How to tell if you're addicted to games?

[popblanks]

Hi. I worry because my parents have gotten mad at me a lot lately playing games. I always say that I am not addicted, but now I worry because I have my future to think about.. I played a lot during the summer but my parents only let me play during weekends on school days. Could you guys answer the title question?

[Joltrabbit]

When I turn on my phone just to post on a forum about video games.

Oh, you mean for you! Ask yourself this question: can you go 72 hours without playing a game?

If you can't then you probably are. If it does bother you then go without the next day and see how you feel.

[S.I.D. CrAzY]

I think I spend more time talking about video games nowadays than I do playing them. Not the worst addiction to have really, as long as it doesn't interfere with your regular life,(work, family, spouse, school) then I wouldn't worry about it.

Playing only on weekends during school days sounds far from being addicted, of course that's assuming it's not affecting your performance in school(like homework for instance). Playing a lot during summer seems like a common thing, though you might want to look into getting a part time job perhaps(depending on your age)? That might get your parents to see that you're not spending your entire summer just in front of the screen.

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im 14. Im actually a good student but idk.. I'm getting into trouble a lot recently sometimes about games..

[TSFP]

Lol I think I'm addicted to video games

[MidianGTX]

If you're only playing during weekends I think it's pretty safe to assume you're not addicted. If you were you'd be sneaking in gaming sessions throughout the week too. Signs to watch out for include missing meals, lack of sleep, missing appointments (work, school, etc) and a noticeable drop in social activities. Playing games with friends is fine, but if you ignore them all in favor of a day of gaming, you might be approaching that thin line.

Equally as important as addiciton: don't let gaming stress you out. If you find you're constantly ragequitting or throwing controllers you might need to take up a more relaxing game or cut down on your time spent gaming.

[subrar08]

If you feel really happy when you're playing games, but as soon as you have to stop, you get angry or upset. You think about playing when you are supposed to be focusing on other things, like doing school work or having dinner with your family. then I think you are addicted.
I would recommend, you must balance your life regarding family demands, your career and fun or entertainment. If you just focus on yourself and realize the present situation you yourself will be able to handle the affairs but patience is the central point.

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Thanks everyone. I'm very easily bored.. I hate boredom so much I would rather die.. Whenever I play games I do feel happy, but when I stop I still feel fine. I do think about games from time to time though.

[spacecowgoesmoo]

As long as you get good grades and do well in school, you can do whatever the hell you want with your free time with absolutely zero guilt. And unless you're one of those guys who ends up on the news for starving to death while playing WoW, then you have nothing to worry about.

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I play about 2 hrs each day during the summer.. And my parents say that if I play like this, I'm gonna starve and kill myself....