Relapse prevention turns out to be very, very important in habit change. In the first flush of success, all seems to be good forever, but as time passes, can be easy to romanticize the supposed good times and conveniently forget the bad of the behavior.

I've given my public library a strong work out, read lots on habit change and addiction. Even if something did not specifically mention my particular flavor of addiction, I used the ol' use what you can and leave the rest behind maxim.

One of many things I've done relapse prevention wise is to write up a 3x5 card of reminders. One side lists 5 major problems caused by compulsive gaming. Other side, 5 major benefits to abstaining from gaming online. This particular card I even lost temporarily, found it this morning, excellent reminder.

Another helpful thought is for me to remember that urges pass. In the middle of an urge to do something unwanted can be what seems to be an eternal push, a longing. But it really does pass. This too shall pass. And time really does help if I allow it to.

Sarah