Video Games Are Ruining My Life

I'm not very good at writing, but I'll give it a go.

I'm 22, in the Army, married with a 3 yr old and another kid on the way. I'm currently in college working on my Bachelors in Software Development. I am pretty decent with grades, when I'm not distracted. Ever since I was introduced to Runescape 10 years ago, my life has revolved around video games. I am always thinking about them. What skill should I work on next? What champion should I buy? When can I get my next fix of LoL in?

I am to the extent that I let my pregnant wife go grocery shopping alone so that I can stay home and play video games. I have a mid-term test in 3.5 days, and I haven't even cracked a book to study. I hate it, and I hate this addiction, I feel like such a piece of shit sometimes. I have researched ADHD extensively and I have self-diagnosed myself. (I have had medical training). I've found that certain types of ADHD desire a constant rush, or adrenaline high. I am very convinced that my ADHD is keeping me from accomplishing my goals in life, and causing my addiction to gaming.

I know most of you will tell me to seek a psychiatrist and get meds. But, diagnosed ADHD can hold you back from job opportunities. That is my biggest fear. With my addictive/abusive personality, I don't think that the medication prescribed for ADHD would be a wise choice.

So, apart from getting all of this off my chest, does anybody have any advice for me? Has anybody here ever been addicted to video games to an extent that it ruined your life? If so, how did you over come it?

 

>I have researched ADHD extensively and I have self-diagnosed myself. (I have had medical training). I've found that certain types of ADHD desire a constant rush, or adrenaline high. I am very convinced that my ADHD is keeping me from accomplishing my goals in life, and causing my addiction to gaming.

Seek a medical professional's opinion if you want a proper diagnosis. To be honest it sounds like your problem is more of a motivational one

 

To be honest take up another hobby you enjoy like football, surfing, rock climbing, reading and also getting together with a few mates, hanging out with them when you game if you have a console, if not go over there for a bbq.

Just try to get your mind off it, the first week-month is the hardest mate. I hope i helped somewhat. Goodluck.

 

I believe it is somewhat a motivational issue, which is a major symptom of ADHD.

@one.man.army
I do those things just fine. If I am engaged in any type of competetive activity, or with friends, I am ok. It is when I am at home doing nothing, when I should be studying, that the urge to play hits hard.

 

IMO your best bet is to sell off ALL your accounts/gaming rigs so you really cant play much more, unless you want to start from scratch, and that always makes me lean away from starting to play again

 

Well you know what you're doing, like you said you let your pregnant wife go out alone and what not.
Just force yourself to get off and go with your wife etc.

Always keep in mine that you want to stop being addicted and it will help you.

 

I used to think like that, until I started going out with my girlfriend. Then I would be lucky to get 3 hours of gaming due to me being out and about. At first it was annoying but now I can go weeks without gaming at a time. Although sounds like a motivational issue to me.

Force yourself to go do things other to gaming, then maybe reward yourself with an hour or two gaming afterwards? Like, go study for an hour or two, then go play a game for 30mins-1hr then come back to studying.

 

Push yourself to find another activity you like. Theres tons of things you can do weather they're physical or not.
Whatever you do, DO NOT GET IT EVALUATED. Employers say they dont judge on things like this but they do.
My mother was a condition where its hard for her to fall asleep at night its a form of a common mental condition. (she wont tell me, and i dont blame her). But she hasnt been able to get a job doing anything for about 5 years, when it started to happen. Ever since then when she submits resumes she doesnt even get a phone call of rejection. Any mental type health condition that you need to take meds for is bad news.

 

Absolute truth. I know how you feel bro.

 

One of these days you will come to find out that video games can be fun, but they don't need to be addicting. You'll eventually give it up just like you did with cartoons, blankys, PJ's, and everything else you gave up when you finished the child stage.

 

I used to be the same way, you'll grow tired of the game soon enough. I havent played for over two weeks and I used to play for 3 hours a day. One thing that help me quit was losing my bank.. so maybe drop your stuff in the wilderness?

 

Thank you for all of the advice guys!

 

True dat, Runescape has killed my 5th-11th grade life in many ways. If i could go back knowing what it has done i would not do it over again.

 

Think of it this way,
You're missing out on life when you're no-living game's,
The game's not going any where, It'll be there when you're done,
In real life priorities always come's first, remember that.

 

Hmm, perhaps channel your addictions to something else, more productive? I don't know man, but I know that gaming addiction feel. You'll pull through man.

 

Like One.Man.Army said, the first week-month is the hardest.
If I was you, I'd convince myself to think that playing these games is a huge waste of time, and every time you start them up, think of that. Then, stop yourself while the game is loading. Try learning an instrument, like the guitar or the piano. Try doing something that requires patience and devotion. When you have found something that interests you and requires such diligence from your part, regularly do it. Start with 1 hour a day. Then 2. Heck go up to 10 hours a day; from the moment you wake up until the moment you go to sleep. Of course you will take food/other breaks to attend to your family and yourself. One month of this will discipline you to work. You will mature past this gaming stage because with hard work come results and rewards. It is a fact of life. It WILL happen and don't take my word lightly on that. With results you will find self-satisfaction, which will be one of the biggest motivators for you to continue doing what you are doing. Make sure you do not allow yourself to come back to this. Even logging on for 5 minutes each day will eventually draw you back. This is for your own good, and more importantly for those who depend on you. Good luck mate.