Okay, I have quit video games in the past, two times actually.

I first quit playing them during Spring break of 2006 and when I think I was a little sick, so it deterred me from going in the basement where they were. That lasted three months and I started up because I was mind numbingly bored. That first week was VERY difficult. I felt VERY depressed and bored.

I then decided to quit at the beginning of 2007 and did. That lasted for about a year and a half. I started playing consoles (consoles are systems such as Nintendo (http://www.nintendo.com/wii), Playstation (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://gamer.blorge.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/playstation-3-game-console2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.blorge.com/%3Fs%3Dtotaling&h=366&w=585&sz=22&hl=en&start=2&sig2=JXjf6TWVN0Kp4PbvzOEBhg&um=1&usg=__3iCiIyXPPT7hckW_Swn9vL5w6MA=&tbnid=076XQfjZmBQlMM:&tbnh=84&tbnw=135&ei=XeO0SPauHpiuiAGuxaSICA&prev=/images%3Fq%3DPS3%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1G1GGL Q_ENUS288%26sa%3DN), XBox (http://www.gtplaza.com/site_media/product_images/Xbox360full_500x526.jpg), etc) again and computer games, which are by far more addicting and stimulating for me. I played little games on the computer and such before that in the early part of 2008, but they weren't all that stimulating and therefore not that addicting.

Now, I'm back on them even though inside, I know that it's quite hard for me to play in moderation; I always over do it. I'll play for three, four hours a day if I have the time. I'll also not devote enough time to homework and be thinking about them here and there when I'm not playing them.

I've had a rather lackluster summer so far, and I made an impulsive decision to buy a Sony Playstation 3 (a console). I probably shouldn't have even bought it (don't have a lot of money right now), but thee most addicting game for me is Madden (http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?Product_ID=9809)( a football game), and I had an itch to start playing it again. I was doing fine, but in all honesty, I started to get an itch to get back into console gaming after I had a dream about it back before I started playing again in June. I was fine before that, as far as the desire to play video games was concerned. I think it's a bit of a stretch to blame it all on this, but I think it played a part.

Now, I think I could quit, but I guess I'm just unsure how I'm going to fill in my time. I can see myself getting wrapped up into it. Last night, I was up until 2:30 in the morning playing. I think with school coming, it will help fill in my time and therefore it may be a good idea to just sell the system and the game and take any losses I may incur. Still, I have little to no social life, stopped seeing a counselor at my school (though I may start seeing another counselor in October, as I want some help with my AD/HD, anxiety and dysthymia), and something I probably would find myself spending more time doing; sports...well I have a psychosomatic breathing problem that deters me from spending time playing sports (socially for example or in rec. leagues), though I do try to get some type of exercise everyday but it's more for that, and I don't have a ton of fun doing it. Even that though, is getting taken over by video games somewhat, as I stayed up late last night, I didn't exercise this morning. I'm 21 and going into my fourth year of college and finally settled into a major. I don't think now is the time to start getting into video games again, and I think it would be better to give them up for good, if possible. I'm pretty sure I am going to sell them and quit, but I just want to make sure I stay off of them.

Any advice on filling in my time that will be voided by video games and how to stay off of them. Getting off of anything addicting really, would be relevant here. Though I think how to stay off of video games or close to it would be more helpful.

...would be much appreciated.

Thanks

I've probably sworn off World of Warcraft 10 times in the past 3 years, but I always end up going back when I'm bored, so I can understand the dilemma of 'Well...now what?". I, personally, get a great deal of deep satisfaction from helping a worthy cause, so I started volunteering at the local SPCA. I get to play with the animals...take the dogs out for walks and baths and I really don't have to be around too many people, which makes it the easiest worthy cause for me to do.

I think I did good this time about WoW because my life time friend asked me to come back and play on a PVP server with him...eh...sure, but I made sure I did not activate my own account with toons that I happen to be sentimental over because it's taken a lot of time to get where I left off...Instead I asked my roommate if I could play on his account that he's paying for and hasn't touched since...Jan of this year.

Anyway, I guess just think of something you enjoy doing besides video games (I know it's hard...I still have the habit of taking my Nintendo DS with me everywhere I go...it even has it's own little purse -sudden realization that is a whole new depth of addiction)

Or you get a new found addiction to the internet...how trendy

Been addicted to video games since i can remember... started out with goldeneye for the n64. Then moved onto the PC game counter-strike :D I had serious issues playing that game..... :(


Still addicted and awaiting a competent dr for an add diagnosis :)

Sorry, i have no recommendations to your video game addiction. If you find one, let me know :)

My little bro got 'addicted' to world of warcraft, just be glad you don't play that game! 3 hours a day is nothing to most people that play that.

How were you doing in school when you were playing 3ish hours a day? Were you having much social contact?

You just have to be really strict on yourself. Easier said then done though.

There's worse things you could be doing then playing video games. But if it's impacting other areas of your life negatively then something has to change.

You could just get rid of your games/console. Get a really crappy video card for your computer so you can't play games.

Advice for filling in time - What interests you? what do you feel passionate about? is there anything you've ever wanted to do and never got around to it? Finding a new hobby sounds like a good idea, it's just finding the right thing I guess.

I've probably sworn off World of Warcraft 10 times in the past 3 years, but I always end up going back when I'm bored, so I can understand the dilemma of 'Well...now what?". I, personally, get a great deal of deep satisfaction from helping a worthy cause, so I started volunteering at the local SPCA. I get to play with the animals...take the dogs out for walks and baths and I really don't have to be around too many people, which makes it the easiest worthy cause for me to do.

I think I did good this time about WoW because my life time friend asked me to come back and play on a PVP server with him...eh...sure, but I made sure I did not activate my own account with toons that I happen to be sentimental over because it's taken a lot of time to get where I left off...Instead I asked my roommate if I could play on his account that he's paying for and hasn't touched since...Jan of this year.

Anyway, I guess just think of something you enjoy doing besides video games (I know it's hard...I still have the habit of taking my Nintendo DS with me everywhere I go...it even has it's own little purse -sudden realization that is a whole new depth of addiction)

Or you get a new found addiction to the internet...how trendy

Thanks for the response. I'm not too familiar with WoW, but I've gotten the impression that it's addicting.

I have donated my time to a presidential candidate. This was dating back to June of 2007. I sort of stopped in the late Spring or so. I don't know a great deal about politics and the fact that on this level, it largely comes down to money and who can give great lip service turns me off a bit. Maybe at the more local level though. I guess I could learn by volunteering, but all I'd be doing volunteering is making phone calls to get people registered to vote and/or sign up to support the candidate. Campaigns tend to not let someone do too much serious work unless they trust you.

Maybe I just have to find something else. Like I said, if I did not have my breathing problem, I think I'd be spending lots of time exercising, ESPECIALLY if it ever went away. It's been around eight long years I've had it.

Been addicted to video games since i can remember... started out with goldeneye for the n64. Then moved onto the PC game counter-strike :D I had serious issues playing that game..... :(


Still addicted and awaiting a competent dr for an add diagnosis :)

Sorry, i have no recommendations to your video game addiction. If you find one, let me know :)

If I find what? A recommendation or a Dr? I think the best way for myself is to eliminate access to them.

Are you interested in any of the less physical sports? Pool or table tennis, bowling even? Maybe coaching a kids football team? or assistant coaching?

Maybe you could ask to do some volunteer work but push the fact you don't want to be making heaps of calls since you've done it before.

Eliminating access to the addicting thing can work great, just make sure you have something to use as a back up in your spare time.

My little bro got 'addicted' to world of warcraft, just be glad you don't play that game! 3 hours a day is nothing to most people that play that.

How were you doing in school when you were playing 3ish hours a day? Were you having much social contact?

You just have to be really strict on yourself. Easier said then done though.

There's worse things you could be doing then playing video games. But if it's impacting other areas of your life negatively then something has to change.

You could just get rid of your games/console. Get a really crappy video card for your computer so you can't play games.

Advice for filling in time - What interests you? what do you feel passionate about? is there anything you've ever wanted to do and never got around to it? Finding a new hobby sounds like a good idea, it's just finding the right thing I guess.

Yet another WoW story! WOO! Maybe my estimation is a little low. I don't exactly keep track of how long I play, which isn't good. I probably played four, four and a half hours today. I worked three and a half. That doesn't exactly help. Too much time on my hands.

My grades are so so. My GPA could be better. It's in the high 2 range. In H.S., it was about a 3.1, accumulative, but H.S. was much more managable. I told myself I was going to prepare to place out of a Spanish class (I believe ADD'ers have a hard time learning a second language)--as I thought it would be a bit easier than taking the class. I haven't done much of that this summer (even without video games), but I've spent even less time now that I've started playing.

I think about that as well: "This is better than drugs..." This is mostly a psychological addiction and desirable because of boredom. Heavy drugs are HARD to quit and I'm thankful I've never gotten into anything like that.

I was thinking about letting my mom know I was going to get back into gaming. I never did, but I did say to her, after I started up again, that if I play them too much, I'll sell my PS3 console. I'm thinking about it, but I may talk to her about this too for support and advice. Also, I already have a basic video card. I got rid of all my addicting computer games a little while ago.

I touched on some interests of mine. Sports. It's just that playing them isn't really enjoyable anymore with the breathing problem.

I have wanted to learn more about politics, but I always have thoughts along the lines of "I already know this is a dirty game, and I also don't know the rules so I feel a bit lost, but perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to learn the rules. Maybe even help change some of the rules."

Aside from that, I'm into bike riding, but I don't think there are a lot of people around here that ride bikes or that I can get in contact with. Also a little bit into art, but I usually end up like other ADD'ers, and not really following through on artisitic ideas (or any other ideas or plans) I come up with. E.G.--Make a shirt with an actual dollar bill on it that makes it look like George Washington is saying "It wasn't supposed to be all about me, but somehow that came to be." Not exactly cutting edge, but I thought it was kind of funny.

Thanks for all the responses.

Are you interested in any of the less physical sports? Pool or table tennis, bowling even? Maybe coaching a kids football team? or assistant coaching?

Maybe you could ask to do some volunteer work but push the fact you don't want to be making heaps of calls since you've done it before.

Eliminating access to the addicting thing can work great, just make sure you have something to use as a back up in your spare time.

I was never THAT much into sports, but I think I'd probably be spending more of my time playing them and being physically active--I was into running and remember in basketball drills, keeping up with everyone else and it felt great. So, what I'm saying is coaching wouldn't be an option I'd consider, as I don't know all that much about football nor do I think I'd make a great coach for any other sport for that matter. Ironic part about your suggestion is I wanted to play football when I was young but my mom would not let me. We were actually just talking about that a few days ago.

We have a pool table (and boards to convert the pool table into tennis table). My family and I don't really use it that often. I do here and there, but it's quite hard to play table tennis by yourself, though I'm sure it's been done...not too fun though! :). Bowling, not so much. Haven't bowled in probably eight to nine years.

Thanks for the response again, I really appreciate it. Perhaps just meeting new people would help..only problem is I go to a commuter's campus and commute as well and campus involvement isn't always all that great for groups. People are on campus at different times and such. I'll see though. I think I need just to put in more of an effort to meet new people.

I am going to just return the system where I bought it. There is a 30 day return policy. I may lose just a bit of money, but it will probably be worth getting a small taste of video games only to realize that they aren't all that great, nor can I really limit myself to playing them a moderate amount of time.

I am going to just return the system where I bought it. There is a 30 day return policy. I may lose just a bit of money, but it will probably be worth getting a small taste of video games only to realize that they aren't all that great, nor can I really limit myself to playing them a moderate amount of time.


That's maybe for the best.

Another WoW addict, here. It's only recently - as part of the whole "Hey, I have ADHD" developments - that I've come to realize I do actually have a problem. I've lied to my spouse, telling her I went to work when really I stayed home and played WoW. I've played the damn game instead of doing chores, or instead of doing work I'd brought home. I have not, as of yet, called in sick to stay home and play. So that's something, I guess. :rolleyes: :p

I can't blame the game for all my woes; it just makes it easier to fall prey to my usual bad habits (procrastination, avoidance). It's constantly stimulating, visually enjoyable, social in a sense (I'm part of a large and friendly "guild", so the game's kind of like a video game and chat room in one)...kind of everything my real life ain't. But the game became more of my "real life" than my real life is! So change was needed.

The solution my wife and I came up with, after discussing the matter, is I set the Parental Controls on the game to only allow me to access my account 3 days per week, and only in the evenings. And then had her set the password. So if, for whatever reason, the settings need to be changed, we can do that - but I can't do it on my own.

I dunno, there are times I do think I should just uninstall the damn thing, but I've done that in the past and the reinstalled and resubscribed within a week. Hopefully this approach will work better.

First off, how the hell do people find sports games on consoles stimulating? I'm a big Real Time Strategy buff here - Age of Empires, Rise of Nations, Settlers, Empire Earth, Stronghold, etc. The odd time with friends I'll play a First Person Shooter... but personally I find all FPSs to be nothing more than the same ****, different box category since the early 90s. So what, there's different people to shoot, in different locations! Wow, show me something innovative...

Anyway, when I started working for a living in Autumn 2004 I had no time or energy to play games anymore (6am-6pm stonemason apprentice) and haven't played them up until extremely recently I have been replaying Zelda: Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo 64.

I was planning on buying an X-Box 360 this or next month with my girlfriend but have decided against it. The only thing I really wanted it for was Grand Theft Auto 4, but that will eventually be released for the PC, as are the Halo series and pretty much any other game one could want. Since I already have a PC... (the real reason is money of course, I want to move into a 2 bedroom with my girlfriend and a friend of mine Nov 1)

hey i play CAll of duty 4 modern warfare and am ranked 14th on xbox live i like tactical shooters like rainbow six cod those sort of games i like being stealthy but honestly its the only time im ever happy at all ive nearly give up on thoughts of social living i know it sounds bad but its better than feeling like fecal matter 4 the rest of your life

I used to be hardcore addicted to Counter-Strike. The only games I really play are Counter-Strike and Quake 3 CPMA. Life has called and I don't play much any more, but there are times I get back into them and will play alllllllllllllllllllllll day.

I played so much CS 1.6 back in 03 to 05 I could have become pro. Now I lost my motivation to try and I'm not very good anymore. It's like now when I start up CS to play, I play just to numb my brain... it's like I zone out and don't even know that I am playing. There are times my motivation comes back and it's then that people ban me from servers because they think I cheat.

:rolleyes:

Oh world of warcraft what terrible things you do to people.

So yeah im in a big time raiding guild that runs hyjal and black temple 16 or so hours a week. Tack on an extra 8 hours or so to grind out gold and mats for potions and you've got an entire day i waste weekly on the game. If i decide to play "for fun" or help my friends out that could easily double. Im not going to buy the new expansion, im done. The point im at now puts me in the top 5% percent of a game that has 8 million or so players. Things will never click into place and be this good again so im done soon. To be honest the only reason im still playing is that i've been playing with the same core group of people for 3 years now.

"So how do you beat WoW if it has no ending"
"when it becomes a second job"

i am very addicted to video games cod4 and others. i became an addict back in the day when there was sega lol so you can say im an old school addict. lol if you have xbox360 and xbox live add me

GamerTag:: I KGB I Xcal

I'm 46yrs, female, recently diagnosed ... and I've been a video game maniac ever since they came out. In college I held the high score for many games.

We now have 2 Xboxes, Playstation 1 & 2 and Wii. I can literally play all day and night and never notice the time. When we received our special edition of HALO 3 ... I took off from work early and played all night.

Now, I realize that a lot of my addiction is ADD-based. I adore the high stimulation. Nothhing is more cool than sniping someone. I'm better, but I usually know to stay away from the games unless I have 4+ hours to play.

No way can I control myself for less than that.

I completely feel your pain there. hopefully this video game addiction will not lead you astray, having you pawning grandma's wedding rings for your next fix, ruining your family, i hate to say: i think you're past of point of help, God knows I am. ( I didnt go QUITE so far as taking off work for Halo 3 though)

= )

At least this addiction is a victimless one.

Not only did I grow up with ADHD, I was a homeschooler; we are infamous for being video game addicts. Most of my adolescent memories involved video games. I lost the seventeenth year of my life to Perfect Dark (which shouldn't be that addictive when you're playing it alone. Geesh).

Fortunately, most of my games were Squaresoft RPGs, which, you would think, should help build a healthy attention span. Playing Final Fantasy over and over isn't exactly thrill-seeking behavior.

We now have 2 Xboxes, Playstation 1 & 2 and Wii.

I see you and increase to........

2 x Xbox360
1 x PS3
3 x DS
2 x Xbox
1 x Gamecube
2 x Gameboy colour

I think thats it lol

I guess the above confirms me as what everyone else views as an addict although I dont beleive I am.

I know that once I start playing its hard to pull me away so I only start when I know I have the time. Personally I dont see the big deal, while I do spend a lot of time playing its no different than everyone sitting in front of the TV watching rubbish all night lol

I have an addiction to buying to buying the stuff but not using them:
So far this is what I have bought in the last two months

1) Wii modded with the D2Pro Chip
2) Xbox 360 Elite with 6 games

The above 2 are in the closet in their boxes and have NEVER been used.

1) gaming desktop PC and another HP Special edition laptop -- both cost $2,500 together

I was supposed to buy a PSP 2000 slim bundle from this guy of craigslist for $300 but decided at the last minute not to because A) the PSP 3000 is coming out in 2 weeks and B) when am I going to use it. I didn't call this guy and he called my cell phone at least 15 times since yesterday morning.

The reason why I guess I have not used the Wii or Xbox is because I think that it is hard to connect them to get to work on a regular TV. My TV is a sony from 2000 with a digital cable converter box. I am very bad at assembling anything or following detailed directions or instructions. Plus the fact that I am at home maybe 8 hours in a 24 hour period and 6 of those hours are usually spent sleeping.

I love how this discussion evolved from me talking about advice on how to quit video games (which I did) and advice on how to fill in that large gap to who is more of a video game fanatic. Lovely.. :)

I am more involved on campus and have spent more time on campus this semester (I commute) than any other semester. I set a goal of being involved with a campus group for an entire semester (and meeting times are on Wednesday evening). Wednesdays are long days for me and on more than one occasion, I wanted to just go home but have not missed a meeting. We haven't accomplished a GREAT deal, but that is on the group. I can come up with ideas and suggestions, but it takes a group effort and all members really wanting to accomplish a higher goal.

The only problem I can see down the road is living on my own and being very bored when at my place of residence if on my own. That's where rolling up my sleeves, and getting out of my comfort zone comes into play and preparing myself for that time to come must start now so I can cultivate my expertise and interests. :)

I love RPGs. Morrowind, Knights of the Old Republic, NWN etc. I tried the free 10 day trail of World of War Craft. Hardly slept the whole time, ate nothing but delivery. It was terrible. I refuse to play online multiplayer games now lol.
And I schedual play time.

I love how this discussion evolved from me talking about advice on how to quit video games (which I did) and advice on how to fill in that large gap to who is more of a video game fanatic. Lovely.. :)

I am more involved on campus and have spent more time on campus this semester (I commute) than any other semester. I set a goal of being involved with a campus group for an entire semester (and meeting times are on Wednesday evening). Wednesdays are long days for me and on more than one occasion, I wanted to just go home but have not missed a meeting. We haven't accomplished a GREAT deal, but that is on the group. I can come up with ideas and suggestions, but it takes a group effort and all members really wanting to accomplish a higher goal.

The only problem I can see down the road is living on my own and being very bored when at my place of residence if on my own. That's where rolling up my sleeves, and getting out of my comfort zone comes into play and preparing myself for that time to come must start now so I can cultivate my expertise and interests. :)

Good for you! Getting involved in other activities that takes you away from a computer is probably the only way to wean off the gaming. I'm not an "addict", but I spend my time more wisely keeping busy with other interests that don't involve the t.v. or computer. Otherwise I'm in front of them all the time.

I've got a computer capable of playing any games, built it myself, It has three graphics card's in SLI which cost $600 each. And all i use it to do is browse the internet. im addicted to the computer but can never really play a game because i always lose focus and start doing something else on the computer. Oh i've never passed a game either.

For the last few years, I've been a fairly serious WoW addict - easily playing 4-8 hours day (along w/a full time job). I guess the whole instant gratification from completing quests really appealed to me... :)

Surprisingly to me, since I was diagnosed with ADHD last year and started taking meds, I've completely lost interest in Warcraft (and all other computer games) and can't really imagine what held my interest for all of those years.

Has anyone else experienced the same thing after starting on their medication?