Are you an Addict?

[Coaxafkone]

(Now i warn you this a going to be a lengthy post )

Yesterday, whilst I was out I bought the latest copy of the PC GAMER magazine. After begginning to flick through it I found that there was a 4 page article titled: The truth about Gaming Addiction. (Is it time to admit we have a problem?)

Here are some snippets from the article:

Ready for this? I believe gaming is currently the greatest threat to our society. Keith Bakker runs the Smith & Jones Centre for addiction, the worlds first dedicated gaming addiction clinic. Keith used to work with drug addicts. Now he treats gamers.  

They realised that they could recognise many of the traits that indicate addiction in these patients. Gaming habits: an inablility to regulate how much time was spent playing, continuing to play despite the negative effects on their lives and a progressive worsening of those effects. Soon the clinic was admitting clients purely on the basis of their gaming habit.

DAMAGING BEHAVIOUR (real names have been changed)

In 2002, 21 year old Adam Roberts killed himself after a week spent playing Everquest 12 hours a day. In 2004, Herman Xiaoyi threw himself out of a 24th floor window after 36 solid hours playing World of Warcraft. Most shockingly last year the Daily Mail exploded with the tale of Leo barbero, a 17 year old whose muscles *atrophied* after two years spent playing WoW 18 hours a day.

Atrophied - [/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]atrophied, wasted, diminished

(of an organ or body part) diminished in size or strength as a result of disease or injury or lack of use; "partial paralysis resulted in an atrophied left arm"

The article goes onto say whether playing videogames can justify what happened to these people. In a way I agree to some extent to say that perhaps there were other issues that had a part rather than just the games. But if the facts are correct, I wouldn't be suprised at all whether playing for the excessive amount that they did, have a major effect.

"He may sit down for an hour, but he won't be able to stop."  

When I read this quote I thought this sounds oddly familiar as it happened to me nearly everytime I played. . . :blink:

The article goes on to give more detailed examples of people who have had negative effects of playing video games excessively. For example; losing relationships with mothers/brothers/fathers/girlfirends. Failing exams and then dropping out of school/university. People literally dying where they played due to dehydration/malnutrition and leading to heart attacks/ cardiac arrest.

So then I came to a questionnaire they put in and thought "what the hell".

I reccomend you have a go. . .

Are you a Games Addict?

a. How many hours do you spend gaming?

1. 0 - 5
2. 6 - 10
3. 11 - 18
4. 19 - 25
5. 26 +

b. How often do you find that you play games for longer than you intend?

1. Rarely
2. Occasionally
3. Quite often
4. Far too often
5. Everytime I play

c. How often are you late for school/work due to gaming?

1. Rarely
2. Occasionally
3. Quite often
4. Far too often
5. Everytime I play

d. How often are you late for social engagments due to gaming?

1. Rarely
2. Occasionally
3. Quite often
4. Far too often
5. Everytime I play

e. How often do you think about games when you're not playing them?

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1. Rarely
2. Occasionally
3. Quite often
4. Far too often
5. Everytime I play

f. How often do you try and cut down the amount of time you spend playing games?

1. Rarely
2. Occasionally
3. Quite often
4. Far too often
5. Everytime I play

g. How often do you feel irrtable or depressed when you are not gaming?

1. Rarely
2. Occasionally
3. Quite often
4. Far too often
5. Everytime I play

Now add up your score:

7 - 10 : Your'e not a gamer, are you? Taking the test just to feel smug? Ot's safe to say you don't have anything to worry about.

11 - 16: Your'e good. All indications point toward your being a healthy and self-regulated gamer, able to enjoy gaming without concerns. There's no harm in keeping youreself in check, but you can relax.

17 - 25: There's no cause for alarm, but have think about your answers, and whether gaming might be controlling your life. Is it healthy? Are your friends and family noticing the amount of time you spend gaming?

26 - 35: Perhpas there's something of a problem here? You seem to be spending a lot of your time feeling anxious of downright unhappy, and the gmaes don;t appear to be helping. It might be time to ask someone for help.

Now I averaged a 23/24 on this test. I also understand that this generally wouldn't generally mean much. It's interesting all the same, because I didn't realise how much I was playing and making some of these decisions. :sideways:

The article ends with:

Denying the existence of, or ignoring the consequences of gaming addiction can only harm those who suffer. In facing up to the issue, we can conquer it. Maybe as gamers, it's time to take the first step. Maybe it's time to admit we have a problem?

Whats your take on this?


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[Anonymous]

Whats your take on this?

Sorry, can't comment just now - just gotta finish this level to get the golden power up

[Bk]

Meh, I know I play way too much, but it doesn't usually get between me and anything I might be doing. Scored rather low on that test, even though I do tend to think about gaming while I'm not currently doing so.
Generally games can only create an addiction if they have the player working towards a specific goal, like in RPGs (which can be seen in all examples showed on the OP). This also gives us a new argument for when people ask why our servers don't have ranking systems. Makes it less competitive, thus, less addictive. Even though the whole TCS thing can be quite addictive  when done right. And we do it right :flirty:

[delanvital]

I think gaming addition is something to be serious about, like any other potential addiction. You got to keep your priorities in life straight.

I game very little now and it is increasingly about the social fun of playing with great people Now I tend to feel plain gaming (like in the old days levelling my Diablo char to level 50) as wasting my life. I am not referring to gaming in dMw though - if it was not for dMw and all it represents I would not game anymore.... I do wonder how addicted to dMw I have become... :g:

[Snokio]

Well I got a score of 19, give or take a few, however, I have noticed that I do not go out as often as I use too, (but hey, I'm saving money and having a good time ) and I have really been slacking at the gym :sad: (I use to go twice everyday  so this i will need to change :g: )

This being said, I use to be play CS up around midnight, and found myself tired at work, so I limit myself to 10:30 on a work night nowadays!

Interesting read.. and I think I'm dMw addict :flirty:  

btw, was the first question how many hours a day or week :g:  ?

[delanvital]

btw, was the first question how many hours a day or week :g:  ?

Well with 26+ as an option I am quite sure it is not pr. day. Unless you game ALOT :wink:

[Gone_Away]

14
 
This is a serious problem you guys. Think about it.
 
I started (and continue) playing games as "escapism". To shut off from the pressures of work / life and immerse myself in a different world. My wife is always complaining that I spend too much time on the PC. I'm not Always gaming but I do spend a lot of time in front of the PC.
 
Reality Check.
 
Nothing of any real value comes from playing video games. Seriously, how many of us here actually profit from it? Not me, never will.
 
In real life terms what advantage does completion of said quest / game actually = ?? Absolutely Nothing.. No matter how you slice it, it's lost sleep and a waste of time.
 
Enjoy the time spent but don't let games suck your life away, ruin your relationships with friends / partners / kids etc. YOU WILL REGRET IT..
 
blink. blink. blink...

[Coaxafkone]

I think alot of those serious addictions come from people who try to escape from things in "real-life" that gaming releives them from. The article I was reading said something about a chemical that stimulates interest/pleasure/(I guess) entertainment. Once the brain becomes accustomed to this, It does not want to have less of it, but more. Especially if your'e lifestyle is one of (in your eyes) boredom. The problems begin when your'e body begins to demand more of that "chemical", which is when cravings begin.

However I have found that over the last few months I have become increasingly wanting to get onto the forums and make sure I am up-to-date with current "events". Get onto the servers as often as possible. Alot of It is self-discipline I suppose, something which I lack in some areas, but have high amounts of in others. :narnar:

14
 
 In real life terms what advantage does completion of said quest / game actually = ?? Absolutely Nothing.. No matter how you slice it, it's lost sleep and a waste of time.
 
blink. blink. blink...

I think to some kids or teens, some of these virtual goals will mean alot to them as alot of these "hardcore" gamers will not be good at anything else in their lives except for gaming. So they will see this as their target, and this will be their only source of confidence. What with all this stuff about "Second Life", can you imagine how many people will actually take this thing really seriously.

One example; people setting up "virtual relationships", now what heppens when they get so involved and something goes wrong?

[delanvital]

I think alot of those serious addictions come from people who try to escape from things in "real-life" that gaming releives them from. The article I was reading said something about a chemical that stimulates interest/pleasure/(I guess) entertainment. Once the brain becomes accustomed to this, It does not want to have less of it, but more. Especially if your'e lifestyle is one of (in your eyes) boredom. The problems begin when your'e body begins to demand more of that "chemical", which is when cravings begin.

I never actually thought that people could/would take these games that seriously. However I have found that over the last few months I have become increasingly wanting to get onto the forums and make sure I am up-to-date with current "events". Get onto the servers as often as possible. Alot of It is self-discipline I suppose, something which I lack in some areas, but have high amounts of in others. :narnar:

(note: this is not a re-itteration of Ninjas post.... he simply beat me to it.)

Do you remember, or does anyone know, if the chemical referred to is simply the release of endorphines?

[Coaxafkone]

Do you remember, or does anyone know, if the chemical referred to is simply the release of endorphines?

The chemical in question is called dopamine, this which is the naturally occuring hormone rleased in the brain that fires our pleasure and reward centres.

Click me for more info.  

(not that your'e really interested.)

Endorphines.

I think these are similar.

[delanvital]

The chemical in question is called dopamine, this which is the naturally occuring hormone rleased in the brain that fires our pleasure and reward centres.

Click me for more info.  

(not that your'e really interested.)

Endorphines.

I think these are similar.

Dopamine, of course! Thanks.

[Luminance]

atm 16, half a year ago: 25/26

[Sithvid]

Interesting post.
I could say I am addicted to gambling CS drinking life family and even my job! Personally everything in moderation is ok don't work study gamble drink play 7 days a week.
Weekend no work, Mid week no booze, end of month no money = no gambling
Monday /Tuesday more taxing at work,( no comment Twine) no CS

Get the balance right starve yourself of each occasionally (detox) you will enjoy even more next time, but don't feel guilty about enjoying yourself, as long as no -one else suffers, family friends etc.

':2cents: :2cents: :getmecoat:

[Eternaluk]

I did that test at Tech's, and I got 11 - 16: Your'e good. All indications point toward your being a healthy and self-regulated gamer, able to enjoy gaming without concerns. There's no harm in keeping youreself in check, but you can relax.

Also Exo, since you got the Pc gamer mag, wanna play with me and Tech for a bit on CoH?- City of Heroes, you get a free 14 day trial. (Might be 15 days, I can't remember tbh.)


It's kinda odd I think, since I get about 26+ (Say 1-4 hours a day.), but I've only got 16 points.
Find that kinda odd, but I guess 'being on the computer' doesn't really count as gaming.


EDIT: I also find it odd, because I knew excatly what this thread was goingto be about and what questions. (Might be because i've already looked at the magazine. 0.o)

[FBG]

It's a sad fact that i fear playing to much CS was one of a couple of causes as to why my partner left me. That's pretty much when i stopped playing CS so so much. Realised that i needed to do something else. In hindsight (3 years later) i did have a balanced life style, going out, doing sports and generally i thought having a good time. As he put it though, our lives were going different paths.
 
So yes gaming addiction does have it's negative side. I guess in future i'll date a gamer, rather than a ...