Hey guys! I was reading Ask Amy in the Chicago Tribune and was overjoyed to find her mention OLGA as a useful tool for a husband who's wife is addicted to WOW.
Here's the link:
http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2008/aug/13/sports/chi-0813askamyaug13
And here's the text of the article:
"Dear Amy: My wife is addicted to playing aEUoeWorld of Warcraft.aEU She plays it from the time she wakes up in the morning until she goes to bed at 2 or 3 in the morning for days on end, to the exclusion of practically anything else.
She met a friend online and had an affair with him.
He is one of their aEUoeguildaEU players, and they talk online every day.
She is totally unapologetic about playing 12 to 15 hours a day, and doesnaEU(tm)t believe she is neglecting her family.
I am feeling sad and neglected as I pick up the slack around the house and try to explain things to our kids. My wifeaEU(tm)s attitude is that we can accept this or take a hike.
I donaEU(tm)t mind her playing the game, per se. IaEU(tm)m not even asking for equal time, just some time.
The ironic thing is that she is an expert in the field of addiction.
I love this woman dearly. We have been married for almost 20 years, but the past six months have been hell. Forget counseling.
Anyone married to a top player knows that you canaEU(tm)t even talk to players while they are playing. They donaEU(tm)t respond when you try.
I am desperately trying to save my marriage but I am at a loss as to what to do.
aEU"Walking on Eggshells
Dear Walking: Online gaming does seem to be highly addictive for some people, and aEUoeWorld of WarcraftaEU is a prime offender.
As with any addiction, this takes a tremendous toll on the family, and if your wife refuses treatment for this addiction, you should focus your energy onto how to help yourself and your children.
Your wife might refuse counseling, but you should definitely see a counselor.
You should also seek personal support from friends and families of other addicts.
Ironically, there are many online sources of support for online gaming addiction. One you would find useful is Online Gamers Anonymous, which uses a 12-step recovery model and offers support for addicted games and those worried about them: olganon.org. "
YAY!
[color=purple]<3 Jessica
WOOSH![/color]
Good to be mentioned, but I do get feedback on the irony of online recovery from Internet addiction from professionals here in London. Something to keep in mind as we press forward to meeting face-to-face in more communities.
The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions.
-Alfred Lord Tennyson
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It is my sincerest prayer that the mention of Olga brings those suffering here.
Take the first step in faith. You donaEU(tm)t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Laughter gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an event, deal with it and then move on.
~Bob Newhart
The minute you alter your perception of yourself and your future, both you and your future begin to change. ~Marilee Zdenek
Thank you, Jessica, for pointing out about this "Ask Amy" column article. It is also in the original post of Advice Column refers Online Gamers Anonymous. Among its replies, Liz provides a later "Ask Amy" article related to gaming addiction in Reply #4.
- John O.
[em]Carpe Diem![/em] (Seize the Day!)
For those concerned with having on-line recovery for gamers, please remember, this is the vehicle gamers are comfortable with. This group was started mainly for gamers. When we first started, many gamers stated they would never attend a face-to-face meeting. Comparing ourselves to A.A. - their meetings strongly mirror their drinking behavior - they are still going "out", they still leave the house, they are not home, they are still congrating at a local establishment - very similiar to going to bars/tavern, except there is no alcohol and the subject is more healthy for them. This is what they are already comfortable with.... We are working on having more face-to-face meetings. They are necessary - especially for family members. I suggest that family members start the meetings. They are more capable.
Liz Woolley