Is there any way for a person to recover from severe video game addiction?
109386
There's no easy answer to this, since there are no (well know) support groups or studies on this newer subject.\n\nI would start by reading up on addictions of any sort - no, he's not addicted to drugs or alcohol, but the understanding of why a person gets addicted in the first place might help.  \n\nAn intervention might help, especially if he's living with you.  Also a psychologist that speciallizes in addicion.  It'll probably be a new one to them, if you can get your son to see them, but it should help.  \n\nTough love could help as well.  He can't play video games if he's living in a homeless shelter.  That's an awful thing for me to say, but it is true.\n\nThis is not an easy thing, and you have my sympathy - I've been in your position, and it's not pretty.
619595
Start playing a video game that you enjoy. It will help improve your concentration.
128919
Yah, go to Yahoo Groups and form Yahoo Ask Answer and Discover Annonymis (YAADA), become addicted to that.  Constantly pos that you have that group in here soyou feed your addiction.
676609
Dear Miss Awin,\nYou can consult a Homeopath that will definately help.There are medicines which will put you back on track.\n\nBest wishes,\nDr.Santosh Joshi\nHomeopathic consultant
1183476
Jump from places that are lower and work your way up to places that are higher. Its not a solution that will cure you quickly though. It will probably take you a year or more to get over it.
503073
Yes.  But if it goes on too long and it affects his life and the family's, it's a problem you have to address.  Addictions come in various forms.  You need to keep conversation lines open.
189189
Yes I have. I am an ex-crystal meth addict, but I've also done E, LSD, cocaine, mushrooms, pot, and I think some other things too! (like I can remember!)\nIf you need help, trust me, you NEED to go somewhere else besides Yahoo! Answers!! Find a treatment facility in you area. Turn to you family and friends, not complete strangers. Good luck!!
970612
alot of water and a hella hot bath/shower to steam and flush it outta our system.\nbut rehab is the best way to go. TRUST ME.
525541
There's no remedy for this addiction.  My husband has been drawn in by its siren call and I'm not far behind.  My only suggestion is to do your best to pump up your points level when you're not at work so that you're not constantly focused on it while you're supposed to be a functioning member of the business world.\n\nbut then again... screw it... I have to get to the next level!
932144
That is a tough on.  You have just got to have will power.  Tell yourself that you can play all you want, guilt free, once you finish your homework.  I know that is easier said than done (I've been there and done that several times throughout my school career), but you just have to buckle down and do it.  Don't do that "I'll let myself play for 10 minutes, then work" bit, cause then you won't ever stop playing.  Just hide your games, and get them out of your sight, and when you are done with your work, go game.
176228
The only way I have ever stopped an addictive behavior is by replacing is with something else. In the case of having an internet addiction it is SO hard to do because avoiding computers is almost impossible these days. (It's kind of like being an alcoholic that owns a liquor store!) \n\nTry to assess what part or parts of the internet are most alluring to you and the time of day when you are most likely online. Is it games? Message boards? Chatting? All of the above and more? \n\nNow, plan about a week's worth of activities to replace your internet time. (Example: set goals to finish things you have been putting off like cleaning closets, organizing school work, etc., plan activities with real-life friends, get books to read, call on co-addicted friends that would like to cut back and plan to do something non-computer oriented together like exercising or playing sports...find anything that you can do that will keep you mentally and/or physically engaged rather than get online. \n\nPlan on doing this for only ONE week. By setting a one-week goal you are more likely to stick with it because you can stand anything for one week, right? At the end of the week you may find that you aren't as hooked and the withdrawal pangs are subsiding. You also may find that certain areas in your life have improved because of spending time on other things rather than the internet. The rewards from this may be enough to encourgage you to spend your time OFF the computer. If so, then try it for one more week.\n\nGood luck..and we hope NOT to see you around for at least ONE week! If it doesn't help, then at least know you are certainly not alone with this particular addiction! *wink*
347749
I knew a Heroine addict, she recovered after 30yrs of abuse. She is still recovering through a Methadone Clinic, she attends meetings 2x a week.  I don't think anyone really recovers, I think you grow stronger from getting beat down to the ground so many times, at least that's what happened to my friend--after having lost everything, including her morals she found Jesus, and found a better way to deal with her recovery.\n\nTough Love is the best thing for drug abusers.  Don't be mad, just practice tough love, if he comes around, with some half-baked scheme to get money--SHUT HIM DOWN immediately.  My girlfriend, ended up getting caught shop lifting after everyone stoped lending her money.\n\nGood luck...*!*...
1121970
First quest. is. . . .  Are you sure? If so you should start by asking your doctor if that is indeed a possible cure, that should patch you through if you're looking for fame/fortune. jk. but seriously I think a doctor would be the most reliable source.
952046
Computer and Video Game Addiction \n\nComputers, video games, and the Internet have become entrenched features of our daily lives. Computer use has reached beyond work and is now a major source of fun and entertainment for many people. For most people, computer use and video game play is integrated into their lives in a balanced healthy manner. For others, time spent on the computer or video game is out of balance, and has displaced work, school, friends, and even family. \n\nWhat is computer and video game addiction?\n\nWhen time spent on the computer, playing video games or cruising the Internet reaches a point that it harms a child's or adult's family and social relationships, or disrupts school or work life, that person may be caught in a cycle of addiction. Like other addictions, the computer or video game has replaced friends and family as the source of a person's emotional life. Increasingly, to feel good, the addicted person spends more time playing video games or searching the Internet. Time away from the computer or game causes moodiness or withdrawal. \n\nWhen a person spends up to ten hours a day or more rearranging or sending files, playing games, surfing the net, visiting chat rooms, instant messaging, and reading emails, that easily can reach up to seventy to eighty hours a week on-line with the computer. Major social, school or work disruptions will result.\n\nSymptoms of computer or video game addiction:\n\nFor children: \n\nMost of non-school hours are spent on the computer or playing video games. \nFalling asleep in school. \nNot keeping up with assignments. \nWorsening grades. \nLying about computer or video game use. \nChoosing to use the computer or play video games, rather than see friends. \nDropping out of other social groups (clubs or sports). \nIrritable when not playing a video game or on the computer. \nFor adults: \n\nComputer or video game use is characterized by intense feelings of pleasure and guilt. \nObsessing and pre-occupied about being on the computer, even when not connected. \nHours playing video games or on the computer increasing, seriously disrupting family, social or even work life. \nLying about computer or video game use. \nExperience feelings of withdrawal, anger, or depression when not on the computer or involved with their video game. \nMay incur large phone or credit bills for on-line services. \nCan't control computer or video game use. \nFantasy life on-line replaces emotional life with partner. \nThere are even physical symptoms that may point to addiction: \n\nCarpal tunnel syndrome. \nSleep disturbances \nBack, neck aches \nHeadaches \nDry eyes \nFailure to eat regularly or neglect personal hygiene \nFor the computer or video game addicted person, a fantasy world on-line or in a game has replaced his or her real world. The virtual reality of the computer or game is more inviting than the every day world of family, school or work. With the increased access to pornography on the Internet and in games, this fantasy world may be highly sexual. \n\nThe first step to healing is to recognize the symptoms. Help from a professional is often needed.
492249
eat lots of pork and chocolate, both contain high levels of dopamine.  It'll substitute the addiction you had for this person.  But exercise while at it, otherwise you'll get fat and nobody will love you.
691000
I had a friend that was addicted. He's over it now, but I could never convince him that he needed help, he had to convince himself. I'm afraid there's little that you, alone, can do. Depending on his age, perhaps you could talk with his parents, or maybe a counselor of some sort...? When he realizes that he has a very serious problem he's going to need to know that you'll be there for him! You might have to be strong while he is weak! I wish you (and him) the best!
7859
Short answer?\n1. Stay off nicotine - there are plenty of methods to stop the addiction, but pick one.\n2. Fill your system with good stuff: clear air and healthy food. Do this by taking deep breaths and exhaling completely, and eating only healthy foods (including snacks) for at least a week.\n3. Get plenty of vitamin C, which is supposed to specifically help you rid yourself of nicotine. Take some vitamin C tablets and/or foods with vitamin C. As with any vitamin, don't overdose.