So, I have an addiction
General forum
Posted on May 22, 2015, 5:32 p.m. by Programmer_112
Like the title says, I'm addicted to MtG. I spend about 4-6 hours a day doing something Magic-related, and my spending on cards far exceeds what my income should allow. I honestly don't know what to do about this. Has anyone had a similar experience? I really need some sort of help.
Thanks
Eliiiiiiiiiiiiiiza says... #4
I think KillTheIslandUser was on to something... If you really think it's consuming your life that much, get someone to rein you in. It's a lot more helpful than you'd think. As much as I love this game, I hate to see people hurting
May 22, 2015 5:49 p.m.
It's not an addiction unless it has three components:
obsession: inability to stop thinking about magic at the detriment of other things you should be worrying about.
compulsion: inability to stop doing things related to magic at the detriment of other things that you should be doing.
impact: you feel that your addiction to magic is having a significant negative impact on your life.
May 22, 2015 5:52 p.m.
HolyFalcon says... #6
I play too much too, just not an outright addiction. I do enjoy having a playgroup at school I can play with everyday, even if some people in it aren't the nicest.
May 22, 2015 5:56 p.m.
MindAblaze says... #7
Honestly the girlfriend comment made me laugh, but it's legitimate. People with addictions tend to find the most success talking about the triggers for what makes them turn to their addictions (ie what are we escaping with the addiction,) having a good support network (controlling girlfriend works if that happens to not be triggering for you) and mainly avoiding the triggers. Magic had obviously formed some kind of an association for you that is serving your purpose, and whatever that purpose is has established itself as worth that much time at the expense of anything else. You'll want to avoid Magic shops and friends, disconnect from websites such as this, and rid yourself of your collection. This will give you an advantage...out of sight out of mind.
The key question though is whether the pros of magic have outweighed the cons. You've indicated money and time as primary concerns. Often times that's not enough for people to make the changes they see as valuable. They want to want change, but whatever purpose the addiction is serving is better than the alternative...taking away a coping mechanism.
May 22, 2015 5:56 p.m.
Eliiiiiiiiiiiiiiza says... #8
Chief, I feel like he's got all three of those; at least two.
By his own account, he spends about a quarter of any given day thinking about or playing the game, he overshoots his budget and he came to a Magic site to ask for help when it comes to playing less Magic.
I've been in similar situations I'd rather not get into now, and I can tell that this is genuine.
May 22, 2015 5:59 p.m.
aeonstoremyliver says... #9
ChiefBell is our resident Psychology guru here on T/O. I'd trust what he says.
The emphasis of his statement is that if MTG related activities hinder the progress of daily life. Are you not able to pay your bills because you're spending too much money? Is your time spent playing the game hurting your personal relationships? Is your job in jeopardy because of time and effort spent on the game?
If this is the case, I would recommend seeking professional help from a licensed clinician.
May 22, 2015 6:05 p.m.
Just speak to a therapist. But its probably not a hardcore addiction, its probably just an obsession which is addiction without compulsion. Like you just CHOOSE to spend time on magic instead of it being full blown addiction where you HAVE to spend time on magic because like.... you're addicted.
May 22, 2015 6:10 p.m.
Edit: the markers I provided are usually used for uncontrollable behaviour. Actual substance abuse disorders are different. But current diagnostic criteria are hard for non-substance abuses like gaming or internet etc so you have to sort of fit obsessive-compulsive traits to it.
May 22, 2015 6:14 p.m.
The Magic is likely a symptom of another issue. Are you trying to avoid other more important matters?
What is it you want from the Magic?
My suggestion is to continue playing the game. Without knowing what the matter is at heart it will be a let down trying to force the issue (I believe). If it is an addiction that's putting yourself into another world I would look for those who can see your stance. They would help see what the backdrop issue is.
Like anything in life it's 'what are you trying to get?'
May 22, 2015 6:14 p.m.
I'm in the girlfriend phase. That's why my Tron deck hasn't been updated in a few months, my binder hasn't been updated in even longer, and I can't keep up with the new spoilers.
May 22, 2015 7:22 p.m.
ducttapedeckbox says... #14
I wouldn't be concerned as long as other important aspects of your life remain affected, i.e. if your grades stay up or your productivity at work doesn't drop.
May 22, 2015 7:35 p.m.
KillTheIslandUser says... #15
still saying the gf approach is the best approach.
May 22, 2015 7:42 p.m.
hippienproud says... #16
If you have a problem controlling yourself, the solution isn't to get someone else to control you. Seeking help from friends, family, etc is a good thing, but ignoring the causes of a problem by using another human being as a band-aid won't fix the problem.
May 22, 2015 8:07 p.m.
KillTheIslandUser says... #17
pussy power is something that can't be ignored. Wars have been started over it... BIG WARS
May 22, 2015 8:11 p.m.
notamardybum says... #18
I told my gf the other day if it wasnt for her id be spending my entire paycheck on magic. She just gave me a ylure a tucking idiot look
May 22, 2015 8:52 p.m.
MakoLifeStream says... #19
i recommend spending more time playing magic. go out and spend your entire paycheck on cards. then take your credit card and buy more. go to as many card shops as possible and hone your game. then join a pro tour and win. BAM!!! problem solved. former addiction turned career.
May 22, 2015 8:52 p.m.
TheAnnihilator says... #20
vishnarg Lol, I don't have that to hold me back, but I rarely update my decks (except the one/two I play the most) and I can't seem to find time to update my binder either! xD My T/O rank comes solely from forum participation.
May 25, 2015 2:20 p.m.
My girlfriend started to play magic as well. Shit got real.
May 25, 2015 2:21 p.m.
fluffybunnypants says... #22
There goes any disposable income you have.
On the subject at hand:
Sometimes you have to just take a step back. I would recommend setting a budget and starting to spend time doing other things that involve some sort of physical activity. If you're in the northern hemisphere, it's warm outside now, it's a great time to start getting out for hikes or jogging (soft j, yogging).
KillTheIslandUser says... #2
Easy problem
Get a really controlling gf.. that's what stopped me...
May 22, 2015 5:34 p.m.