Who else has seen this article and thought of FFXI

[Nikoloi]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060609/ap_on_hi_te/video_game_detox

lol

 

[Halifirien]

I do page layout for a daily newspaper, and I absolutely had to use that story. It even had a great pic of a "video game addict" looking pensively out the window.

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - An addiction center is opening Europe's first detox clinic for video game addicts, offering in-house treatment for people who can't leave their joysticks alone.

Video games may look innocent, but they can be as addictive as gambling or drugs — and just as hard to kick, says Keith Bakker, director of Amsterdam-based Smith & Jones Addiction Consultants.

Bakker already has treated 20 video game addicts, aged 13 to 30, since January. Some show withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking and sweating, when they look at a computer console.

His detox program begins in July. It will run four to eight weeks, and will include therapy sessions, wilderness excursions, healthy lifestyle workshops and possibly medication.

Research into video gaming is still in its infancy, and researchers haven't agreed on how to define addiction. But many experts say it's clear many of the young people who show dependency on video games are in trouble.

Continue to article...

I handle my joystick just fine.

 

[chrono fantasy]

Although I just love playing FFXI all the time and not really anything else, I don't think I'm as addicted. After all, I do go out and work, and may do other stuff once in a while, and my communication isn't that bad, since my job requires me to communicate with people outside video games, and I'm not too shy or afraid to do so.

I've never seen this kind of article mind you.

 

[Halifirien]

The part that cracked me up where the "addicts" said they were taking drugs in order to stay up late. I have to wonder if they're talking about caffeine or something harder. Me? I can't be bothered. I like my sleep too much. The games are always still there in the morning.

 

[Uzor]

The part that cracked me up where the "addicts" said they were taking drugs in order to stay up late. I have to wonder if they're talking about caffeine or something harder. Me? I can't be bothered. I like my sleep too much. The games are always still there in the morning.

I'm addicted to sleep <.<; I get headaches and sleep depression if I go without sleep for several days! I just can't stop!

 

[Nikoloi]

lol i love the part where it says it starts with a game boy and develops into a game that wasnt made to be beaten(aka ffxi). but yeah "Tim" looks so sad hahaha

 

[Tiael]

Lol, sleep is a good thing, I do crazy things w/o it, so I'll never end up like that heh

 

[Pasquale]

"Some show withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking and sweating, when they look at a computer console."

Best line in the whole article. I don't know what games these people are playing that make them withdrawl like that, but I want in. They must have some kind of heroin-rumble pack that connects to their arm.

"'I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know what it was.'"

Yeah, it could be your addiction to games. It could also be Herpes, the siwent kiwwer... ooOOOOOoooooooo

 

[Nikoloi]

"Some show withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking and sweating, when they look at a computer console."

Best line in the whole article. I don't know what games these people are playing that make them withdrawl like that, but I want in. They must have some kind of heroin-rumble pack that connects to their arm.

"'I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know what it was.'"

Yeah, it could be your addiction to games. It could also be Herpes, the siwent kiwwer... ooOOOOOoooooooo

Hahaha

 

[Negorissimo]

Lol I found out I was a Video-Game Addict when my mom couldn't stop me from playing Pac-Man in my Atari back in the 70's. Now even thou I'm a Succesful Professional, it's too late for me...

But, I'm starting to see some "signs" on my son (Neggy)...

I gotta save him!

 

[Mistra]

I hear ya on sleep... although when I am deprived on sleep for some odd reason it increases my sex drive... oddly enough.

 

[Uzor]

I hear ya on sleep... although when I am deprived on sleep for some odd reason it increases my sex drive... oddly enough.

I've tried and tried to cut back on sleep as its reducing my possible play time! /cry :banghead3:

 

[Mistra]

lol, I dunno what to say to that exactly ;

 

[Master Honcho]

ya ffxi is addicting. thats why i quit. its fun tho.. umm derka derka derka

 

[Tyrath]

From there, it can progress to multilevel games that aren't made to be won.

That defines FFXI :|

 

[Acks]

I can quit when I want to.
See I'm not playing right now.
.
.
.
Now I'm gonna start again.