Are you Addicted to WoW?

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Ranked #322 in Games, #4,858 overall

World of Warcraft - Innocent Online Game - Or Addictive Nightmare?

Dr. Maressa Hecht Orzack, a clinical psychologist at McLean Hospital in Massachusetts, has come forward to claim that up to 40 percent of World of Warcraft players are addicted to the game.  Can someone really be addicted to a video game?  Where do you draw the line?  When does the fantasy world of online role playing bleed in to your daily life?

Do you know anyone (or yourself) who has ever broken plans because of WoW?  Do you know people who ignore their friends and family?  How is online gaming any different than say watching TV?

While this Squidoo Lens can't cover the complexities associated with addiction, it is a serious question.  What do you do if someone you love is forsaking their day to day life for a game?  When do you draw the line?

How Many Hours a Week Do You You Play WoW? 

And how many are too many?

Are you a gamer? Play World of Warcraft? How much time do you spend online in a given week? This includes time spent working on guild websites, and preparing for raids.

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WOW Addiction Resouces and Links 

Sites with more information about WOW Addiction

Addicted to World of Warcraft? Know someone who is? Are you wondering if someone you know is being adversely affected by this online game?
WoW Detox - The Detox center for your World of Warcraft Addiction!
Web site for recovering WoW addicts. The first step to self improvement is understanding the problem. The second step is finding something healthy to replace it with.
Expert: 40 Percent of World of Warcraft Players Addicted
TwitchGuru is a destination site for the Twitch Generation
GamesFirst! Editorial
Editorial: Help me! I'm addicted to World of Warcraft!
40% of WoW Players are Addicted
Another article about WoW Addiction.
Gonna have to face it, you're addicted to WoW :: DESTRUCTOID :: Hardcore video game blog
Gonna have to face it, you're addicted to WoW 30 comments by Christina Faith Winterburn on 02.06.2007 Level Up is a new documentary that explores the possible addictive nature of World of Warcraft. The movie contains interviews with
How to Break a World of Warcraft Addiction - wikiHow
wikiHow article about How to Break a World of Warcraft Addiction.
World of Warcraft Addiction Stories - Gaming Today
Are you addicted to WoW? Warcraft addictions seem to be fairly common. I'm definitely not saying there is anything wrong with video game addictions. We all need to have at ...
Break World of Warcraft Addiction
Are you needing to break your World of Warcraft addiction and get back to real life?

Symptoms of computer or video game addiction: 

For children:

  • Most of non-school hours are spent on the computer or playing video games.
  • Falling asleep in school.
  • Not keeping up with assignments.
  • Worsening grades.
  • Lying about computer or video game use.
  • Choosing to use the computer or play video games, rather than see friends.
  • Dropping out of other social groups (clubs or sports).
  • Irritable when not playing a video game or on the computer.

Wow Addiction 

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Are you Addicted? 

Quizes to help you decide

These quizzes are for entertainment only - they should not be used as a diagnostic tool, but they might open your eyes.
OKCupid! The World of Warcraft Addiction Test
OkCupid's the #1 free online dating site. Specializing in personality analysis, it was programmed by Harvard math grads. This test is not intended to be a diagnostic tool, but for entertainment value only.
Am I Addicted to WoW?
Am I Addicted to WoW? This is to see if you are addicted to the MMORPG game, World of Warcraft. If you have this game, expect to rate 100% on it. If you don't have the game, What's the point in taking it then, right? Right.
Now, take this quiz and hurry before your guild raid starts.
Daft WoW addiction quiz - BeyondUnreal Forums
An online forum where you can discuss your quiz ratings with other quiz takers.

What do you really think? 

Should MMORPGs be banned? Or is it the indivduals problem?

Should MMORPGs be banned?

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Yes, they are evil and serve no purpose in society except to waste time and ruin lives.

mathew says:

fuck yes they destroy peoples lives

Michelle says:

yes. my almost middle aged mother is addicted to WoW. she lives it, sleeps it, breathes it. she's cheating on my dad with a guy she met on that game. she's not a mother anymore, she's a monster. BAN IT

John says:

its a personal choice to be made by the player.

dude says:

that shit is a complete waste of time.

ryan says:

its a dubble edged sword people who are cripled should be able to play it but someone who is phisicly healthy shouldnt be able to play it.

hotshot says:

Eat my shit u have no reason to play wow go out and get a life

paco says:

FUCK YOU NOOBS PLAY MORE WOW WTF FTW PRO L337 UB3R HAX ROFLMAO OWN !

Alt f4 says:

Yes what is this world coming too... I say get rid of every
single computer world wide and burn them.

"even though I know i'm addicted I know the world would be
better without them"

Adolf says:

Yes all video video games should be banned and instead people should be forced to swim, jog, box or any other physical activity!

Heck no! Ever heard of personal responsibilty? The government shouldn't ban games because some people can't handle it.

Alice<3 says:

No.
It's the persons choice to play a game or get on with your life.
You can have a balance of both aswell!

Reallywiseperson says:

Well. these games are designed to make kids that are lonely or dont fit in have something to do, after a while they may get addicted. I reasearhed this and vit said that they use it as a new society where imagination thrives. I beleive it can be dangorous to these people, especially if they dont really have much to do, some people have no problem sitting there in front of the screen spending their life in that room. But even then again, some just have only that as a fun thing to do, and would bang that screen so hard if some of their friends came and wanted to do something fun. But, this thing was desighned to be addictive so it is dangerous. Stop playing it soo long every day or if you dont do that just dont play it when your an adult. You can play it, just remember, you always need to ompletely stop one day. Im not taking sides, beacause, i play it myself.

svetlana says:

meh

Denzana says:

Hell no! Approx. 65% of people between 25 and 65 have a drug problem (Alcohol IS a drug), and you don't see society looking down on THEM!

Ipwnshit says:

It's just something to do...some people go drinking or sleep all day or even jsut watch tv for hours and hours...where's the difference? People need something that keeps them occupied...why not a game?

Bob says:

People have a responsibility for their own actions. Period!

Brian says:

NOOOOOOO AMAGAWD it is the best genre of games created in Earth!
FOR THE HORDE!

gw156 says:

im not saying wow should be banned but i used to be an addict and a serious one but i got clean one day i just decided i need to stop i was on the computer all the time i decided i needed to quit and i had the choice of getting addicted and i had the choice of breaking that addiction anyone can break their addiction they just dont want to and lots of people dont think they can but they can break it im not saying quit the game all together i still play but i broke my addiction and spent 3 months with my account deactivated untill i thought i was mentaly prepared to do something like continue playing now i play maybe 2 hours a day when i used to play around 6 its all about choicei nevr really thought i was addicted until iquit and saw the damage i was causing ever since i left the game igot a job got a girlfriend and i got a new car its helped me and i felt i really matured when that happened and i felt i was ready to be able to play again so it up to you it always has been

bunnie says:

Some people just need to know their damn limits. There are other things to worry about like our country going bankrupt. Theres no need to worry about banning games because it ruins our lives. Its the players fault.

that guy says:

NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 
view all 63 comments

Books to help prevent and overcome addiction from Amazon 

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games: The People, the Addiction and the Playing Experience - This book is about the fastest growing form of electronic game in the world-the Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG). It introduces these self-contained three-dimensional virtual worlds, often inhabited by thousands of players, and describes their evolution and sometimes become addicted to it. It also delves into the psychology of the people who inhabit the game universe and explores the development of the unique cultures, economies, moral codes, and slang in these virtual communities. It explains how the games are built, the spin-offs that players create to enhance their game lives, and peeks at the future of MMORPGs as they evolve from a form of amusement to an educational, scientific, and business tool.

Based on hundreds of interviews over a three-year period, the work explores reasons people are attracted to and addicted to these games. It also surveys many existing and upcoming games, identifying their unique features and attractions. Two appendices list online addiction organizations and MMORPG information sites

Overcoming Addiction - Michael Harridan brings us step by step along the route to addiction and toward overcoming it.

Playstation Nation - Authors Olivia and Kurt Bruner give parents what they need to know to save their kids from addiction to video games--before and after exposure.

Virtual Addiction - This book includes 12 warning signs of Internet abuse, steps for addicts to change behavior, and advice for compulsive online shoppers and stock traders.

Overcoming Addiction: A Common Sense Approach

Amazon Price: $9.31 (as of 01/06/2010) Buy Now

Playstation Nation: Protect Your Child from Video Game Addiction

Amazon Price: (as of 01/06/2010) Buy Now

Virtual Addiction: Help for Netheads, Cyberfreaks, and Those Who Love Them

Amazon Price: (as of 01/06/2010) Buy Now

Symptoms of computer or video game addiction: 

Physical Symptoms:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Back, neck aches
  • Headaches
  • Dry eyes
  • Failure to eat regularly or neglect personal hygiene

World of Warcraft Addiction Research 

World of Warcraft Addiction Research

A Purdue student/WoW player's research into the World of Warcraft. Songs- Beethoven's 9th Syphony Mad World - Gary Jules Strict Machine - Goldfrapp

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Yahoo News on Addiction 

Addiction Health News

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Internet Humor from Toxic Tops 

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Symptoms of computer or video game addiction: 

For adults:

  • Computer or video game use is characterized by intense feelings of pleasure and guilt.
  • Obsessing and pre-occupied about being on the computer, even when not connected.
  • Hours playing video games or on the computer increasing, seriously disrupting family, social or even work life.
  • Lying about computer or video game use.
  • Experience feelings of withdrawal, anger, or depression when not on the computer or involved with their video game.
  • May incur large phone or credit bills for on-line services.
  • Can't control computer or video game use.
  • Fantasy life on-line replaces emotional life with partner.

What do you think? 

Do you think people can be addicted to games like World of Warcraft? Do you think that this is becoming a serious problem? Or do you feel that this has all been blown out of proportion by a few over zealous anti-video game nut jobs? Do you know anyone (including yourself) who has had serious consequences due to games like WoW?

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  • Reply
    Johan Johan Oct 31, 2009 @ 8:50 am
    I just found this - know anything about it? Break World of Warcraft Addiction
  • Reply
    lj lj Jun 16, 2009 @ 8:21 pm
    help my sister is 45 and plays 42 hrs a week, don't play is this too much? avoids any other social events, and leaves family functions to play. don't know if I am paranoid or if this is normal
  • Reply
    ClaytonKashuba ClaytonKashuba May 17, 2009 @ 5:02 pm
    I wrote an article today about the reason why world of warcraft is addicting. Please read it and let me know what you guys think!

    http://www.squidoo.com/TheReasonWhyWorldOfWarcraftIsAddicting
  • Reply
    RubyJ RubyJ Mar 14, 2009 @ 8:28 am
    I definitely agree that you can let WOW take over your life. Putting the word Addiction on it almost gives people an excuse " I'm addicted, it's the game's fault!" Truth is people just don't have to will power to STOP. If you are addicted, it's time to get off the dang computer and back into the world. Playing WOW is great! I personally love the game, but I also compete in 3-4 triathlons a year, am a college student, with boyfriend and I work. Word of the century : Moderation.
  • Reply
    Wowgoldfan Wowgoldfan Jan 14, 2009 @ 7:38 pm
    People can be addicted to World of Warcraft Games because it's fun especially if you get better items by getting more wow gold. They wouldn't blame the game for it's the manner in which the person uses it.
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My WoW Addiction-(dance included!) 

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