Hello All, I recently realized I have a real problem in regards to gaming. I used to spend most of my time playing games and spending money on in game purchases. Over time I have spent thousands of dollars putting me into unnecessary debt. I am giving up gaming cold turkey and are open to any tips. I appreciate the support
Welcome to OLGA dross. Realization of the problem and deciding to do something about it are the two most important steps. I congratulate you for taking these two steps.
There are regular meeting here which you can join in and benefit the support of other recovering gamers and their experiences.
Good luck and take care!
"The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past. You can't go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches." "The first step toward change is acceptance." "Once you accept yourself, you open the door to change. That's all you have to do." "Change is not something you do, it's something you allow."- Will Garcia
Hi Dross. The thing to do is to go to some meetings, listen, ask questions. There are four per day on the schedule: http://olganon.org/?q=node/46551
Find the people who are staying off the games successfully and try out what's working for them. Pretty simple.
What you feed grows, and what you starve withers away.
Help trying to get my son to realize he has a problem, any suggestions ?
Hi Connie53, parents have watched my video on how gaming is like a digital drug with their kids and then discussing Internet gaming disorder/addiction with the kids with an open mind. Video link is in my signature.
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.
Thank you, I plan on watching it with him tomorrow.
Connie53
Hi all,
I feel so screwed up! I cry when I read the similarities between your experiences with addicted gamers and my own addiction. I fear I am going to mess up everything in my life if I don't give up clash of clans. My wife feels neglected and has recently stopped trying to get me to focus on her and the family. I have to fix me.
Hi COC ADDICT
I was in a very similar situation I negelcted my wife (and kids) while gaming so much so I feel like she had given up on me too. Well actually I know she did because when I finally admitted to being a gaming addict she told me so. I do not know how much longer she would have stuck with me but I thank God I was able to quit gamming before it was too late. First step is admitting you have a problem so you are off to a good start. Attend the meetings they are a huge help.
"Yesterday is History, Tomorrow a Mystery, Today is a Gift, Thats why it's called the Present"
Hi,
I have been addicted to SL [ second life ] and really want to quit it for good. I have not been involved with any other games, but this one took hold and I have been off and on with it for over 6 years.
S.D.
Hello S.D.
Welcome, and congratulations on being here. For me, this site and the people I met through it were crucial in getting myself through the early phases of my recovery. And now they are helping me sustain and strengthen that recovery.
If you haven't already, I suggest you go to some meetings: http://www.olganon.org/?q=node/46551 . Writing a bit more about yourself and your addiction here (in a seperate thread) is also a good idea.
I hope to see you around.
Nis
Nis,
Thanks for the reply ! I am starting my 3rd day w/o going into my "second life". I just hope to make this day and not "visit" either of my two avatars.
Is the correct forum? I haven't gotten savy to all these lists and where to post.
S.D.
Welcome S.D. Don't worry about the lists and the recovery will follow. This is a lot less complicated than second life.
leveling in steps, serenity, sponcys, sponsors, exercise, and sleep, (sanity has been downsized) sober from all electronic games since 11/19/2010
Hisrshthg,
Thanks for your note and encouragement. I'm counting from 2/22/2015 and today will be a big one to get through with lots of free time. Leaving the Avatars I've interacted with for many years is, of course, the hard one.
I'll report in on my day.
S.D.