They say that time flies when you are having fun. Whether it is considered an actual psychological condition or not, the symptoms of "addiction" affect the addicted and/or her surrounding in a real way. Much like gambling, the excitement of beating the beast across from you yields a rewarding feeling of accomplishment. The challenge keeps us hooked and coming back for more to fill the modern and repetitive life interesting.

1. Reflect and think of what your priorities are in life. Remember that your priorities are your personal choices, consider your choices in order to achieve what will ultimately make you happy or satisfied.

2. If you can't come to terms with what is important to YOU in life, take this time to FIND your priorities. If your goal is to game professionally, that becomes an issue of perspective and you could asses realistic methods to achieve that goal.

3. Keep an open mind. Try different things to keep your mind distracted from the games that keep you hooked. Attempt social games that don't involve serious time commitments. Try and force yourself out of your comfort zone. Attempt learning new software, languages, or reading books about history or science, or watching movies to keep your brain challenged. Try new activities to avoid the boredom while you ease out of the habit of going on your "gaming machine" to waste time.

4. Attempt more real life activities such as competitive sports or strategic board games. Attempt to build better relationships with family/friends/Girlfriend or other social activities that force you to ration your "real life gaming" due to other people's schedules. Attempt running or driving for fun, paintballing, wine tasting, bar hopping, or possibly social gatherings/parties.

5. If you have a job, try and devote yourself to your job and imagine life as a game. If you are adventurous enough try to "beat" the capitalist system by starting your own company or helping your family start/succeed in their company. Attempt to learn economics as a game manual to beat competition and DRIVE results.

6. Ultimately it is a decision that only you can make and that requires a lot of willpower or an outside entity that FORCES you to stop/reduce gaming. You could even attempt to quit cold turkey by closing accounts/ deleting game/ selling "machines" but like drinkers and smokers the temptation will arise again and the choices arise