For many, gaming can be entertainment in everyday life, but some eventually discover that it has become a destructive habit. This man tells his story of how he got caught up in online gaming, particularly League of Legends, and how he eventually found his way out through the help and support of Game Addiction Norway.
A gradual build-up - the start of the gambling addiction
His gaming addiction began in 7th grade, when he started playing League of Legends. At first, it seemed like a harmless hobby, especially since his grades at school weren't affected. "I got good grades all through middle school, so I didn't see gaming as a problem," he says. Yet, looking back, he remembers situations that showed that gambling was already becoming a problem.
"My little brother often came into my room and wanted to be with me," he says. But instead of paying attention to his brother, he ignored him and focused on the game. If he played badly, he would get angry at his little brother and blame him for distracting him. "Today I see that I had a problem even then," he reflects.
Isolation and loneliness - how gaming has affected your life
Originally, gaming was a way for him to combat loneliness. "I've always spent a lot of time outside my group of friends, and when they started playing League of Legends, I saw it as an opportunity to be part of the group," he says. But the game had the opposite effect. "In reality, gaming just took me further and further away from people." He pushed his family away, especially his younger brother, and had more and more conflict with his parents. Over time, he became more isolated and struggled to build new friendships.
The peak of his isolation came after high school, where he spent over two years almost exclusively gaming and looking at YouTube, memes and social media. "It all became a vicious circle," he admits.
The turning point - seeking help after several attempts
Despite seeking help from several psychologists, he never felt he got the support he needed. "I found myself falling behind in every subject at NTNU. I was on the verge of giving up," he says. In addition, the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) had reached its maximum, and the opportunity to take out more student loans was gone.
The turning point came when he discovered Gambling Addiction Norway. After several phone calls, he was invited to join a group for gambling addicts, which gave him a new perspective. "With the support of them and my girlfriend, I managed to get through the semester," he says.
Strategies and support - the key to recovery
The road out of addiction has been characterized by trial and error. One of the most important supports has been the digital gamer group at Gaming Addiction Norway. "I met others with the same challenges as myself," he says. Weekly meetings in this group have become a cornerstone of his recovery. He's also found it helpful to hold himself accountable through daily messages that he's managed to stay away from games and online distractions.
Other tools have included finding non-digital activities, such as soccer and board games, and agreeing with your boyfriend to limit screen time during periods when the urge is strong. "I've learned that regulation doesn't work. There has to be complete abstinence," he emphasizes.
Life after gambling - rebuilding relationships and social life
Today, he sees his challenge as an internet addiction more than just a video game addiction. "I haven't played League of Legends since last summer," he says. He's managed to go months without YouTube, cut out memes altogether, and drastically reduced his use of social media. Today, he only uses them to communicate with friends and family.
One of the most noticeable changes is the joy he now finds in socializing. "I've always considered myself an introvert, but without all the internet entertainment, I've started to feel the joy of being social," he says. He's gotten closer to his family, especially his younger brother, and has also made new friends and rekindled old friendships.
"In a way, it's been a bit of a circle," he reflects. "I started playing because I was lonely. I stayed lonely when I was playing. When I stopped playing, I was still lonely, but when I cut out YouTube, social media and meme sites, things changed. I'm no longer as lonely."
Although he still has days when it's hard to stay off the internet, he's optimistic. "When it's at its worst, I have to focus on one hour at a time," he says. But he ends on a positive note: "My life has never been better than it is now, and I couldn't have done it without Gaming Addiction Norway."
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