[ShaunaTheShy]

I play computer games and PS3 games and I kinda have a bad gaming addiction. They distract me from anything I'm supposed to be doing because when I'm not playing I'm watching videos of the games I play on Youtube and when I'm not doing that, I'm THINKING about the games! What can I do to focus on my school work? I tried music but then I get distracted by the music! (This will be posted as a "Work/School" thread as-well, so don't be surprised if you see it there too)

[Travelinglady]

Yes, this addiction is definitely a problem--since you certainly need to concentrate on school right now. The thought thast come to my mind is to just give your game console and your games to someone to hold for you--someone you will trust and who knows has your best interest at heart. Someone who is willing to be the meanie and not let you have access to these items until you have done a good job with your school work--and proven that to be the case. (Maybe even have your teachers confirm this truth as well, in case you think you might be prone to cheating....) So, if you choose to just sit and fantasize about the games and not get your work done, then you know that means the consequence is going even longer without the games.....And also have someone monitor your computer activities, since I assume you need it sometimes for school.

Meanwhile, try to develop other interests and hobbies, too. Get outside. Find a sport. Go out with some friends (and don't talk games.) You are letting all sorts of good things in your life pass you by, plus taking the chance of diminishing your future chances--and for what? A fantasy world!

You can do it! Make school work a game in a sense. Challenge yourself to conquer it and come out the victor!

When you can prove to yourself and to others that you can live without the games--when you can get this addiction under control--then you can try bringing the items home and put time limits on them--at least maybe only playing after your schoolwork is done well each night or such. But if you let things get out of control again--away go the items......

Sound like a plan?

[adam_k]

I find schedules and list help me. Especially when I am loaded down with classes. I made a list of things that need to get accomplished in a given week and did that and checked it off.

As far as the gaming addiction i'm not sure. I used to play a lot of video games, but I kinda lost interest in playing them all the time. I think video games give you an escape. You get caught up in the story, talking friends if you play online with people. It makes your forgot that things kinda suck for you at the moment. At least that was my experience sometimes. It might be different for you though.

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

Yeh, when I was at school I was forever obsessing over games, but it's my belief that there's nearly always a reason for the obsession; for me, it was escapism, as it pretty much is now, to avoid mental health issues, and other things. Games also, in a social setting, help give you a starting point with other kids, and I remember this well. I would be able to talk to another kid at school by simply asking "Do you have [game name]?" and Bob's your uncle, I'd have struck a conversation. What you need to remember, is that you have to control it, otherwise it will control you; games aren't necessarily addictive, escapism is, IMO.

Something I did once in a while, really helped me as a youngin'! I had all these games that I was heavily addicted to, and some more than others! You know what I did? I uninstalled every single one of them from my PC! Once that was done, I would allow myself to only use this program that had reeeeally old games from the 80s, and I would only have one game per... I think it was a week or 4 days.. and every however long it was, I would add a new old game to the mix; this gave me much more appreciate for the games I was hooked on, and helped nudge me towards reality, since it was easier to lose interest.

PAYNE1 came up with a few good points; you should hunt around for something new, like a musical instrument. You could make better use of your computer usage, too: you could write stories, dabble in poetry, try some art work with Photoshop or something, learn about computers, learn a new language, and there are so many other things. You have the Internet at your fingertips, and within the Internet is a great opportunity to learn, and trust me, you will thank you for doing it further down the line, or perhaps even sooner. If you don't already, you could get into fitness, if you can; if you're a guy and so inclined (not sexist, just generalising for simplicity) then you could get yourself some weights, do a bit of research, and try some light excercising! This will level up your str, dex, and char, and boost your confidence! :P ...and perhaps add a new topic with your friends. [:

Life is the real game - play to win.

[Dreamer11]

You could also try weaning yourself off playing games for as long as you do. When I'd get carried away playing Unreal Tournament 3, I'd set a round for like 10-20 min. so the game would have to be over by the time I needed to stop and do homework, go to an appointment, etc. You can always set a timer outside the game right next to you too.

[hamster-bamster]

Shauna,

I do not play games as I have tried and found them incredibly boring, plus, the rules were too complicated for me, so I have not been in your situation, but I see that your userid is ...shy, so. I wonder if you run to the world of gaming because of your shyness.

[Jenatorre]

You could try moderating your gaming, but if you are unable, I would suggest that you find a recovery group that can help you quit games. It also helps to find other activities to do. I play the violin, and go to zumba and aquacise. If you continue to game, your school work will continue to suffer. After my last relapse, I decided to quit gaming (again) because I could not practice the violin. I was too distracted....I have been sober from games for 5 months with the help of my online recovery group for gaming.