From Binge to Bottom

Posted on by Kevin.

On several occasions, usually in the summer or during vacations, I binged for something on the order of 50 hours on computer games. During these periods, which required chiropractor visits for at least a few weeks afterward, I would fall asleep in the computer chair, take a few naps, take care of biological needs, and scarf down protein bars. Other than those activities, I simply played my game. If I could muster that sort of intensity for writing, I would finish six or seven books a year. Unlike writing, I never once suffered from a video game “block.” Carpal tunnel syndrome, back aches, and a stagnant career were not enough to get me to change.

For some, these binges would be viewed as an accomplishment. In fact, the Guinness Book record for uninterrupted video game play now stands at 50 hours. For me, these periods of binging represented a giant waste of my potential, because after these binges I would guilty and wonder why I couldn’t exhibit the same sort of energy on my dreams: stand-up comedy, writing a book, and becoming a motivational speaker. Herein lies the essence of addiction: we rationally know that our behavior is destructive, but we still do it.

For Farouk, a member of one of my cyber recovery groups, addictive “bliss” was found in Facebook. He developed 26 different Facebook profiles to help him advance through the ranks in Mafia Wars and built an impressive “family” and became a top-notch player. He also played Café World, Farmville, and Restaurant City on Facebook, in addition to at least a dozen other applications. The major problem for Farouk was that his binges occurred during the workday. His techno-transgressions were eventually uncovered and he was fired. He had discussed this possibility at the group and knew he was risking his job. Nevertheless, he continued his cyber activities.

Andy also lost jobs. He was kicked out of living situations and pushed away friends and family. It wasn’t until he was living at a homeless shelter that he began to wake up. “I just could not stop,” he said. “I knew rationally that I was headed for a homeless shelter, but I guess I had to get there in order for it to sink in.” The homeless shelter represented “bottom” for Andy. It got him disgusted enough with his behavior and life situation to finally reach out for support.

If you have a loved one like Farouk, Andy or me, it is important that you do not prevent us from experiencing natural consequences for our actions. “It was only because my family stopped helping me,” Andy said, “that I ended up homeless. But that’s what woke me up.” In helping an addict, we risk becoming enablers. It is important, whether you’re dealing with a family member or friend, that your help does not inadvertently prevent natural consequences, because these are usually the vehicle for serious recovery work. The pain that results from our addictive behavior has the power to transform our lives. Make sure you do not prevent us from experiencing it!

11 Comments

  1. I could not refrain from commenting. Well written!
    Hi, i think that i saw you visited my blog thus i came to “return the favor”.I am trying to
    find things to improve my site!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!

    Posted on by red bottom shoes
  2. My grandson binges. I hope he doesn’t have to wait until he is 25 to hit bottom. The kid is brilliant though. He also has ADHD (and so does his grandfather). I saw your article last month Kevin in Attention magazine. That really helped me figure out stratgies for my grandson.

    Posted on by Jerry
    • Thanks for your comments Jerry. Your grandson is lucky to have a grandfather like you.

      Posted on by Kevin (Author)
  3. Well, especially around me, student in engineering, I’ll definitely talk about your book Kevin! Avec toutes mes salutations, bientôt outre-atlantiques!

    Posted on by Cyrille
    • Cyrille, merci! C’est le premier commentaire en francais ici. 🙂

      Posted on by Kevin (Author)
  4. Kevin,
    You may want to suggest that some people in your group see a doctor and ask if they qualify to be diagnosed with a bonafide disability. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) offers some protections for people with addictions who work for an employer with more than 15 employees on payroll.

    Posted on by Robyn
    • Robyn, that is an excellent point. Thank you for alerting our readers to that avenue!

      Posted on by Kevin (Author)
  5. I also would love to read a blog from Alex.

    As a family member of a video game addict, I would be interested in reading messages from others who have tried to help their addict face their addiction/deal with the consequences.

    Posted on by linda
    • Thank you Linda. I do hope some folks out there weigh in. Can you tell us what types of issues you dealt with in trying to help your video-game-addicted family member?

      Posted on by Kevin (Author)
  6. I totally vote for an Alex guest blog! Keep up the good work, Kevin.

    Posted on by Sara
    • Thank you Sara. He has agreed to do it, and we just need to figure out a date.

      Posted on by Kevin (Author)

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