websites to complain. --- If you want to help people, try to understand them first. As for the list, please reconsider it and change it. It's only likely to create more confusion as it stands now. Easy fixes of telling someone to shred their CDs and telling them they are on top of their world only tend work temporarily. (though I salute those that are able to stick by it) Remember, there is actually enough bad luck in this world to kill someone. There is no use fighting the symptoms, if you can't fix the cause. Hell, I've tried. As for me, I'd rather stick to gaming than the legal drugs the shrinks want to feed me. I know for certain those will kill me, as they are already killing my mom.

Xandtar
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

I wish I could watch your youtube video, but where I live we're being hurricaned and our internet barely supports this. I appreciate your point of view and wish you well in your gaming. :|

Leveling in Real Life

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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

Yawn; Good luck to you. I am an ex-gamer who put 5 years into my game. No one dragged me here, I came seeking help. And these people understood that, respected me, and offered support. I hope you find whatever it is you are looking for. Your video was produced because some new station thought the phenomena of gaming addiction was interesting, not because OLGA went looking for publicity. Peace.

shiva
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs
Quote:

If you want to help people, try to understand them first. As for the list, please reconsider it and change it. It's only likely to create more confusion as it stands now.

I have been a computer game player for the last 17 years and one might argue that I have been playing games for all my life. Only a fraction of that time was spent with gaming as an addiction, but I consider myself and even more people like Bruce, who have been gaming even longer, to be quite qualified to talk on issues of computer games, as well as computer game addiction. ;) As for real life issues: gaming addiction is always the symptom, but as long as you stay caught up in that one, you will never be free to take part of the causes. I do take the hint and will give the list a good reading and maybe rework. Maybe you have some particular suggestions?! Be well

Yawn
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

Sorry, I will still decline any help from here. I'm not fond of the twelve step strength of god/faith/higher power program. I have no doubt that it works wonders on others. It's just not for me. As for suggestions on the list... sure. ;) I have enough of those. I had to resist pulling up the whole screening, but here's some that might help with just the 19 questions :P . Yes, questions. Ask, cause these are assumption. Some questions can and should not be answered by yes and no. Remembering that people may be addicted to the same game for very different reasons. You've got your PvPers, PvEers, RPers. Is it escapism, or fulfilling a social need, maybe just feeling usefull, or the feeling of achievment, control? To each their poison... 1. Unable to predict time spent gaming. I don't have much comment on this, but perhaps it's best to ask how many hours on avarage one spends playing a day and if they feel this is problametic or intervering with anything 2. Can't control gaming for an extended period of time. elaborate. I for one can't make heads or tails out of this one 3. Sense of Euphoria while playing. ouch! This is stepping on toes. Plus, people who fill in this list for someone else can't know this and may missinterpret. I can definitly understand if you get bashed over this one or get the "we're better than druggies" thing shouted at you. Perhaps you should replace the question with another emotion; many addicts keep obsessively playing on if they are annoyed at something that won't go their way, even when they know it's time to take a break and try again when they're in a better mood. 4. Craving more game time. Replace the word 'craving'. 5. Neglecting family and friends. "or" feeling neglected by friends and family. pretty good to ask about the whole social shebang. :P 6. Restless, irritable or discontent when not gaming. No complaints about this question, though it doesn't seem to apply to me at all. 7. Lying about your gaming. You forget here that some people are proud of their addiction and more than willingly addmit to it. 8. Experiencing problems with school or job performance. this is one think that works the other way around. Maybe more important to ask is if one is skipping school or calling in sick at work just to play 9. Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety or depression resulting from gaming. Useless question. Maybe ask one if they try to drown their guilt, shame, anxiety or depression by playing. 10. Changing sleep patterns. Good question. 11. Health issues: Carpel tunnel, eye strain, weight change, back ache, sore neck, arms This is a useless question. This can be caused by any number of things. Better to ask if one sometimes experiences physical discomfort (aches and such) during playing and just keeps on going. Addicts often ignore the signs when their body is telling them to take a break and maybe go for a walk. 12. Denying, rationalizing and minimizing bad consequences of gaming. Yadda yadda... Denying and rationalizing of long times spend gaming. is a better question. 13. Withdrawing from real life hobbies. 'Other hobbies'! And it's good to ask for reasons. 14. Eating more and more meals at the computer while gaming. relevance? Like eating alone at the table is such a happy thought... Not having family meals anymore is more of a society problem I think. Maybe Ask if avoiding to take a meal with others (where available) and rather eat at the computer instead. 15. Increased free time surfing game-related websites. of course, but why? 16. Constant conversation with uninterested friends/family/partner about the game. That sounds a lot like Asperger syndrom if you replace "the game" with "a single intrest". This question is also irrelevant. Some talk, some don't. 17. Attempts to get friends/family/partner to play This has absolutely nothing to do with addiction. And it's only worrying when one gets pushy about it. 18. Purchasing in-game items for real life money This is an ok question, but it seems to be missunderstood a lot for some reason. Computer components are not "in-game" things. 19. Feeling the need to "stand up for gamers" and proclaim that your life is perfect by listing all of your life's achievements, and yet you still game for 4-6 hours per day. This is a completely horribe question!!! Some people are in a pretty tightknit communtiy. One that gives them comfort when they're down and help eachother on game and sometimes social front. Of course you'd want to defend the people that are your on-line friends. (I don't see this as gamers in general, but other poeple certainly might) What kind of person would you be if you didn't?! RL tends to more often lack this than the on-line world. Furthermore, no one can claim their life is completely perfect, so don't even bother putting that in! Besides, 4-5 hours a day isn't a terrible thing and if it's not in the way of anything, it isn't an addiction. Now, 6-12 hours a day is starting to get worrying. If you answer yes to 3 of these items, you could have a problem. If you answer yes to at least 5 of them chances are, you are addicted.... You don't say that! You can't be certain. You can let people answer question and give your opinion and advice, but nothing is written in stone! So, don't start scaring people needlessly. A lot of good things and creativety come from games as well. The question I'm despereatly missing is: What do you feel the game does for you, why do you feel you need to play? Well, I hope that helps a bit /Treebie, signing out
(just take a guess hwere that is from :P )

satyag
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

There are some good suggestions here. It reminds me that when determining whether someone is depressed or not, you have to look at a cluster of symptoms--not all and not everyone. maybe same applies here. I think we have to remember that this is still a stage of 'discovery' about this issue. As to loved ones--I beg to disagree that we don't try to help or that we get hurt because we sneer at something---we have been called horrible things, have physical injuries as we attempted to stop our child from hurting herself and we have been hurt by seeing her descend from being a bright socially outgoing person into someone who deteriorated physically and mentally and began doing poorly in school (the latter being the most painful thing to see). I can assure you that my husband and I have been deeply involved in trying to help our daughter and that has included many levels of 'interventions' including multiple therapies for all of us that involve as you put it 'trying to understand' the gamer, the person and their needs. I actually think that, as I suspected and she eventually admitted, the game was an escape from many of the 'social problems' she was having with friends (but I don't think the only reason). Too bad you have not found a therapist who has been able to help. I hope you do. You may well be one of those persons as you say who needs to have their underlying issues addressed rather than gaming per se. There are other family members here who point out thought that it is involvement in gaming that changed their kids. The diversity of stories is important to record and track if we are to really understand the relationship between the games and the obviously serious problems people are encountering. In other word, rather than prejudge and open mind is required

Gamersmom
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

I agree with satyag. I have never "sneered" at my son or his gaming. I have been sneered at a number of times by an 18-20 year old "adult" who flunked out of college after pouring $13,000 of my hard-earned money down the drain. Somehow he still thinks there's nothing wrong with that. I have had many sleepless nights, have had to alter my schedule, give up hours of free time, postpone my retirement, forego numerous vacations, and have endured disrespect, ridicule, and hostility, both from my son and the world at large. I am risking my professional reputation to get involved with this organization, because my fellow professionals do not take this seriously. None of this matters. What matters is my son and his future. I love him more than life itself, and the pain of watching him transformed from a bright, witty, happy young man with a wonderful future ahead of him to an anxious, phobic, hollow shell of his former self has been more than I can bear most days. He had no pre-existing issues, except perhaps for the normal insecurities that all teens have (but he really had fewer of those than most teens I know). I can tell you are not a parent, yawn, and you will never understand how this affects us until you are one. I hope you find the help you need in dealing with all your problems.

"Small service is true service while it lasts.  Of humblest friends, bright creature! scorn not one

The daisy, by the shadow that it casts,

Protects the lingering dewdrop from the sun." -------William Wordsworth

satyag
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

And so the educating and the struggle continues.

shiva
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs
Quote:

I have been sneered at a number of times by an 18-20 year old "adult" who flunked out of college after pouring $13,000 of my hard-earned money down the drain. Somehow he still thinks there's nothing wrong with that. I have had many sleepless nights, have had to alter my schedule, give up hours of free time, postpone my retirement, forego numerous vacations, and have endured disrespect, ridicule, and hostility, both from my son and the world at large. I am risking my professional reputation to get involved with this organization, because my fellow professionals do not take this seriously. None of this matters.

Thank you for writing this down Gamersmom, itA's not always obvious, what goes on behind our nicks on this board, especially to visitors like Yawn. I feel your pain...

mmneuge
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

"Why do you feel you need to play" - Could this possibly hit the nail on the head? Could "needing" to play help be an indicator that there is something more than a "recreational pastime" happening here? If one doesn't feel the "need to play" they can walk away, any given time, No struggle! Not happening with many players, with certain games! Gamersmom, I share your pain. For my own, for all of those in the posts on this website, and for the numerous parents I have spoken with since discovering this website. A Surgeon General's warning is needed on the game boxes: CAUTION- Playing this game may become hazardous- to your health, your relationships, your future, your family life, your potential, your giftedness, your schedule, your job, your love life, your parenting,... All the good that has been in mind for you since you were marvelously thought of and begun. Please- fullfill your purpose, get help, we all need what you were intended to bring into this life. Am I too preachy??? Better go do the laundry and get my feet on the ground. Refuse to stop HOPING, where this is a 12 - step progam there are the necessary tools! Thank you for being here.

Yawn
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

Sorry, but I do have a need to vent too.I'll give you a warning: SARCASM AHEAD! Gee, thanks. Now I see you all absolutely understand, really... Congratulations. /end of sarcasm Thanks that you think they are good suggestion, Satyag. However, that is the only comment and not much to work with. I'm sorry to say that. One comment though...

"satyag " wrote:

seeing her descend from being a bright socially outgoing person into someone who deteriorated physically and mentally and began doing poorly in school (the latter being the most painful thing to see).

I winced at reading that. I really hope it's a mistake, and that your daughter's physical and mental health is more important than how she's doing in school. @Gamersmom: I am infact very aware that it's hard to deal with an addict. Especially for a parent who seems to put a high value on his or her reputation. God forbid that should go down the drain. There is a lot of sneering going on, you even admitted to that much. It might not be by you or some of the other worried loved ones. But it still does happen by others. Denying it won't make it go away and is absolutey unhelpful. As is ignoring a post in which an addict is trying to help out by giving her point of view. @Shiva: Thanks for counting my out already :| I'm far more aware than you think. @mmmneuge: I'll only say this... You manage to completely miss the point... --- As everyone seems to be assuming so much about me, here's some info: I'm a twenty year old female, who lives on the other side of the pond in Europe. I have no friends (lost the last of them when I around 13-14 years of age, well before my gaming addiction) and I have no education (officially dropped out at 17, un-officially at 15. again before my addiction). My IQ is 129 and I have no trouble learning. I have had dealings with shrinks on and off from when I was about 11 years of age. The game I hide in is World of Warcraft. I've been playing it on and off for about two or three years. But it's only last fall I've really started to use it to fulfill my social needs and a few month ago as an escape. And anyone who starts moaning about Blizzard can get a trashing from me for being unhelpful. School: It destroyed me. I got good grades, but was bullied a lot. After years of bullying and uncaring teachers (sometimes even bullying teachers) I couldn't take it anymore. I dread going back, though I'm very aware that I do need an education of some sort. This is something that has actually kept me up at night and made me feel physically ill. Shrinks: I know something is wrong with me. But all they will do is stuff me in "talking about it" groups. Which does not help me at all! I've even had myself voluntarily admitted when I was 15, I 'trusted' them to help me. They threw me in with a group of borderline kids for and did nothing but watch and comment unhelpfully. I got one test and no therapy. I had to leave because I went completely hysterical because I could not even get to a safe place away from the bullying. They thought I might have Asperger Syndrom and left me to sceptics to test. I'm going in circles with shrinks at the moment and am being passed around. Home/parents: It used to be a safe haven. But since a couple of years ago, things changed and it's hard to talk to them without getting in a fight. Social/relationships: I've probably always been a social retard. I'm 1.82m (6ft.) and I hate sticking out as it is. I've always been guilible and it was very easy to trick me. Now, I don't like meeting new people and am extremely paranoid of what they might do. Chatting with people online keeps them at a safe distance and preferbly in another country where they can't reach me. I'm actually trying to hack off contact with someone online who I feel knows too much about me. As for relationships, I've never had them. I'm still a virgin. Hell, I've never kissed either. Hobbies: Horseback riding used to be the one thing you could wake in the middle of the night for... Though not since I've been asked to leave and sold the horse I always rode on. The only thing that brings me outside now is my dog. Animals keep me going... but it's also getting less and less. Simply said, I have very little faith in humans anymore, and at the moment, you guys are also really proving lack of faith justified. I admit my faults. But I also know that modern day society (aka RL) has no place for them, so I find refuge in fantasy worlds. No one is perfect. So stop acting so saintly and give me a useful reply on the points I made in my previous post! (Let's drop the moral posturing, shall we? We both know there's no altruism in this pursuit.
Your reckless indignation led you here. -Kain, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2)

J. DOe
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs
"Yawn " wrote:

My IQ is 129 and I have no trouble learning.

"Yawn " wrote:

School: It destroyed me. I got good grades, but was bullied a lot. After years of bullying and uncaring teachers (sometimes even bullying teachers) I couldn't take it anymore. I dread going back, though I'm very aware that I do need an education of some sort. This is something that has actually kept me up at night and made me feel physically ill.

I am sorry if you have already considered this, including even possibly trying it, and have already discounted it, but if the social atmosphere (e.g., bullying) at school is a problem, have you considered getting a correspondence or on-line education?A Of course, it is not for everybody as it takes somebody who is a self-starter and can learn fairly well on their own, but you are quite bright and there is usually some type of help available if you need it, so I am fairly certain that you can succeed if you try it.

"Yawn " wrote:

Shrinks: I know something is wrong with me. But all they will do is stuff me in "talking about it" groups. Which does not help me at all! I've even had myself voluntarily admitted when I was 15, I 'trusted' them to help me. They threw me in with a group of borderline kids for and did nothing but watch and comment unhelpfully. I got one test and no therapy. I had to leave because I went completely hysterical because I could not even get to a safe place away from the bullying. They thought I might have Asperger Syndrom and left me to sceptics to test. I'm going in circles with shrinks at the moment and am being passed around.

I have no psychiatric education or training plus, from your relatively brief posts, I don't have any idea of what sorts of problems you may have so I will certainly not offer you any particular advice about how to deal with them.A However, there are a lot of different experts available.A Although you have not had good experiences in the past does not mean that other people will not be able to help you.A Also, since dealing with "shrinks" or other people in person regarding your issues appears to be a problem for you, have you considered doing it remotely instead, similar to what you are doing by coming here on-line?

"Yawn " wrote:

Simply said, I have very little faith in humans anymore, and at the moment, you guys are also really proving lack of faith justified. I admit my faults. But I also know that modern day society (aka RL) has no place for them, so I find refuge in fantasy worlds. No one is perfect. So stop acting so saintly and give me a useful reply on the points I made in my previous post! (Let's drop the moral posturing, shall we? We both know there's no altruism in this pursuit.
Your reckless indignation led you here. -Kain, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2)

I have only been involved with this organization for roughly a couple of months, but I have found that reading many of the posts to be interesting and educational for me.A People here are just trying to help each other the best that they can, usually based on relatively little information that they have available.A It is hard to judge somebody by just a relatively few words that they write.A I have once read that something like 90% of communication is actually done non-verbally and with this forum we don't have the verbal aspect!A As such, I suggest that you be a bit patient with everybody here.A I don't think that anybody, including myself, claims to be a saint.A Also, even if you have found what I have written here to be completely useless, I hope that you at least believe that I am trying to help you (and, to be honest, I am also helping myself in certain ways as well).A Also, keep in mind that the more information that you give to us, the better suggestions that we are likely to be able to give to you, so I hope that you will find some value in any other responses since you have now given us some more specific information about yourself. Note that this thread is for computer addiction signs so this is well off topic. If you actually think that we may be of some help to you, I suggest that you start a new thread, most likely in the "I Need Help For Gamers" board. Regardless of whatever you do or don't do, I wish you well.

- John O.

[em]Carpe Diem![/em] (Seize the Day!)

shiva
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs
Quote:

@Shiva: Thanks for counting my out already I'm far more aware than you think.

I did not think anything, now with the last post I started to think about your replies. If you are on an online forum for 2 years, you start to only pay attention to posts which seem worthwhile to be answered. Your last one is.

Quote:

School: It destroyed me. I got good grades, but was bullied a lot. After years of bullying and uncaring teachers (sometimes even bullying teachers) I couldn't take it anymore. I dread going back, though I'm very aware that I do need an education of some sort. This is something that has actually kept me up at night and made me feel physically ill.

I can empathize very very well ... and yes, there is distance learning available ... I hated school, my sis and my brother did too. I finished it with average grades, my brother dropped out (but is doing distance learning now, finishing it) and my sis, who was always considered the least intelligent - which I think is bullsh**, itA's just people have different tallents - fled the german school system to a good high school in the US is at yale university with a scolarship right now. I did not drop out of school, but that was because I had many friends and because I knew how to count how many days I could stay away from it as far as possible.... brother did not count them. I donA't know my IQ as I never bothered to find out (I donA't hold that test in high regard) but it should be higher then average... ;)

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Social/relationships: I've probably always been a social ******. I'm 1.82m (6ft.) and I hate sticking out as it is. I've always been guilible and it was very easy to trick me. Now, I don't like meeting new people and am extremely paranoid of what they might do. Chatting with people online keeps them at a safe distance and preferbly in another country where they can't reach me. I'm actually trying to hack off contact with someone online who I feel knows too much about me. As for relationships, I've never had them. I'm still a virgin. Hell, I've never kissed either.

I am 1.60 and life gave me a very hard time with that ... with my stature, itA's not easy to live in a country, where height is revered, as it is in Germany ;) Still, hiding inside fantasy worlds is not going to work. Thing is that for someone, probably quite a few people out there you are their fantasy. You and them just donA't know it yet. And you will never find out if you stay glued to WoW. Now, if you want that to continue, fine ... if not ... life consists of tough choices. I canA't say I had it as tough as you did, but I measured by my own standards I went through hell and games helped me deal with it somehow. At the same time, going through hell only makes you understand that there is a heaven somewhere waiting for you. For if there is shadow, there has to be light, hmm?! But the point is, itA's waiting. ItA's not going to come to you, you need to come to it. Be well. ;) Max

lauramc
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

I am struck by the sheer emotion that this post seems to bring out in people (even me). I guess I am a little dumbfounded by people that "do not have a problem" (maybe they do, maybe they don't) that feel the need to argue with people who admit they DO have a problem. For those who don't have a problem, sorry guys, but I personally don't really care. If you don't, fine, go play. If the ones who don't are here and posting, maybe you have a little too much time on your hands? We aren't your parents, we aren't your teachers, we aren't your priest. No one is stopping you from enjoying your games. Have fun! Go play! IF you discover you have a problem we are always here. I only know that I have a problem. I want this for me. What you think is none of my business. Liz put up an insightful and helpful list here. Maybe something should be added or subtracted. I have no clue. I only know that it is helpful to me and seems to be helpful to a lot of others here. I'd say any thread that has been read over 3500 times MUST be helping someone. Oh, and YAWN, for someone who says that they will not accept help from this site, you sure are showing up a lot. ;) Why are you here again? Maybe something to ponder......

Gamersmom
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

Yawn, you obviously only read the first half of my last post. I really don't have time for debate. If I did I could tell you stories about being bullied by high school class mates and teachers that you wouldn't believe. I stuck it out and I'm a physician now. You don't get people to help you by insulting them. You have an extremely sad situation, but the only one who can help you now is you. If you want to play games, play games. This site is specifically for people who have decided that gaming has caused problems for them and have admitted they need help. Apparently that's not you. You said yourself that you don't want any help from this site. It's what we do. Your story makes me cry, but there is nothing I can do for you. I wish you well.

"Small service is true service while it lasts.  Of humblest friends, bright creature! scorn not one

The daisy, by the shadow that it casts,

Protects the lingering dewdrop from the sun." -------William Wordsworth

IwasFooled
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

I just went through this post very lately and I feel te emotions behind your answers, too. @yawn: For me it's hard to see if you really only wanted to make good suggestions to the 19 points or simply try to decline that some of them are hitting the point quite painfully? Because I think it is more than obvious, that every human is different and that there will never be any ruleset, which will aplly to all in the same way. That would be sad anyway. IMHO the 19 points don't need any significant change, as they worked for me quite well. That way i conclude that you may simply have no gaming addiction, but simply like to game... But now I get back a little more to the topic itself: "Computer Game Addiction Signs"

Quote:

1. Unable to predict time spent gaming. I don't have much comment on this, but perhaps it's best to ask how many hours on avarage one spends playing a day and if they feel this is problametic or intervering with anything

I think the moint is not how many hours you spent per day, but if you are able to tell how many hours you already played. Because if you can't you end up at 3 o'clock in the night w/o having eaten or showered...

Quote:

2. Can't control gaming for an extended period of time. elaborate. I for one can't make heads or tails out of this one

I actually did NOT make heads or tails out of this one during my addiction. I simply denied it

Quote:

3. Sense of Euphoria while playing. ouch! This is stepping on toes. Plus, people who fill in this list for someone else can't know this and may missinterpret. I can definitly understand if you get bashed over this one or get the "we're better than druggies" thing shouted at you. Perhaps you should replace the question with another emotion; many addicts keep obsessively playing on if they are annoyed at something that won't go their way, even when they know it's time to take a break and try again when they're in a better mood.

Have you been there? In this mood? I have. And it d*mn felt like Euphoria. Of course you do not feel like that all the time, but I think that should be obvious...

Quote:

7. Lying about your gaming. You forget here that some people are proud of their addiction and more than willingly addmit to it.

I never met such a person. But maybe a useful addition.

Quote:

9. Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety or depression resulting from gaming. Useless question. Maybe ask one if they try to drown their guilt, shame, anxiety or depression by playing.

Not useless to me. Exact this kind of feeling emerged from gaming while I was addicted. Your suggestion sounds like the reason to start gaming to me.

Quote:

12. Denying, rationalizing and minimizing bad consequences of gaming. Yadda yadda... Denying and rationalizing of long times spend gaming. is a better question.

Is there such a big difference? I think the original question is better than your suggestion, as it has a more global aspect.

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14. Eating more and more meals at the computer while gaming. relevance? Like eating alone at the table is such a happy thought... Not having family meals anymore is more of a society problem I think. Maybe Ask if avoiding to take a meal with others (where available) and rather eat at the computer instead.

As it is a sign, that you badly try to maximize your gaming time... Another thought could be adding, stopping to cook warm meals as it steals to much time.

Quote:

15. Increased free time surfing game-related websites. of course, but why?

Because you cannot stop getting back to games in your mind.

Quote:

16. Constant conversation with uninterested friends/family/partner about the game. That sounds a lot like Asperger syndrom if you replace "the game" with "a single intrest". This question is also irrelevant. Some talk, some don't.

As you said some do, some don't - this way it can be an indicator to people who do...

Quote:

17. Attempts to get friends/family/partner to play This has absolutely nothing to do with addiction. And it's only worrying when one gets pushy about it.

This can have something to do with gaming addiction, as you feel better, if other friends or family members are gaming too - you are not the only one in your closest cricle then.

Quote:

18. Purchasing in-game items for real life money This is an ok question, but it seems to be missunderstood a lot for some reason. Computer components are not "in-game" things.

I think you completly missed the point. The question is not about computer hardware at all but about ingame items like Gold or Weapons, that you trade at places like Ebay for real money. I would like others to post their differnet views, too. This is only my own opinion - don't get to offended :) Bob

BoB

Don't fool yourself with the 'What if' phrase!

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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

[size=14]
IMHO I think of the questions as meant to cause you to examine yourself, and think about things you may have been, subconsciously avoiding. Not all will apply to everybody. The questions are just a means to help direct some introspection in oneself to help you asses if YOU think you have a problem or not. If you don't, great ! Then you don't need our help, if you do, then we are here to try to help. for example "Lying about gaming" You say some are "proud" of their gaming. Well that is fine. For some it might cause them to think and realize that they have been lying about how much they game to family or friends, the fact that they may be "ashamed" of the gaming. Once they realize that they are ashamed,it might just be an indicator for some people that they have a problem. Others may find that that question does NOT touch a nerve for them but some of the others may... There is no definite check list for this as each person has different limits and tolerances in their lives. Think of this as just a tool to help YOU asses your own limits and if your game of choice has caused you to go beyond them... [/size]

" ... don't question it just go" "... where the body goes the mind will follow"
.
Borrowed from "Desire to Stop"

lauramc
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

Well said Harold! :)

Xandtar
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

An interesting discussion. Rather pointless, since Yawn is seemingly only here to provoke, not heal, but the day may come when Yawn's point of view changes. If so, we'll still be here, welcoming. Until then, I'll stick to keeping these boards running for those who DO wish for help and leave the philosophical discussion to others. :|

Leveling in Real Life

Dunston
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

Wow seriously there is no POSSIBLE way to not have computer game addiction if you have even touched a keyboard by those standards....

John of the Roses
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

Liz, I am shocked by the apparent lack of humanity these last posters have thrown upon you. You make the difference here, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. 1) You are talented and positive.
2) I believe in you and your mission.
3) There will be many more flammers like these 2 dummies and I will pray to my Higher Power than you will always have the mental and spiritual focus to meet those demands. If you have reason to doubt this, go back to 1 & 2.
4) I think you said once if my efforts help just one addict to gaming it would be worth it. Just know that there are many more of us to whom you have helped and lit the way out of the carnage of our addictions than just me, but for me, thank you for my life.
5) If idiots like these can freely come here, then this is truly a good site, because they just might oneday wake up and see their wasted efforts have no basis in reality. They have fears and need someone to throw their crap upon, instead of facing the reality of being human. Please continue your fine effort and please want to go on helping those who want it and those who don't want it as well. LongJohn

"There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative." --W. Clement Stone

IwasFooled
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

Good point gamelessly, but I think there will always be some trolling around - and the sad thing about it, that mostliky these trolls are addicted gamers in denial. As normally they kind of know only to well of waht we are speaking here. So I want to thank Liz, too for all the efforts she has been through by keeping up this great helping site!

BoB

Don't fool yourself with the 'What if' phrase!

CasualEncounter
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

my boyfriend shows almost every sign *sigh*

CasualEncounter
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

and its not 4 to 6 hrs of gaming per day, its about 16 everyday.

gsingjane
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Re: &: Computer Game Addiction Signs

Casual, consider posting your story on the "I Need Help for Families & Friends" board and letting us get to know you a little bit. We are here to help! Jane in CT

monawkaran
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1. Unable to predict time

1. Unable to predict time spent gaming. I can predict my time, its between 20-30 hours a week, If i want to. 2. Can't control gaming for an extended period of time. Please be more specific? 3. Sense of Euphoria while playing. Same sense of euphoria as in when i finish a day at work, get a paycheck, or have a fun time outside, It means im happy. 4. Craving more game time. More or less wishing the avaerage day was extended to 48 hours -.-, so yes. 5. Neglecting family and friends. I dont like people. Weird... 6. Restless, irritable or discontent when not gaming. Im irritable when people take away my stuff. (currently, grandparents are experimenting on what happens when they take my computer, TV, and XBOX away, "just to show im addicted" 7. Lying about your gaming. What? 8. Experiencing problems with school or job performance. I go to school, do my work, come home, get ready for work, go to work, come home, go to sleep, repeat, play games on days off. (2 days a week) 9. Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety or depression resulting from gaming. Well, I wish i did have a few RL friends, but games are enjoyable for me. 10. Changing sleep patterns. Of course. 11. Health issues: Carpel tunnel, eye strain, weight change, back ache, sore neck, arms Neck with me, but thats been happening since i was 8. 12. Denying, rationalizing and minimizing bad consequences of gaming. No, I see all the bad things from gaming. When i game, i become anti-social. 13. Withdrawing from real life hobbies. Of course. 14. Eating more and more meals at the computer while gaming. I eat less and less... But i do eat at the Comp. 15. Increased free time surfing game-related websites Whenever im on my comp, im either checking my mail, myspace, or playing my game. 16. Constant conversation with uninterested friends/family/partner about the game. Used to, but not as much anymore. 17. Attempts to get friends/family/partner to play Of course. 18. Purchasing in-game items for real life money Unfortunately, yes... 19. Feeling the need to "stand up for gamers" and proclaim that your life is perfect by listing all of your life's achievements, and yet you still game for 4-6 hours per day. Okay, I admit it. So, thats 12 out of 19 for me, Guess im addicted.

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