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I was addicted to computer games since about 13 years old, I'd play computer games 30 mins before school, and when I'd come back from school I'd play computer games immediately after I'd come back. And during school I'd spend all my time just getting by - and looking forward to coming back home to play games again.

As you'd expect socially, I struggled a lot. At the time I received no guidance or advice on video games use. Only my parents ordered me to stop playing (sometimes I did reluctantly), but it never addressed the root cause of my addiction. Until I got my own room one day when I could get my own Tv and stuff, and I'd spent the entire time playing games in my room.

I'd hide away in my room for the entire weeked and most evening to play games.

I wish at the time I explored what the cause was, it;s only now at 23 years of age, that I've finally realised what it was, I had a terrible amount of social anxiety which impinged me socially. Rather than enjoy being with people - I'd hate it, and every time I was forced to be out with people, like on breaks in school I only wished that it be over so I can go to class again. And I remember vaguely one day I was given a walkman as a present, and from that day on I spent all the time listhening to music during my breaks.

Atm, I occasionally play games, but it's really a treat, and I don't have the time or inclination to waste my time playing games, I've done years of self-help to realise why I was addicted. However my time could have been cut down to a fraction with the right guidance and support.. :S