<p>and I'm so addicted to online games
I play over 7 hours a day even when I'm in college
(well during midterms I don't play but w/e)</p>
<p>I can pull off about B+and Bs
but I don't know what I'm gonna do with a college degree and a 3.0 GPA
(cuz you need at least 3.5 for a job.. or so I heard)</p>
<p>I wanted to go to college because I thought I wanted to do something with my life
but now I just wanna play games and draw while living in my parents house</p>
<p>How do I get rid of this addiction?</p>
<p>Just so you know..
I really like to study (not any particular major,
I just like to concentrate and study on any topic)
but I like games more than studying that's the problem. </p>
<p>The only thing I like more than playing video games is drawing,
but I can't major in that cuz I'll make no money :-S</p>
<p>any advice?</p>
<p>If this was a drug addiction I could check into a rehab or something
but it's gaming... So I have no idea how to not play</p>
<p>Gaming certainly can be an addiction, and it’s really good that you recognize that aspect about yourself. Do you have other “obsessions”, aside from drawing or is that your personality? That may confirm it. Nonetheless, not a doctor here…just a mom whose own kids have “gone through that” same experience. It really can consume you!</p>
<p>So how do you stop? First, ask others who have enjoyed gaming to see if they have continued. If they stopped, ask how they did it. You might want to stop by your college’s health center and ask if you can speak with a counselor. It might mean you stop “cold turkey” because trying to play “just a little” ends up being hours.</p>
<p>The best thing, I think, is to substitute that activity with something else. Try to set small, achievable goals (like “Instead of gaming, I’m going to update my resume.”) Get your mind away from that pace, those graphics, that level of noise, and mostly that “adreneline rush” you feel when you are tuned in. Staying away from it and finding something else to do with your time works for me. If nothing else, going to the gym is a good alternative.</p>
<p>Start by making the gaming more physically uncomfortable. Seriously. Make yourself stand – or squat – while keyboarding. Or stand on one foot. </p>
<p>Recognizing that you have a problem is an important step. I searched for gaming addiction and came up with:</p>
<p>[Online</a> Gamers Anonymous - Gaming Addiction Resources & Community For Gamers and People Affected by Gamers | </p><p align=“center”><a href=“/”><img alt=“Game Addiction Help & Resources” src=“sites/all/images/banner_new.png”></a></p>](<a href=“http://www.olganon.org/]Online”>http://www.olganon.org/)<p></p>
<p>It is a 12 step program specifically for on line gaming addictions. There may be others. Talking to others who are on the same treadmill may get you tips and support that make a difference. </p>
<p>Good luck. Please know that to change a habit takes about 3 months (or more). I changed from drinking soda pop to water (didn’t need the calories or the cavities) and the sixth week was brutal. Eventually I got to the point where I wondered why I ever wanted soda in the first place (now it seems too sweet!). My addiction was pretty small potatoes – and it was hard enough to change. But people do kick addictions all the time. Please be one of them.</p>
<p>It’s very good that you can see the harm in spending so many hours gaming, and I really think you are awesome to recognize how you would like to change. Many experts suggest it is harder to moderate a behavior (meaning, just cutting down to a few hours or less/day) than to quit it altogether. You sound ready to face that, but it’s a challenge and you will need to make a commitment. I’d really suggest you try giving yourself one day with no internet at all. That will limit your temptation. Then follow that up with no online games for the next day. And the next. The trouble with some online games is that you belong to a clan and feel the obligation to meet with your online social network. Are you ready to say good-bye to all the status you’ve built up in the game? </p>
<p>When you take that day off of games, you should have some substitute activities planned and be sure to get out of the dorm room/apt and do something with other people. This is important, so I wouldn’t suggest just staying at home and drawing. The idea is to introduce yourself to other non-PC activities that feel good. Making (or spending more time with) friends in the real world helps a lot. This is the time to get involved with clubs, some physical activities, volunteer for community service, etc. The point is to find different ways of relaxing and having fun that get you out.</p>
<p>A lot of other 12-step programs find their members get great success by staying away from the problem behavior entirely, so you may want to consider how much improvement your life would have if you weren’t online so much and then make a change for the good. I’d like to add–that most habits take about 2 weeks to overcome strongest pull. And like Olymom points out, there are times further out that also pull at you. But when you find good substitutes for the free-time you spend gaming, you will get out of its spell. The good friends you made online will be replaced by others who are leading lives more like the college life you want.</p>
<p>It’s good that you recognize this as a waste of time and you should try to do something about it so you can be more productive. If you’re wasting this amount of time on games you could be adding a minor, taking an additional interesting class, working an on-campus job, participating in a club, volunteering, socializing (i.e. face to face in the physical world), working out, drawing, or any of a number of other things that are more productive and useful than spending a ridiculous amount of time playing games. You already recognize it now but if you don’t stop someday you’ll look back on this time as a waste and regret it.</p>
<p>Maybe you can earn enough money from a campus (or nearby) part time job to move out of your parents’ house and share a place with fellow classmates. That might at least give you a different social outlet with real people and get you out of your current environment.</p>
<p>Don’t get too caught up in the ‘addiction’ word since it’s overused. Obviously you’re deciding to do the games rather than any of the other items I mentioned but take a serious look and make an effort. ‘Just don’t play’ - it’s easy for me to say but try it. You might miss the adrenalin surge you feel when you virtually blast some bad guy but try to fill those emotional voids with what you’ll gain from these other activities. If nothing else, fill up more time with the other activities so you’ll have less time for this gaming.</p>
<p>Most online games require a fee, yes? (Or at least many of the popular ones: E.g. WOW, Everquest, etc). Half the battle is as simple as not paying for those games, if those are the ones you play.</p>