So my mind has been going back on forth between left thinking and right thinking...
Left thinking:
''Ok you dont wanna play games anymore but why not just have a few short games for when you feel like playing. You know like 10 hour games instead of any long, RPG or online games.
Play a rail shooter on Wii, a Platinum games short game on PS3 or the new Mario Kart. These are not long games so it wont be a problem''
Right thinking:
''Thats not a good idea, you should avoid and give up all types of games, even if they are short or have no online features. ''
So Im very confused.... maybe its just one of those days?
What have you done if this has happend to you?
I struggle with this a lot... this is what helps me put it back into perspective. Pose yourself this question:
If I play a game, am I shirking any responsibilities, doing damage to myself, or someone else?
- Typically my answer to this is no, so left brain is like ALRIGHT LET'S DO THIS.
I immediately ask myself this then: Is there any productive outcome to playing this game?
- The answer is always no.
This has kept me going for quite some time... I'm starting to feel like if I don't have something to show for it then it's probably not worth doing...
Last game played: 7/28/14
One thing I do is play the tape to the end. I know what happened in the past when I tried doing x,y, and z. If you take such and such an action, how will things unroll from then on? Write it out if it helps. That gets it out of the argument inside your head and onto paper in front of you.
"She generally gave herself very good advice, (though she very seldom followed it)." --Lewis Carroll
Operetta is right. Playing the tape to the end helps me as well.
Personally, I've tried just about any method you can imagine for moderation, including limiting myself to only "certain types" of games. The problem is, once I engage in those, eventually I'll justify playing an online game with a friend because "I'm playing a game right now anyway, may as well enjoy being social with a friend...".
All it did was create more justifications for me when I started playing. Once one is allowed, then it makes it that much easier for another. It weakend my resolve.
A wise man once told me to shutup.
\\ Free from games since 03.13.2014 //
For me it's simple. I can't play any electronic games. Period. I know what happens If I do....I just want to play more and more. So any thinking that says I should play electronic games is the addict brain trying to get me to game again. So I come to a meeting or read posts on Olga.
Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. ~Maria Robinson
"I play tape to the end too!" This keeps me clean.
Andrew P. Doan, MPH, MD, PhD
My Gaming Addiction Videos on YouTube: YouTube.com/@DrAndrewDoan
*The views expressed are of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the U.S. Navy, DHA or Department of Defense.