Psychologists are still debating whether video game "addiction" is the correct term, but most agree that playing too much can cause serious problems. When a game like World of Warcraft begins to have a major negative effect on your life, it is time to admit that you are no longer enjoying that seemingly harmless pleasure.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Stop WoW Addiction
Step 1. JJoin the WoW addict community
Visit reddit's "no WoW" community or Online Gamers Anonymous for advice and support from other gamers.
Step 2. Get real-life supporters
Approach friends and family, especially those whose relationships have been strained by your addiction. Ask them to encourage you.
Step 3. Make a list of things that are helpful if you quit
There are so many things that make your life better once you are no longer obsessed with the game:
- More opportunities to meet friends and try new things
- Healthier sleep schedule and activity level
- Clearer focus at work or school
- More money to spend or save
- No backache, wrist pain, or eye strain
Step 4. Identify what you are addicted to
Oftentimes, it's a social obligation to your friends and associations, the satisfaction of having control and power, and a game target to be pursued constantly. Find a way to get it in real life, using the suggestions below.
Step 5. Track your progress towards real-life goals
Daily goals and rewards are also good motivation for productive activities, such as exercise, real-life social interactions, and job hunting.
Try HabitRPG, a productivity software for gamers
Step 6. Find a different hobby
Read a book, throw a basketball in some holes, or ask a real-life friend to teach him an activity he does in his spare time. Even other offline video games can sometimes be used as a temporary measure.
Step 7. Start a satisfying activity
If you are feeling stressed in your life, replace it with activities that make you satisfied, not just activities to distract yourself. Some good ideas include:
- Take courses online or at a community college (a two-year short course).
- Volunteer at soup kitchens, or donate money for one month's WoW subscription fees to a charity instead.
- Make an offer to a friend to listen to a problem he has.
Step 8. Visit a therapist
Find a therapist who specializes in cognitive behavior, who can help you change your thoughts and feelings about the game.
Part 2 of 2: Gradually Quitting the Game
Step 1. Take a break from your gathering
Leave the group for a week, and tell your friends in your group that you can't come. At the end of the week, consider extending your break, or start a "one week attend, one week absent" pattern.
Ignore your chatty friends when you take a break. They can survive without you
Step 2. Give away your WoW items and gold
Give the items to strangers who won't return them if you return. This will reduce your sense of accomplishment and accomplishment.
Step 3. Delete your favorite characters
Prepare yourself mentally and remove one of your highest-leveled characters, which will remove an emotional attachment to the game.
Step 4. Set up parental controls
Most operating systems have parental control settings that place restrictions on when you log in or surf the internet. Ask a friend to choose their password and keep it a secret from you.
Step 5. Block router ports
Access your router's settings and look for its firewall or port protocol settings. Block ports 1119 and 3724, and no one on your wireless network can access WoW.
If you can't find these settings, look online for instructions specific to your router brand
Step 6. Delete the game
Many former WoW addicts find that they can't play the game in moderation. So, deleting the game and letting your subscription expire is often a safer option.
Tips
- If you're trying to break a friend's addiction, he'll need to admit he has a problem before this can happen. Ask him to answer these questions to find out how much of his life has been filled with the game.
- Don't indulge this addiction with forums and articles related to Warcraft. Delete everything from your bookmarks.
