If you're a teenager, and you think you're addicted to video games. Then this seven step solution might just be for you. If you have read any of the horror stories, then you know video game addiction can become a very dangerous problem. You might not think you would do anything as crazy as seen in those stories. But all of these video games are having an influence on your personality and behaviour. If you start blocking out your friends and social life for games, you will become depressed and possibly gain angry issues in due time. Why not try it get control of it now?

1. Admit you have a problem. It sounds easy, but a lot of addicts don't even acknowledge they have a problem. Tell yourself you're going to get over this habit.


2. Tell someone about this habit, preferably your parents as they have your best interest at heart, if not, a loved one, or a close friend. This will help as they may seen your behaviour has been strange recently, by telling them you are acknowledging you have a problem and you’re going to overcome the habit.


3. Make a plan, how are you going to successfully get over this habit? Ask the person(s) you have told, and get them to assist you by helping you build this plan. The plan should consist of the problem at hand, and a schedule which should mark your activities. Make video games just a hobby, something you do to pastime, not something you live and strife for. Try to make gaming time as minimal as possible. Put limits on the hours you play video games, when playing video games; include plenty of eye and muscle rest. Get up and walk around for a couple of minutes, talk to someone, or get some fresh air.


4. Take this plan you've made into effect, start decreasing the hours you spent playing these video games, slowly or dramatically. Don't get discouraged if you fall behind slightly, just start again and try your very best next time. Remind yourself why your doing this, and how it could really ruin you’re life if you stay on this way.


5. Try different activities instead of video games, inside or outside. Try and to get a part of some sort of sports team at school, playing: Rugby, Soccer, Cricket, Baseball, or Tennis. Or try bike riding, either solo or get some friends together and bike somewhere. If you're a shoot em' up video game fan, try and get into Paint Ball or Airsoft activities. Not only is it extremely fun, but instead of looking into a TV or monitor, you'll be outside getting exercise and away from those video games. But if you're stuck inside, you'd be surprised how many good books there are to read; and board games to play. They might not be as high-tech as video games, but it's a good interactive time with friends and family, which most of the time can be more fun than video games.


6. Work towards a goal to take your mind off your addiction. Whether you start saving money for your life savings, try to get your fitness up, or even getting more friends. Getting a job is an excellent way to separate you from your PC, or video game console/device. If you're too young to get a job, arrange some kind of pocket money system from your parents. Cutting lawns, doing dishes, vacuuming the house, or even washing the car can be a very big help to your parents. You won't only get some fresh air and exercise but hopefully some money too, making it all worthwhile.


7. By re-discovering the world again, you should have a very good idea that there is so much more in life besides video games. Life can get very difficult, even for long periods. All you have to do is stay focused on your goals don't get caught up within life's worries and difficulties, because they're endless. Life is only as good as YOU want it to be.


If you’re still having problems with video game addiction after all those steps, you should seek expert help, ask your parents for a counsellor or therapist, as soon as possible. The longer you leave yourself in that terrible depressed state, the harder it will become to finally get out of the addiction. You might not think it's that serious, but it will become serious. It's only a matter of time, and how long your loved ones will put up with it.