| Many of us grew up learning to play tag or hide | | | | the best ways to overcome addiction is though |
| and seek. Others of us played or still play cards | | | | these human resources. Scheduling family outings |
| with family and friends, and still others enjoyed | | | | can be a great way to get away from the video |
| playing board games, but very few of us ever | | | | game console or computer to a place where it |
| found ourselves becoming addicted to such | | | | won't be a distraction. Sometimes all it takes is a |
| pastimes. The latest advancements in the game | | | | discussion with those closest to you to discover |
| playing world present just that possibility though -- | | | | how an addiction is negatively affecting their lives |
| addiction. | | | | and force you to overcome your video game |
| With the creation of the game console, and then | | | | addiction. |
| computer-based video games, we were | | | | Replace your addiction |
| introduced to a new world of game playing | | | | Replacing one addiction with another, lesser, |
| interaction. These games evolved so that soon | | | | maybe even positive addiction is a great way for |
| the player was able to mold game characters | | | | you to overcome your video game addiction. |
| after himself, create empires, and control worlds. | | | | Taking up a hobby such as bicycling, hiking, |
| This furthered an already present ability of video | | | | canoeing or similar activity can present positive |
| games to offer escapism, which in turn led to | | | | skill-building challenges similar to those found in |
| addiction for some players. | | | | video games and are healthy as well. Not only are |
| Just as with addictions like gambling, drugs or | | | | these types of activities helpful in overcoming |
| alcohol, or biting your fingernails, video gaming | | | | addiction to video games, but they take place in |
| addiction is something we often don't notice until | | | | areas in which video games aren't a temptation. |
| it's too late. Even then, while it might be | | | | Availability and proximity |
| something we consider a problem, it often doesn't | | | | This leads to a final way of overcoming your |
| seem so serious as to be considered an addiction. | | | | video gaming addiction, and that is to diminish the |
| However, the power of video games can have | | | | availability of and proximity to such temptations. |
| wide reaching effects. They can inhibit or limit | | | | As with drugs or gambling, not having the product |
| social interaction, eat into work time, diminish time | | | | or exposing oneself to the addiction can be the |
| devoted to healthy outdoor activities, even affect | | | | best way to overcome it. Getting rid of the video |
| your diet. | | | | gaming console or games altogether by shipping |
| Friends and family | | | | them to a distant family member or selling them, |
| Contrary to popular belief, it isn't just those | | | | can be a harsh wake up call, but one that works. |
| lacking social skills or without "lives" that end up | | | | Without the availability of the product, you might |
| becoming addicted to video gaming. Many game | | | | find that it is easier to overcome your video |
| addicts are normally functioning adults, with | | | | game addiction. |
| friends, families, and jobs. In such cases, one of | | | | |