Gaming addiction

Hi,

My name is Noureddine and I know from myself that I got a gaming addiction. My normally routine of the day is waking up, gaming all day long and going too bed when the day is over. Sometimes I even don’t go to bed and game all night long. I have recently installed the ‘sober time’ app too keep track/control my gaming addiction and I have reached 1 week sober without touching any games. But last friday I felt so stressed that I could take it no more and start gaming again.

Is there any advice/tips how I could improve myself too not touching any games or gameconsoles? Because it feels like that I don’t know how to switch my mind too something else and not thinking about gaming.

Sincerely,

Noureddine

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How old are you and is your gaming affecting anyone else because I spent about 25 years on my xbox but eventually with age they don’t bring out any new and different games, your imagination and patience will reduce, your reactions will reduce so games get harder and less enjoyable. Gaming unlike other addiction has benefits to your brain and hand to eye. Personally I would allow myself 2 hrs a day and not before bed, sleep is very important, I suggest you Google the effects of sleep deficiency and see how you feel. Play puzzle games and strategic games at least then your brain will be getting a good work out.

At the moment I’m under my 30’s (27) and play all day long like I don’t know where the brake is.

Further, when I was a week sober without gaming I’ve tried other thing that’s besides gaming. Like studying, doing photography thing for a hobby, etc. But somehow it still affect my brain too still get back on the bad habit. I could try your advice you have suggested and see how it goes.

and @Donut89

I am sympathetic to the benefits that video games can have, but I’m not comfortable with suggesting moderation* if the OP reports it as an actual addiction. If someone just plays a lot of video games that’s one thing, but compulsive addiction is quite another. In the latter case, generally previous attempts to limit use have failed and it is causing disruption in how the person is trying to live their life. Video game addiction is a real, documented problem that people suffer from.

The same applies to other behavioural addictions like gambling, pornography. It can be present in any amount, but it’s the person who decides for themselves if it’s sufficiently disruptive and hard enough to stop to call it an addiction.

*People who can moderate successfully usually don’t call themselves addicts, and moderation is outside the scope of this forum.

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@Mr-AJ Welcome to the forum. I’m glad you came seeking help. One thing I and many others can attest to is that addiction is not often beaten alone. I’ve found a lot of wisdom and support here for stopping alcohol and self harm, and with that help and with the help of my family and doctors, I’ve now stayed sober a full year and my life is much, much better than it was before.

Though not many of us here share your exact struggle, addiction is addiction and you will find that by and large the journey is the same. You learn to cope in new ways, and fill the empty space your addiction used to monopolize. You can learn a lot here by applying the principles of what you hear from others with different addictions to your own path. I encourage you to do lots of reading here, and reach out when you need help.

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Welcome my friend! Now that I think about it. I had an unhealthy bout of gaming for a long time myself. I broke the vicious cycle by simply going outside more man. I found a laborious job, saved up some cash, got some new clothes, then bought a little hoopdy, got a better job…

Then after a while, I got a gal. I worked my way up the job paying bracket until I got to where I’m at now (this is minus my addiction mind you.) I may have lost the gal because of my issues but luckily, I’m a pretty laid back dude with the ladies. My job has me in another state in a hotel now. I’m getting somw good dough coming in and this week I brought my old PS2 slim with me just because. I only touched it once. So I basically lost the urge to Game any more.

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Hi Donut99,

Thanks for your reply. I’m trying not to touch any games at all for a year and see afterwards how time goes. At the moment I have signed up for a therapy about gaming addiction. But I could try making a to-do list as you prefer and set some priorities and hang it on a place that’s visible.

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Hi Ifs,

Thanks for replying and at first great job that you do well hope you will keep getting on track.

Further, that would be a great idea to basically check-in daily on this forum and read, answer and share some experience with one another, so you get motivated.

Again thanks in advance.

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I agree. I also think that if somebody says “I think I am addicted” then the person is addicted and it is not good to question it. Because I was not sure if I am or if I am not addicted to alcohol myself and if somebody would say me “Look, you are young, it is normal that you drink. It will get boring for you by the time.” it would not help me at all and it would probably give me an excuse to drink for many years longer. These people need support.
I know that Dolse71 did not mean it bad. But in this case I would be very careful. Because this guy might really need a help. He must feel bad if he even downloaded this app.

So I cross fingers to go through this successfully!

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