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CONFESSIONS OF A RECOVERING WOW-A-HOLIC
This is the first time I've spoken out about my addiction to World of Warcraft and how it has affected my life. I welcome to you to follow me through this journey of self discovery.

Posted by on Apr 9, 2010 10:33 (Apr 9, 2010 10:33)
When I started writing this article I was unsure on where to start. What would I touch on? Should I lie about certain details or maybe just leave some unsaid? Is it smarter to avoid some words that could spark my addiction again? Should I even write this article, knowing the struggle I face daily? Are readers (like yourself) more interested in a fun and entertaining review than a sad and heart-breaking article?
 
World of Warcraft
 
I started World of Warcraft on the first of November in 2004 during Open Beta. I remember that Monday because as soon as I got home from work, I fired up my new computer and logged into the game. At the time I had no idea what I was getting myself into. In fact, I only played the game for an hour that night. I created a gnome warlock and hit level four. "Wow!" I thought, "This is easy!" Maybe that's why I decided to try it again the next night.
 
I played a total of 109 days on my main character. He was created the day the game came out and I finally deleted him last June. He was the first level 60 priest on the server which immediately landed me an invite to a guild that was formed from the first high-level players there. From 2004 to 2006, our guild was the first to kill Ragnaros, Onyxia, and Nefarian. We opened the gate to Ahn'Qiraj and were the second guild on the server to kill C'Thun. Thinking about the countless hours devoted to my character reminds me how much of life I lost out on.
 
Losing out on watching my daughter grow up in her early years was heartbreaking. Not catching my wife talking to other guys behind my back was even worse. I don't think I would cared much though; in fact, my mindset revolved around "If I was alone - I could play World of Warcraft as much as I wanted to." Sometimes I would pray at night that my wife would leave me and take my daughter so that I could devote my full time to Azeroth.
 
My friends and family also noticed a change in my health. It started with me not eating properly. I was staying awake until 2:00 a.m. (or later) and waking up at 7:00 a.m. to go to work, spending my day thinking about World of Warcraft. This usually involved a pen and piece of paper where I would draw down boss strategies, character builds, or pretty much anything else related to the game.
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Jan 31, 2012 16:22:22 (22 days ago )

DefyTheFallen
 This was such a good read, I knew WoW could be addicting for some people but I had no idea it could have this big of an impact, I can\'t imagine how hard hitting that conversation with your daughter could be, the feeling of sorrow, and instant regret must have been extremely painful. I\'m glad you\'ve managed to pull through, keep your daughter happy and proud!    I\'ve paid for around 5 months worth of WoW in about 3 intervals, but I don\'t really enjoy it so much, the leveling became tedious. Then I got a R.A.F from someone else I know, and played it for about 2 months. I quit after he did, I only found it fun playing with a group of friends and when RAFing. It\'s also very hard for someone new starting WoW, as all the best guilds are taken, making a new guild wouldn\'t get you anywhere. And as you said, some people can play WoW and still maintain a social life. My friends also been playing since the open beta back in 2004, and still plays today, but still has a large group of friends and a career in games design ahead of him.     I have a slight addiction to energy drinks it has to be said. I used to think they were meaningless cans of fizzy unhealthy-ness, but about 2 years ago at the age of 13 when I started really getting into some serious online gaming (I\'ve been gaming since the age of 3 with pokemon), I started buying them as I heard they can improve reaction times and keep you awake. 2 years later I\'m still drinking 1 or 2 cans a day and I\'ve started getting some really bad heart pains at rest, which is never a good thing. I\'m cutting down, having maybe 2 or 3 a week, but it\'s still not good enough, I\'m having massive withdrawal headaches and craving sprite! I\'m ashamed in myself that I let it happen, but I\'m slowy and surely putting them down. 
Jan 30, 2012 15:07:07 (23 days ago )

Marc1k1
 I\'d played WoW from the release of Lich King to about 3/4 months ago.   I have to say it can be pretty devastating to certain people but I\'d also like to say that in my own case, I now have many friends (who I talk to everyday) even after quiting as well as that one of those friends got me hooked up with my girlfriend to and things couldn\'t be better then since I quit.   The only reason I quit the game was because of Mists Of Pandaria, I never felt like there was anything more I could get from not playing - I had a choice, Join my friends with drinking, drugs and smoking or play a game with people I actually cared more for just because they were more genuine people.   World Of Warcraft or any MMO can be bad for certain people but thats not to say it is for everyone however I respect the courage to admit addication to it and many would shurg it off but I\'m fully aware of how the game drags you in.   Its a simple rehtoric with Wow: Player grinds levels, dungeons, raids, gear because they feel they have to, not specifically having a good time in doing so thought but the urge to progress is strong enough to continue.   The same could be said for many MMO\'s, In WoW\'s defence.
Jun 4, 2010 19:11:22 (Jun 4, 2010 19:11 )

Skinny
Some people can play World of Warcraft and maintain their life.     I have kept telling myself that and I fooled myself...Twice! Sooner or later you'll get addicted either because of the social aspect of the game, or because you just want to fll one more box from lvl 75 to 76...and then another one. 
May 13, 2010 19:55:08 (May 13, 2010 19:55 )

costero95
Incredible article, one of the best I've ever read. Congratulations for overcoming your addiction.
Apr 24, 2010 10:21:42 (Apr 24, 2010 10:21 )

Dogdirt2000
 Great and meaningful article. This especially hits home with me as I've had very similar experiences up until the moment I decided to quit and leave WoW behind.   Hope you remain strong.
Apr 23, 2010 12:27:26 (Apr 23, 2010 12:27 )

Link2TehPast
 I wasn't going to read this article until I saw who wrote it...   Thank you for being so open and honest, I'm really happy to hear you're bouncing back. Stay strong my friend.
Apr 22, 2010 15:07:28 (Apr 22, 2010 15:07 )

David Stephens
Great story JeriKu! Though when The Old Republic comes out it is going to be hard for me to resist getting sucked back into the world of MMORPG's
Apr 20, 2010 23:17:41 (Apr 20, 2010 23:17 )

MetalBeerSolid
Great article. I will never let myself get this absorbed in a videogame.
Apr 19, 2010 14:16:13 (Apr 19, 2010 14:16 )

LilJakeInDa518
Wow Jeriku   Im ashamed to say just now was the first time Ive read your article   But it is honestly one of the best articles I have ever read. I am so happy that you overcame your addiction buddy.   What a touching story.
Apr 18, 2010 02:24:34 (Apr 18, 2010 02:24 )

J C
+1
The article is great, a touching story as well. Thanks for the great read Glad you were able to beat the addiction man! Sounds like it was really rough
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