How long did they play? What were some signs?
Did it ruin their lives??

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Be careful what you wish for.....

There was a episode of Intervention about a guy who was addicted to video games. From what I remember (it's been a while). He had no life. He would play almost 20 hours a day, didn't eat a lot, got angry when interrupted. Does anyone else remember this episode who can recall more?

My ex was kinda addicted to them at one time. He was the same. Paid no attention to anything or anyone but those games. It's very sad. Luckily he lost interest in them slowly.

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Support bacteria -- it's the only culture some people have!

If Vegetarians eat Vegetables. Do Humanitarians eat Humans?

'Vegetarian' is an old Native American word for bad hunter.

I use to be addicted to video games.I could play all day and almost night if I was really into it.You risk forgetting where you left off if you go to sleep. Sometimes you can not go to sleep until you have killed that Boss! And if you do go to sleep you will dream about the game and discover something in your dreams you missed and have to wake up and go check the game to see if its there.It didn't interfere with my life though as the people I was wiith were also addicted.I traded my video game addiction for my now computer addiction but I plan to go back to my video games someday.My dad is also addicted to video games.But at 78 years old what else is there to do,lol.

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Dannic yes I did my cousins Son Joseph he was totally addicted to Grand Theft auto I think that is the name I remember asking my son and his friends and then googled it . Very graphic and so much violence and killing, needless to say her son is now 24 and honestly not okay he still plays the videos like crazy and for him these videos are not helpful and sincerely wish they were not out there for the kids .Peace. Catherine

Personally I think that a human can become addicted to literally ANYTHING no matter how bizarre it may seem. I've never met anyone or known anyone that was addicted to Video Games...my husband seldom ever plays and I just hate them myself....so boring it's unreal! I cannot imagine the fascination with it at all. But like I said...people can be addicted to anything....I've certainly heard of it and I'm sure a quick google search will bring up all sorts of support groups etc!

The symptoms/signs of addiction are the same whether it's video games, sex, alcohol or drugs.

Preoccupation with the "drug" of choice.
Isolating one's self.
Inability to function in normal society.
Defensiveness about your "drug" of choice.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

About 9-10 years ago my dh went through a phase with everquest (evercrack!) If he wasn't sleeping or at work he was playing EQ, and sometimes he would give up sleeping.

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Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box.

My DH could easily become addicted. There was a point where he was non motivated at work and unhappy about it. He withdrew into his little world of games. I would go to bed and he would say he's coming to bed soon. I would wake up at 3 in the morning and he would still be playing. Not ok. So I told him and it was better for awhile and then layoffs were happening and it was at it again (although he wasn't laid off). I told him I would destroy his computer while he was at work if he did it one more time. He had just built it...all custom and he KNEW I meant business. It hasn't happened again. He will play at times but I do as well. When I am done playing, that's his cue that he needs to be done as well.

I know a person who has a 20 something son who lives with them, no job, no girlfriend...just sits on his backside playing videos games on THEIR computer and THEIR tv. Reminds me of the nephew who watches the chipmunks in the alvin and the chipmunks sequel. Uh, not on my watch thank you very much. Get a job and get outta here!

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

You just described our nephew! DH's sister's son is 20 something, dropped out of high school as either a freshman or sophmore, doesn't work, lives with SIL and plays World of Warcraft 24/7. His only friends are his online friends. He isn't depressed. He willingly does his chores and is very pleasant to be around. The rest of DH's family can't figure out why she lets him get away with this but it's really none of our business so we stay out of it.

It's not just "letting him get away with it", it's encouraging your kids in what is best for them. What kind of a future can a kid/man have when a game is their life. How can they ever support themselves, get married, be a parent. I agree it isn't anyone's business, but what a sad, sad situation.

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Melissa

Thanks for everyones thoughts and ideas....
It is truly sad to sit and watch someones marriage self destruct because of X box....

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Be careful what you wish for.....

Yes I agree it is not anyone elses business, but there is no way any child of mine would drop out of school and not work and play video games at all. Especially in today times how can this type of child or young adult become a productive member of our society. For my cousin whom I mentioned he is an only child, he was born with autiusm and his dad passed away several years ago. His mom my first cousin has never held a single job in her life, she does however suffer from many mental issues and collects money for him and her. I honestly do not know the whole suituation money wise, but last I heard he was applying for work on McDonalds. I have been in his company a few times and he curses and has a extremely foul mouth but I also wonder if he came from the continued watching of the these violent videos or his lifestyle and his upbringing. Which of course is another story because my cousin his mom drinks alot and parties alot. All and all not a good lifestyle but I have read people can and are addicted to these games just like alcohol and drugs and smoking it must be so sad. peace. Catherine