Is this normal????

[TerryPHD]

I haven't really been gaming for a couple of months. I still have the games on my computer. I still log in from time to time but I don' I play or very seldom do and it's usually around 11 o'clock my time and then I log off. Is this part of the withdrawal symptoms I also have been feeling sick and like something is missing?

[wheatbiscuit]

5 hours ago, TerryPHD said:

I haven't really been gaming for a couple of months. I still have the games on my computer. I still log in from time to time but I don' I play or very seldom do and it's usually around 11 o'clock my time and then I log off. Is this part of the withdrawal symptoms I also have been feeling sick and like something is missing?

Same story here. Last year, I deleted all of the games and files, and for the 5 months going without, followed every little rabbit-hole thought online, blaming other people for all sorts of problems. That worked for no-gaming, but not so well for life as a whole. 

The last two 'quits' were because I chose to show up for a few people and they showed me a good time in turn - a better time than I felt I was having gaming and stuff, as opposed to just feeling bad about my gaming relationships. So I didn't delete the games, because I could barely believe I felt happy about anything offline. I'm going to be giving completely forgetting about them some more honest effort.

As for sickness, you may be more aware of sensations/feelings and not know what to do with them now that you're paying attention - I'm not a professional or expert - but maybe it really is a longing of sorts to get 'back in the thick of things (life), that being what it is for you personally. 

Good luck, as I actually do enjoy saying. 👍

[pdallair91]

First of all, I'm not an expert, this is mostly my opinion based on personal experience.

I've been to a lot of secular addiction group meetings (not the 12-step kind) in the past, though not recently.  People go there to get support for a variety of addictions (drugs & alcohol, sex, social media, games, gambling, shopping, etc.).   It helped me kick my marijuana addiction back in ~2016 but I still struggle with gaming.  I haven't been off of games in quite some time and I must admit I'm falling behind in many areas.

Anyways, a lot of newcomers to the support group would ask something along the lines of "Should I completely abstain, or can I allow myself to use on special occasions".  I may be mistaken but I think it's the general belief in the field of psychology at least, that complete abstinence is the more reliable and effective treatment.  After all, when we think about it, the rules are simple, clear, and rigid, thus we are less likely to "get away with it" if we end up "cheating" so to speak.  While it may feel harder to get the ball rolling at first, one is less likely to relapse in the long term, I believe.

If you want to go with a more "moderation" focused approach, that's fine, that's your choice and it's not impossible but it's more complicated.  You must set clear rules, and you must hold yourself accountable.  If you start bending the rules and don't acknowledge your guilt and regret your actions, well... why not bend these rules a little more next time?  You get what I'm saying.  It's more "risky" per se.

I think @wheatbiscuit points out well what's important to do to recover: believe in yourself and the change you want to accomplish.  You can find healthier alternatives for whatever you are trying to fill with gaming, if not let go of this craving altogether.  What helped me quit marijuana in ~2016 was the people I met at meetings and other activities.  It took some time, effort/courage, but after a while, I felt valued (despite my inadequacies) 3 to 4 times a week.  Often enough personally, that back home, alone, I didn't have as much of an "empty feeling" to stave off.  I could do things other than binge gaming or eating in between and it felt "good".

Whatever, you decide to do, it's up to you comrade and I wish you luck.  Don't hesitate to get professional help if you can and don't hesitate to come back here to share your experience.  Peace out.