Gaming/gambling addiction+ Bipolar

Funny as this may sound, I have/had an addiction to a micro-transaction video game. You buy stuff that makes your game better and there's a gambling side to it as well, can't make money back on the game though. I finally had enough of playing it, after 4 years, and stopped spending and playing about a week ago the game has chewed up more time than I care to admit. I've always been a heavy gamer but this is the first time I've spent this much on such.

About 4 days ago I started feeling weird, have bipolar I, thought it had to do with the time change and spring coming but I'm starting to consider that it's mostly the game. It was a big part of my daily routine and was stimulating, first time I've had a gambling "habit". Have feelings of guilt and some depression, tired, kinda strung out feeling.

I know this probably sounds stupid and funny but I've read some articles and whatnot about gaming addiction, real thing. But probably still sounds absurd lol

Just looking for support, maybe some stories of similar daily routines any of you have stopped doing, then felt symptomatic. Thanks.

Everyone is addicted to something. I would pick up another hobby to replace that. Walking or jogging is a good one and is good for mental health. Cooking is another favorite that pays off long term. Reading and playing/listening to music are also great.

Hi FrisbeeGolfer,

z7z hit the nail on the head. I think my replacement for beer must also sound silly: I switched to seltzer water. Something about the carbonation helps me a lot. But any new healthy habit you put in its place is gonna make you feel good about yourself if you focus on it... and should give you something to help battle the guilt you may feel at moments. If you find yourself triggered by something in your daily routine (something that reminds you of gambling) I suggest physically changing what you're doing. I drank sitting at my desk all the time when writing or surfing the net, and I found its helpful when I feel triggered by that to switch up what I'm doing... even just moving 5 feet to the sofa where I did not frequently drink helps. Good luck!!

I'm in the same boat as you, Frisbee. I spend a lot on micro-transactions in games. I have a baseball game coming out Friday that I know I'm going to be doing micro-transactions in, like I do every year when the game releases.

I sadly haven't been able to find anything to get me away from spending money though. I move onto a new hobby and start spending every last dime on it. It just seems never ending for me

Yea it's hard to get away from this is the first freemium game I've spent money on and I honestly think I went through some withdrawal from not playing/spending. FINALLY today I feel better, back to normal. Get used to doing something everyday then stop guess it's not altogether absurd lol. If you like the outdoors and want to try something cheap I would recommend disc golf, that's my other hobby. Just an idea

I spent all my savings ($5,000) on the lottery in the past two weeks.

My therapist thinks i'm hypomanic because of that, pressured speech and irritability, but i really don't feel hypomanic at all.

I wouldn't call it an addiction.. but at times i want the ATM to block my card while i'm in the process of taking money out. That feels almost like an addiction.

Good luck to you.

It's not stupid, its an addiction. I spent all my money and maxed out 2 credit cards recently mostly on vaping related stuff. I got really into and learned how to make all my own stuff and convinced myself it was a hobby and that somehow I was going to save money but it got more and more expensive the deeper I got into it now I'm really poor just making my bills and my minimum payments on my cards. I figure I'll be in debt for 2 years over this.