Day 1 : Beginnings - Monday (26.1.2015)
I decided to reset my progress because I had a short relapse (I played a survival game for a couple of minutes) and I also want to include in my "abstinence program" the other things that dragged me to cravings: movies, TV series and unnecessary video clips (with youtube on the top list). I found out that although I'm not gaming I procrastinate a lot and the biggest factor one is of course, the internet. I hope this will work because I can't afford wasting tons of time even if I'm recovering. I'd better sleep than entertain my eyes non-stop. I studied quite a bit today, I think for 4 hours which is quite a progress, I went to shopping and I also did some exercise.
Day 2 : Mens sana in corpore sano - Tuesday (27.1.2015)
Today I had some pretty nasty cravings but thank God that I didn't fall for them. Although I didn't want to, I still procrastinated for like, 5 hours but except for that it was a really good day. I made up for my lost sleep, I ate well, I did some cleaning, I've had some good conversations that helped me, I studied a few hours and I exercised a lot .
Day 3 : Accepting reality - Wednesday (28.1.2015)
In just 3 days, a lot of things have changed. My spiritual life is much better, I changed my eating habits, I started exercise a lot and to I study quite a bit. I did my best also not waste time on the laptop anymore and to be, you know, a good student. Today I was overwhelmed by the sheer of information I have to digest. I had to take a decision : to sacrifice a big exam, that I can take it in September also, for another one that will determine whether I'll pass the year or not, so that I can spend more time to study for it. I studied the longest hours today and I have a feeling that tomorrow I'll study even more .
Day 4 : Appetite comes with eating - Thursday (29.1.2015)
I discovered something interesting today, related to studying : once I get over the fear of failing and I start to study, it becomes to catch my attention. I wonder sometimes how fast the time goes by. I also did another great thing, I took a paper and wrote how much time I spent last days on the internet doing unuseful things and I was surprised to see how much time I wasted. But the thing is that I've been more careful with my time management and I feel like I'm getting better.
Day 5 -
"The future is determined by our choices in the present." - Anonymous Author
Remember, every moment has two choices: to do it... or to not do it. Take each moment, step back, and make the right decision.
Join the daily meetings, see my signuture.
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.
Yes, I will. Thank you for your advice.
"The future is determined by our choices in the present." - Anonymous Author
Hi David, glad you're speaking up here. It's a really good idea to get involved, make contacts, go to meetings. http://olganon.org/?q=node/46551 Together we CAN do what we cannot do alone.
I have an experiment to suggest. After getting to know several people in recovery from gaming addiction, pick one who has successfully stayed off games for at least six months (if not a year or more) and turned his life around in ways similar to what you want. Then do the things that worked for him, for six months solid, with the support of the rest of us.
At the end of the experiment, decide if you want to continue with the same approach, or if you want to try something else. The important thing, I've found, is to reserve judgment until after trying suggestions out myself. There were ones made to me in recovery that made no sense to me at the time, but I tried them out and found them extremely valuable. And have continued with them ever since.
What you feed grows, and what you starve withers away.
Thanks Scott. That's a great idea, I will try that approach !
"The future is determined by our choices in the present." - Anonymous Author