by Laura Byrnes

Created on: June 09, 2007

Video game addiction has been a rising topic since the world of MMORPGs has expanded. Stories of players neglecting work, families, sleep and even eating have circulated around the internet and put many parents in a tough position. What do you do when someone you know becomes addicted to video games? What if you are that someone?

To combat such a problem, you first have to realize the difference between addiction and interest. Hobbies tend to take up a lot of people's time, simply because it's something they enjoy doing! However, when it starts to interfere in the rest of your life, you know there's a problem. If you find yourself losing friends, relationships, sleep and weight all over a game - something needs to change.

So what do you do? Do you just take your consoles and throw them out the window? Of course not. Stopping a gaming addiction isn't like stopping a tobacco addiction. If used in moderation, it's not harmful to your body. You simply need to find other ways to occupy some of your free time. And there's alot of ways to do just that.

1. Try other aspects of gaming. Take the popular game World of Warcraft for example. Can't get yourself to logout? Well, maybe you could try to card game instead. It gets you out of the house. Building different card decks involves strategy, and to get the cards you need you need to interact with other players by trading, participating in tournaments and etcetera. This could lead you into other types of gaming, whether it's card games, role playing games or anything else of the sort.

2. Get a job, you bum! Okay, so I've been waiting to say that. Regardless, getting even just a part-time job will help. Shoot for something that you'll enjoy! Yes, it will cut down on your gaming time, but it gets you out of the house, possibly where you can meet new people, or find other interests.

3. Do some self reflection. Sometimes, its hard to put down a game because you feel you NEED to beat it. You need to get your character that set of gear, you need to finish that one mission. Hey - you've got your whole life ahead of you! No need to rush through a game. This is especially true in MMORPGs. You get to be part of a big guild, all who want you online at a certain time in a certain place - or else! This could lead to feeling as though you need to go, even though in reality it's really not all that much fun! If that's the case, think of it this way: you're paying each month to do a job! You could be using that same time to GET paid at a job, rather than dishing out your own money for something you don't truly enjoy.

4. Get involved in local events. Of course this is heard alot. I don't mean go out and join your local football team or craft festival. Check out your newspaper or public bulletin boards or even local gaming, comic or card shops for events. Are there tournaments, special days or conventions going on?

You could probably find a pattern here - human interaction. Get out there and find people that have similar interests as you. They can probably introduce you to a world of other interests that will get you active again, or at least be just as determined on finding something as you! And don't forget, it's not wrong to love gaming. Gaming is a hobby just like any other. Any interest can become addictive if not taken in moderation!

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