[Jensitive22]

Does anyone struggle with this? It started with one game 5 years ago that my husband let me try on his phone. I was hooked. At one point I had 8 apps on my iPad and was playing anytime I had free time. Now, I am hooked on one game; it has so many different features designed to get you hooked. Excellent graphics, games set up to root deeply into the reward center of your brain, and a social component that allows you to join and compete in clubs. This is the only game I have spent money on, hundreds of $$$, and it completely absorbs my attention. I have lied about the $$ I have spent. I sneak time playing at night while my husband is asleep. I am anxious and irritable when my balance gets too low, and I am happy, secure and relaxed when my balance is high. Yeah...I am addicted. Worse, I was just promoted to co-leader in my club because I am an active player that produces for the club. I was thrilled and at the same time registered the realization that I have no life. God, I thought I was smarter than this.

Are there alternate activities available to you? It will need some sort of thrill factor to take the place of the addiction to the potential of winning. I found extreme outdoor activity to do so for me. It may not have been cheaper in the long run but it certainly was healthier.

[pirilin]

I'm going to Vegas on the 20th for ten days. Will be thinking about this.

[Jensitive22]

Originally Posted by justafriend306

Are there alternate activities available to you? It will need some sort of thrill factor to take the place of the addiction to the potential of winning. I found extreme outdoor activity to do so for me. It may not have been cheaper in the long run but it certainly was healthier.

Working on alternatives with my therapists. I'm physically limited by my weight and my arthritis, and I struggle with a lot of social and performance anxiety. We've come up with some ideas, but there are some steps to take to help me get past fear obstacles.