Fighting media and gaming addiction ... day 1 again

Here I am … again… I have to say that media and gaming addiction have really messed up my life. So often i tried to quit/reduce now. I cant count it anymore.

Yesterday I was at such a low point. Gaming, scrolling, watching youtube for the entire day, only interrupted by showering, brushing my teeth, an office meeting and ordering pizza. Not working, im so behind with my tasks, its crazy, i dont know how i will catch up. This addiction has basically stolen my 20s already and if i continue it will cost me my job, family, friends,… everything.

Luckily from previous attempts i know what to do. I have a time lock box set up for my laptop. I have put it there yesterday evening. I switched my phone to black and white, put the app restrictions back on and uninstalled instagram, reddit and the board games app I use. I called the local addiction counseling office and have an appointment next week. I hope they can recommend some therapists and support groups. Im back here. Today I will try one thing. If I cant get myself to do my office work and feek myself drawn to the phone to do whatever im still allowing myself to do I want to speak out loud what i am going to do for the next 5 minutes.

Tomorrow I will come back here to tell you guys whether I actually did it and how it went.

I want to live. Here. In the real world. Actively. Even if its painful.

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Yesterday was hard and i even installed a game after some time and played a little bit. But its uninstalled again and i used the technique of voicing what im going to do. Only 3 times but its a start, this morning i feel much better. Today i will try the same technique again, at least 3 times.

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Congrats! Progress not perfection. I quit gaming several years ago. Inspired by someone here.

Im frequently tempted to try new games and play older ones. I choose to feed other hobbies instead. Its helpful for me to have the other options accessible.

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Had to restart today after a terrible Saturday. Really went through the withdrawal symptoms today. Cravings all the time but luckily i could put everything in my time lock box today so i literally couldnt use my screens. Im scared of work tomorrow im so behind on everything because pf my addiction. But i have to push through, its zhe only way and i want to live (like truly live nlt just exist)