I also played when I was a teenager. I had a forward-thinking father that taught his daughter chess. We played often, but it was not an addiction for either of us. Since I found this site (at a time of big stressors in my life), I realize this initial diversion has now become an addiction. I also think chess is the most absorbing, fascinating, intense and adrenaline pumping game one could ever feed a brain. However, it is cutting into my life in a big way. (The tactical trainer is my drug of choice). For all you men who have wives that complain...well...I have a husband that regularly shouts out the time to me to get me off this site, esp. at night. I need treatment or total abstinence!
Am I addicted to Chess?
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Jan 5, 2012
0
#83
I had a backward thinking father who taught his daughter chess. Which is why I'm still so bad at it. :(
Geez, everyone sure seems to be taking it lightly. I guess I have a more moralistic mindset, I DO want to quit, and live a different, more meaningful kind of life. It's seduction is so strong, and in the beginning it's intensely nice, but after some hours I just get ever more cranky, until it's late at night and I realize I sacrificed a good night's sleep again.
I tried to block, but it's too easy to unblock. Anyone suggestions? THANKS.
| DSM-IV Substance Abuse Criteria |
| Substance abuse is defined as a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested by one (or more) of the following, occurring within a 12-month period: 1)Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (such as repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, suspensions, or expulsions from school; or neglect of children or household).
2) Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (such as driving an automobile or operating a machine when impaired by substance use) 3) Recurrent substance-related legal problems (such as arrests for substance related disorderly conduct) 4) Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance (for example, arguments with spouse about consequences of intoxication and physical fights). Note: The symptoms for abuse have never met the criteria for dependence for this class of substance. According to the DSM-IV, a person can be abusing a substance or dependent on a substance but not both at the same time.DSM-IV Substance Dependence CriteriaSubstance dependence is defined as a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring any time in the same 12-month period:1) Tolerance, as defined by either of the following: (a) A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or the desired effect or (b) Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance. 2) Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following: (a) The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance or (b) The same (or closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms. 3) The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended. 4) There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use. 5) A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects. 6) Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use. 7)The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (for example, current cocaine use despite recognition of cocaine-induced depression or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption). American Psychiatric Association. 1994. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-IV. Washington D.C.: American Psychiatric Association. (pp. 181-183) |
Am I addicted to Chess?
If your asking this question it is already too late.
If your reading this it is already too late.
Your a Chess Addict!
See Chess.com is a like a Crack Dealer. They give you the first one free and then you like it and your hooked. As time goes on your behavior changes. At some point "My precious, my precious ....." may come out your mouth.
When has it gotten to far? When you find yourself sneaking around to get some more of it(Chess). So can you quit from Chess ..... no you will always be a Chess Addict! lo.
Trust me you are not the only one with a wife who complains about chess. As for addicted, yes I am a player for life, otb, online; you name it i'll play it.
Jan 23, 2013
0
#88
matn79 wrote:
Geez, everyone sure seems to be taking it lightly. I guess I have a more moralistic mindset, I DO want to quit, and live a different, more meaningful kind of life.
A deep question - but what defines a more meaningful life?
I'd really like to see some scientific studies on this subject. Chess is addictive. It's the most intense and wondeful waste of precious time.
My solution to this problem is to play more standard games. I am trying to cut back to only one 30 0 a day. That should be it. By the way, I am standing on a crosstrainer while playing. This is the best combination: mens sana in corpore sano.
Good luck and best wishes.
slimcheffy wrote:
My wife calls home, I answer, sound distracted, I'm playing live Chess, she asks " are you playing Chess?" I lie , instantly feeling guilty, tell her I'm doing ANYTHING but playing chess ! LOL.....it's already a sore spot between us, should I feel guilty for playing chess ? Everytme I get near a computer I feel I have to check my games ! Am I the olny one ?
It's alright if you're addicted to chess. It's temporary only. Sooner you will burn out and take a break from chess.
I bought me some Chess off the street corner just last night. Felt good as hell at the time, now I'm feelin the guilt....
In all seriousness, I got hooked really quick. I remember when I first started. Sitting on the couch learning the game, having no idea how anyone could ever win ( I was playing angry birds a lot at that time..lol.), then day by day I got more hooked. At one point within a week or two of playing I knew I was addicted (literally). At first my wife was annoyed a bit (I would come home at 5 or 6 then sit in front of the computer until bed), but she likes that I play now because it relieves all the stress that builds up inside. If I get bored, as in no mental stimulation, I get VERY anxious. Since I started playing, I am way less anxious.
The only catch is this: I started playing at work and it was getting out of control...I had to slow myself down because I was leaving work early to go home and play, playing and hiding it from my coworkers...etc...etc... I read some articles on how people get addicted to poker...bad thing with that is the gambling. So, the only downside of Chess is it interfering with work (with me at least). I am very worried about burnout though. I think people like us eventually will burn out. I'm trying to play a bit less and study the game a bit more or just read about the history of chess... just for more balance. BTW, yes, I am writing this at work right now...
I always keep a couple white pawns in a little envelope.
mine is goin to an extreme, i dream, eat , sleep, think chesss i need help
!!!!!
You eat chess?
See whenever I get addicted to an activity, I always strive to be the best of the best. For this exact reason I am addicted to chess. I am improving but I haven't hit my peak yet!
I am also a chess addict from FICS.From the above posts its evident that some people can control d addiction but not me and many of us.its ruiuning my life and work which is why i have decided to restrict myself to only puzzles.
There're many worse things to be addicted to than chess.
I am doing M.Sc. In Electrical Engineering. Man I can get straight A's but chess if holding me back. Sometimes I play straight from 7am to 12 midnight. Its been 2years 6 months now. My work has suffered, my family, my children! But now I have tried to stop so many times but have failed. I am a chess addict.
macbeth101 wrote:
I am doing M.Sc. In Electrical Engineering. Man I can get straight A's but chess if holding me back. Sometimes I play straight from 7am to 12 midnight. Its been 2years 6 months now. My work has suffered, my family, my children! But now I have tried to stop so many times but have failed. I am a chess addict.
Actually you're not. With over 10,000 blitz games and a handful of longer time controls, you're a blitz addict. Not quite the same, is it? It's okay, it happens, but stop blaming chess. The endorphin rush of blitz is certainly addicting so just stop. Your progress in chess has essentially plateaued while you've learned to perfect your mistakes playing blitz instead. Radical solution? Play 3day correspondence games ("online") and forget about blitz for awhile. Yeah you'll probably end up playing 200 games at once and blitzing the moves anyway. Oh well, it was a thought. Does your university offer any counseling?
I'm not addicted, I could stop at any time I want. I just don't want to stop...
That's what I claim when talking to friends who smoke, "Yeah", I say, "I could take up smoking at any time I wanted - no problem. Easy - I'd just do it. Just watch me. In fact, I will one day."
"Sure", they sneer back, "You just don't want to".
I reckon they are probably right - I just don't want to admit it to them.