Internet Addiction Recovery Program

Posted by @BtmnHatesRbn at GameSpot.com

Rehab doesn't work unless the person admits they have a problem

I'm not suggesting forced rehab. I don't think it's even possible, as few (if any) reputable clinics will accept a patient that is dragged in against their will. Most demand that the patient make the decision themselves, since rehab doesn't work unless the person admits they have a problem and want to get better. As for our friend, simply 'cutting him off' won't be enough. Addiction is a nasty beast. He'll just play games he already has, or pirate new ones, or shoplift, or play some free Web games. We can't keep confusing 'hardcore gamer' and 'genuine addict,' because they're not quite the same.

News of the Weird did a semi-local story about a guy who was completely hooked on Internet smut. His wife had completely eliminated computers from their home, and gave him the ultimatum... and he ends up getting busted for 'doing his business' on a PC at a freakin' public library, with 30-40 people in the room. Gotta throw logic out the window when we talk addiction, because it no longer exists. People go nuts.

Posted by Greynar at GameSpot.com

Posted Aug 25, 2009 11:48 am PT

Let's put this in perspective.Gaming addiction is real.

If you don't think it is, then no matter what anyone says here you won't believe them and you need to ask yourself a few questions:Would you rather spend time with a friend or mate, or play a game?Have you ever stayed home form work or school to play a game? Do you prefer your online friends to your family and loved ones?Think about it and answer honestly.An honest person recognizes faults within themselves - an addict answers honestly, but justifies the answers.Answering yes to any one of these questions should raise a concern - I know it did for me. Answering yes to all of them should set alarm bells ringing.The article deals with the opening of a clinic, and recognition of the fact that their is such a thing as an addiction to gaming. Regardless of the fact that no-one can reasonable afford the fees to attend the clinic other than the extremely wealthy, we all need to talk to each other in an open, honest forum and not deny what the real cost is in human loss. Families are breaking up becasue of this - the same as any other addiction, so stop making light of this, and start taking action.