[Insiders+ Access] Video Game Addiction is REAL

Alex received his first video game station at the age of two. His love and eventual addiction to video gaming continued throughout his life. It wasn’t until recently that Alex found SMART Recovery, and has made positive changes to his life and began managing his problematic behavior.

In this interview, Alex talks about:

• His dad buying him a VecTrex at two years old
• The progression of gaming systems and how the technology over time
• The “water cooler” conversations around new video games
• First realizing that there was an issue with gaming when he didn’t “grow out of it”
• The “Just Say No to Drugs” PSAs being counterproductive in video games
• The opportunity cost of continuing to play video games
• Video gaming addiction characteristics
• Trying other recovery programs, then finding SMART
• The ways SMART talks about addiction and the nuances for helping each person differently
• How the pandemic affected his addiction
• Knowing he can’t keep throwing his life away

Additional resources:

• Artist Georgia O’Keeffe
• World of Warcraft
• The Guardian Article
• SMART Recovery Handbook
• Loot Boxes Controversy
•  Coping With Urges
• SMART Toolbox
• Reddit Stop Gaming

Listen as a Podcast:

• Apple iTunes
• Google Play
• Spotify
• iHeartRadio
• RadioPublic
• The SMART Recovery YouTube channel

Click here to find all of SMART Recovery’s podcasts

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If you are interested in addiction recovery support, we encourage you to visit the SMART Recovery website.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

If you or someone you love is in great distress and considering self-harm, please call 911 for immediate help, or reach out to The National Suicide Prevention Hotline @ 800-273-8255, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

We look forward to you joining the conversation!

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