Dr. Phil.com - Messageboards

User Mood
Happy

Message Emote

October 17, 2008, 3:45 pm PDT

Thank you for addressing this topic.

Hello, I am on this show. I appreciate that excessive gaming and what it can do to people and their real lives is FINALLY being talked about. I look forward to seeing the show. If you need support with excessive gaming, whether you are the gamer or the family member, loved one or concerned other, you are welcome to join our community - On-Line Gamers Anonymous at www.olganon.org

Sincerely,

Liz W.

Read Replies to this Message

lizwool

User Mood
Happy

Message Emote

October 18, 2008, 5:51 pm PDT

Response

Quote From: caradia

Just like anything, gaming can be addictive. So can shopping, sex, drugs, alcohol, etc... If a person has an addictive personality, he/she can be addicted to anything. I game between 8-14 hours a day, sometimes less. What I had to learn was balance. Now, when I had nothing in my life it was sleep, wake up, game, go to work, come home, game, sleep, and repeat. I could not imagine losing a job for it; however, I can see where it gets in the way of relationships. What is ironic is that I met my current live-in boyfriend in an online game over a year ago. Now, he is here and has no interest in gaming because he has me (which confuses me), while gaming is still my favorite hobby just like it was when I met him. I guess he had other reasons for gaming. So, I still game. I did have problems spending time with him, but now I make sure that other areas of my life are met before I cross to the void of gaming. Gaming is my way of relieving stress. Work, him, and life in general incur stress. So, you know, you do what you gotta do. I feel some people think it is an addiction if people actually pay to play online and/or spend over an hour a day on the game. Wrong. Just because it is not understood does not make it addiction. Think of it this way, if you watch sitcoms on TV for over an hour, then would you say you are addicted to sitcoms on TV?

Helllooooo..... If you would read the responses to this topic, a big problem with excessive gaming issues, is that people like you dismiss what others are saying that they are experiencing because of excessive gaming. You link excessive gaming up with watching too much TV. What excessive gaming can do to a person and relationships can be far more extensive that what watching too much TV can do to a person. Many real lives and relationships have been totally ruined because of excessive gaming. Some people, like you, can get back on track, and have some "control" over their gaming. That is GREAT. But, not everyone can. As you say, JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED RUIN IN YOUR LIFE BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE GAMING, DOES NOT MEAN THAT IT OTHERS DON'T!! Not all people are like you!

Read Replies to this Message

lizwool

User Mood
Happy

Message Emote

October 19, 2008, 3:30 pm PDT

10/20 Virtual Chaos

Quote From: fabrat

I have 2 boys ages 14 and 11. They both love video games and the oldest loves the rpg games. However I have a very strict rule of no EQ and no WOW. I have heard way too many stories of addiction associated with these games. I have rules for video games in general. On nice sunny days my kids are required to spend at least one hour playing out in the sun. They also have to keep up with school work and bring in good grades to even play video games. On the weekends if we go somewhere the psp stay at home. If then have done chores then they will likely get several hours to play video games. Now my youngest would rather be out riding his bike or playing with friends than to play a video game. My oldest is starting to like riding a skateboard. They still love games but they see there is more to life other than games. My 16y/o daughter started talking to this boy she knew from school. At first it was fine they talked every day and for long periods of time. At one point he told her that she was the only girl who made him want to stop playing WOW to spent time with her. She refused to talk while he played that game. After only about 2 weeks or so his calls became shorter and shorter and before long he was right back into that game. He has only 1 good friend and has never had a girlfriend. I think that's really sad. Parents need to take time to teach their kids that there is a lot more to life than video games!!!!!!!!!!

It may be a better idea if you allow them to play 1 hour of video games on a sunny day, and spend the rest of the day outside, getting the sunshine, fresh air and exercise that was created to heal our bodies....

Read Replies to this Message

lizwool

User Mood
Happy

Message Emote

October 20, 2008, 4:03 pm PDT

Repy to Gaming is not addictive

Your quote - 4. I wish Dr. Phil would have had gamers with healthy life styles appear on the show as it was odd seeing a show only focus on the ill experiences. The show was very bias. In all of my gaming experience I’ve noticed that all things consistent in your real life would be shown in your online habits. If you are rude or a jerk in real life, chances are you will be online. If you tend to ignore your responsibilities or neglect your family, it wouldn’t take video gaming for you to seek another hobby of escape.

Silly, Dr. Phil is a Dr. who fixes someone who has problems. Why would he want to fix "social gamers"? Why would "social drinkers" go to A.A.? The show was about excessive gamers who need help. It was not about people who do not have a problem controlling their gaming habits.

For some people, yes, gaming CAN be an ADDICTION! Just because it is not a problem for you, does not mean it IS NOT A PROBLEM FOR SOMEONE ELSE! NOT EVERYONE IS YOU! ONLY YOU ARE!

People who have never seen what excessive gaming can do, or experienced it themselves, really have a hard time believing it exists. That is MAJOR part of the problem today. Those of us who have seen this new "drug of choice" in action, KNOW IT DOES EXIST! WE LIVED IT! There is very little professional help out there, for those affected by this addiction, because many people do not get it!

I don't know why you have to argue that there is no such thing like it, because you have not experienced it yourself???

Liz

Read Replies to this Message

Messages By: lizwool

Thank you for addressing this topic.

Response

10/20 Virtual Chaos

Repy to Gaming is not addictive