How can i halt my computer addiction?

I think I have an addiction to the computer. Recently, I have been playing the computer CONSTANTLY. It has effected my work habits and grades. Even my parents have seen a change in my behavior. I reallly want to change but it's so hard. This computer...

thing is almost like DRUGS! It'd be really helpful if someone could give me some advice ASAP.

Dear theyoungandhopeful,
You are already aware of your problem (good for you). I have taken addictions in college for 2 years and technically the computer isn't the drug it's the program (games whatever) You always trade one addiction for another...so you need to do something else during the time you have become habitual with the computer. Guess what: cold turkey...(yikes) I know it's scary but for the time being it's a must. No computers. Most libraries have a time limit on computers and they can be accessed for homework style surfing only. But like an alcoholic that has to drop everything that is familiar with alcohol consumption you must do the same with computers. So replace the time you spent on the PC with....something desirable; a new hobby, friends but it has to be something you really like.
Sue....good luck

i know this wont help but i have the same problem

Let me guess is the game world of warcraft?

Its tibia, so I guess you're partially right. I have had it for awhile so I need someone to help me get over it.

If you think you are adicted to your computer then you should ask your parents to take your computer away from you until you get used todoing your normal thing. If that does not work you should just unplug it and try toforget about it and then you shoud talk to your friends and try to get some advice tko themm or put a note on your computer saying to do something else than play on the computer or go see a doctor and tell them to give you some advice. I hope my advice is good enough and will help you.

Computer addictions do exist and can be harmful to your social life, education and any other areas of your life that your computer time takes away from. Some symptoms include:
-Do you feel preoccupied with the Internet (think about previous on-line activity or anticipate next on-line session)?
-Do you feel the need to use the Internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction?
-Have you repeatedly made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use?
-Do you feel restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use?
-Do you stay on-line longer than originally intended?
-Have you jeopardized or risked the loss of significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the Internet?
-Have you lied to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet?
-Do you use the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)?

Some ways of breaking your addiction:
-Let your computer help you go cold turkey! Try Sleepy, which is software for Windows PCs that automatically turns off the computer at night (and can keep it off all night).
-Get involved in some non-computer related fun to encourage your other areas of enjoyment.
-If you feel that this addiction is hindering your daily functions, chores and activities and all else fails try seeking professional counseling

Before your issue gets worse or takes over your life completely please try and get help. Good luck

I really hope you get help before you addiction goes to far. I am a recovering drug addict and I know first hand how an addiction can control your life. I have an addictive personality and I can get addicted to anything and everything. I know there is a big difference in drugs and a computer but they can both control your life. I don't know how bad your addiction is but I do know that any addiction is progressive and only gets worse over time. I think counseling would be a great thing for you. With any addiction willpower to not do it just doesn't work. The grip an addiction can have over your mind is very powerful. For you to be asking for advice this must be causing problems. I go to Narcotics Anonymous and there is a lady there that has a computer addiction along with her addiction to drugs. She got so bad that she lost her two children due to neglect. She stayed on her computer all the time. The things she had to do to stay off of drugs was the same things she now does to stay away from the computer. It had such control over her that she couldn't think of anything else. I just want you to realize how serious this could get. Some people would laugh and say to just stay off of the computer, those people know nothing at all about addiction. Also if you start letting one addicton control your life later it could be a different addiction that has far more consequences. It may sound like I'm making a mountain out of a mole here and I know I've said alot but it just concerns me to hear that anyone feels that they are dealing with any kind of addiction no matter what it is or how dangerous it may be. Please seek therapy, this can get out of control as silly as it may sound to you or anyone else. One more thing if you do a search for computer addiction you can find personal stories about people whose lives have been destroyed because of what some people would call a silly little addictiom. Remember addiction is addiction no matter what it is.I wish you all the best and please take what I've said here seriously.
Lacey

welcome to the club! i spend about 4 hours on the computer everyday. about 40% of it is homework, the rest of it being leisure. if i were you i would set a timeframe. like, ok: today i do homework till 5, then 40 minutes of leisure time.

or, just involve yourself in other things, such as sports, reading, crafts, whatever.

yeah this comment probably won't help you at all......sorry.....

Vide Game Addiciton?

True Life: Video Game Addict

The amount of time and money people spend on gaming has reached enormous heights. From game consoles to online realms people are starting to center their lives around video games. While some play recreationally, other people are finding gaming to be a terribly addicting habit.

Have you reached the breaking point? Are you about to enter treatment for your video game addiction? Are you ready to leave a loved one if they don’t change their ways? We are looking to hear from players and/or their spouses, siblings, parents, or friends about how gaming can affect relationships, school, work, etc.

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I also immediatly jumped to world of warcraft, I got utterly addicted to that for a while, luckily I live away from home forcing me into cold turkey cancelled my subscription

tell me about it i play 126 hours a week world of warcraft .

A few years ago, when I was in 5th or 6th grade, I was the same way. I would come home from school, drop my backpack on the floor and sit infront of the computer for hours and hours. My mom and dad would announce that it was time for dinner, and I would rush through it so I could return to the computer. I would stay up until 1 or 2 A.M. every night. Of course, not doing homework or studying.

Its a good thing that you've acknowledged that you have a problem with the computer. Lots of people just like to pretend like its normal (which it isn't). So good for you! First, you might want to ask someone to put a lock on your computer with a password you don't know. It will feel REALLY weird not getting on the computer, but after a few days, you'll find other things to do. You'll maybe catch up on your favorite TV programs, call friends, go to the movies, etc. After a week of having no computer at all (unless it is for school, in which it should be closely monitored), limit yourself to two hours a day. Pretty soon, you'll get back to normal and it won't even feel different!

instant answer: hide the power cord...

a carefully pondered answer: no one can help you with your addiction but you, it takes alot of self will to quit any addiction...as a side note I too suffer from comp addiction...I play WoW for hours on end...not quite 126 hrs like sadpanda but close enough...

just find something else to do.
one day try going outside or hanging with friends
and then the next day find something else to do.
your addiction will most likely go away.
i had the same problem...know i'm not obsessed!

lmao.
dude.
I have the same problem.
On myspace I posted a bulliten saying how much of an addiction I have to computers and asked if any of my friends knew how I could get rid of it.
But so far I havent found the best way.
One of them told me I should get a girlfriend and thats about the best one so far.
So yea.
and good luck.
Oh, and you should try skating during the summer.
Thats all I do.
Its just during the winter when I have a BIG addiction.

I spend ...

wait for it, 15 hours a day on the computer...

But it is my work, and pleasure and social life and information
my music, video, my photo book..

Its not such a bad addiction, better than drugs for sure!

as long as you are making money and not wasting your time!

Well you take a slug hammer were gloves and eye protection. Then you hold the Hammer with both hands and BEAT THE LIVEIN %$#@!!! OUT OF IT!!!

I know what you mean. I use to spend 6+ hours on the computer each day. I knew it wasn't a good thing and I tried to quit playing games but I just couldn't. Then I got a job... I realized computer games arn't going to get me far in life so I started to work more and pay more attention in school. Now im in college and I have no time to go on the computer on the weekdays because im constantly busy from 5am-10pm. The weekends I still get urges to play but I dont. I either hang out with friends go fishing and stuff like that but usually I just sleep because im so tired from the week lol.

um.. I think I might have an addiction too.. seriously.. I wake up around 3pm. (I know late im homschoold acautally graduated.) and play the computer to like 4 am. With like little breaks in between.
But Im pretty sure im not addicted theres just nothing else to do.. Im home alone most the time. I really dont have any friends its a small town you really cant meet people. and im shy.. Im trying to get a boyfriend maybe then he can keep me company..

If your addicted to it.. and really want to stop JUST STOP!.
Id use it to my advantage though. No computer Unless I get an A or somthing.. like that..
Not sure if that helped. perhaps this is an older question. if it is.. I hope you dont get my answer cause that'd mean you stopped going online..:D