Video game addiction

Question

I feel pretty stupid to be in this position but I feel like I am addicted to video games and I am failing almost every subject at college because I keep blowing off classes to play. Sometimes I even lose track of time and even though I mean to go to class I miss it. Or I play so late that I don’t have time to do essays or reading. I don’t mean to but I just get sucked in and the hours roll by. I know I should just stop but I feel like I can’t. My parents are worked so hard to pay for my school and if I tell them I am failing school to play video games they’ll go ballistic. I want to stop but I can’t tell anyone. How to stop on my own?

Zelik Mintz · Accepted Answer

Video addiction mirrors the same issues and causes as any other addiction - self-medicating pain with activity that avoids dealing with the pain and problems. What you describe has the hallmark of any other addictive behavior - an inability to stop when you want to and the addiction affecting your functioning and relationships. The easiest way to address your addiction is to explore the options of group recovery in your area. Any of the AA program meetings would address your addiction. The meetings are free and anonymous and can be attended when you want to attend. However it may be adventageious to try and find recovery meetings that are specific to either video addiction or internet addiction. You can find lists of meetings online. Stopping on your own without outside support usually does not work and you say you've tried to not avail. Try and find a meeting that you are comfortable with start attending and see if that works for you.

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