This thread is a place for members who have found this site helpful and made changes to share their story for the benefit of other parents. There are some "success" stories here but also some that are work in progress.
Our gaming children are the only ones that can decide to make a full recovery, but there are things as parents we can do that can have a positive influence on them and also help us find peace over the things we cannot control.
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POLGA'S STORY
My son, 23, dropped out of college and now lives in our home. He is work in progress
To me, it is not important to know whether he is a "true addict" or what addiction is. All I know is that he cannot moderate screen time and be happy at the same time. And it has seriously affected him. Time spent on screen is time wasted, promoting weight gain, no time to improve himself or get ready to get a job, or see real friends as he has lost his confidence.
To read my story please go to: Polga's Story
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A parent's story
"Our story of dealing with our son's gaming addiction spanned more than 5 years. It was excruciatingly painful but the outcome has made it entirely worthwhile."
To read this story go to: A Success Story
INFO
Help for gamers here
Help for parents of gamers here
Help for spouses/SO's of gamers here
Parent's online meeting THURSDAY 9pmEST/EDT click here
Online meetings gaming addicts click here
Please help! Donate here
Son addicted to gaming: grades dropping below 3.0, losing interest in life, playing during the middle of the night, lying, and not sleeping much.
Removed all games, devices, and locked down computer access at age 13-14. Sold games on eBay, he agreed to donate half of proceeds to OLGA, and educated son on gaming addiction.
Over last 3 years, grades improved to over 3.7, son became more dedicated to soccer (double varsity letter in soccer) and found his love for distance running (double varsity letter in cross country and track & field). Led team to first state championship in cross country and signed on for an athletic and merit scholarship with University of Portland.
Last night, he had his first public speaking engagement with me where he shared his struggles with gaming addiction and how walking away from gaming improved his life.
His story:
Benefits of a Game Free Home
So Proud of My Son!
Andrew Doan MD PhD
My Videos: Internet gaming disorder is real & my story
*The views expressed are of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the U.S. Navy or Department of Defense.
Here is a link to our story. I have moved my story to the open forum from the Members-only forum, as my real name is no longer listed as a board member on the site.
How We Did It
GamerSon now lives in his own apartment, continues to maintain his job, and is beginning to expand his social life.
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
"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
Mamalovson's story:
"My ADHD son is now 22 1/2, he started playing LOL in high school. He attended jr college for five years, this year he decided to quit and look for a job, unfortunately he has not been looking for employment. He is kind natured and does his chores around the house. A year and a half ago I decided to give him a flip cell with no internet access and lock our laptop in our safe declaring our home game free. Now he goes to the library to play. My newlywed daughter offered take him in, but she has a laptop, which he will use. He is scheduled to work for room and board on a farm this summer, but summer is a long way off, besides what if decides not to go? We changed his meds, but this does not help and we are paying out of pocket for a therapist, which also isn't helping. He also stopped volunteering, His first year of college he refused to take the time to take his driver's test. I forced him to take a bus until he finally passed his test on the first attempt. He is now an excellent driver. I need to ask him to leave, I know I do. He is too comfy in his little nest. This is our only hope ...."
Please threads below for more and updates on Mamalovson's story
Original thread: http://www.olganon.org/forum/i-need-help-parents-gamers-open-forum/we-are-new
Updates: http://www.olganon.org/forum/discussion-parents-olg-anon-members-only/thanks
http://www.olganon.org/forum/i-need-help-parents-gamers-open-forum/progress-poses-new-challenge
http://www.olganon.org/forum/i-need-help-parents-gamers-open-forum/progress-report
INFO
Help for gamers here
Help for parents of gamers here
Help for spouses/SO's of gamers here
Parent's online meeting THURSDAY 9pmEST/EDT click here
Online meetings gaming addicts click here
Please help! Donate here
" I see the tremendous number of young kids and adults and the parents of them whose lives are in chaos - who have been told they/their child have some mental illness simply because no one recognized they were in active addiction. "
Lisa's story; What I would say to parents
INFO
Help for gamers here
Help for parents of gamers here
Help for spouses/SO's of gamers here
Parent's online meeting THURSDAY 9pmEST/EDT click here
Online meetings gaming addicts click here
Please help! Donate here
Our parent member banned games and restricted technology in the home, after concern her teenage son showed symptoms of gaming addiction.
One year later: "He is again the same cheerful person he used to be. He has lot of friends and is taking interest in his studies."
Cheer's Story
INFO
Help for gamers here
Help for parents of gamers here
Help for spouses/SO's of gamers here
Parent's online meeting THURSDAY 9pmEST/EDT click here
Online meetings gaming addicts click here
Please help! Donate here
“I am desperate to help my 14 year old son who is currently hospitalized for the second time in a month for an extreme response to gaming withdrawal”
One year later:
“I have my smiley, funny, brilliant, respectful, awkward and lovable son back”
“I knew deep down that it was the addiction that caused his symptoms not a chemical imbalance”
Headband’s story
INFO
Help for gamers here
Help for parents of gamers here
Help for spouses/SO's of gamers here
Parent's online meeting THURSDAY 9pmEST/EDT click here
Online meetings gaming addicts click here
Please help! Donate here
My son is 15 years of age and he refuses to admit that he is addicted to online gaming. He misses school and last year he missed an entire semester because of it.
Click here, to read the entire post and all of the replies: Roadrunner's story
Liz Woolley
What a success story and a turning point for you and your son! It's scary to watch how these vidoe games take over their lives. My son has just stopped everything else in his life. Hygiene, eating, friends, sports, enjoyment and the list goes on! Your story is definately an inspiration!