WARNING SIGNS OF A PLAYING PROBLEM
No single sign identifies a problem player, but a pattern of behaviors can indicate a problem:
- Loss of Control - attempts to cut down or control playing fail. Repeated promises to "be more careful" or to "cut down on playing." Gets online when intending to stay offline.
- Black Outs - unable to recall all or part of a playing episode. Doesn't remember what was said or done when online (blacking out is different than passing out).
- Increased Tolerance - needs more EQ than before to get the same effects. For anyone, tolerance increases with regular playing, but being able to out play others is an early sign of problem playing.
- Playing Causes Problems - continues playing even though it causes academic, legal, health, financial, or relationship problems.
- Personality Changes When Playing - a normally nice person, becomes mean or abusive when playing.
- Neglects Responsibilities - absent or late for classes, meetings, appointments, or work due to raids or camping.
- Preoccupation with Playing - frequently thinks about playing. Gives up activities which don't involve playing. Avoids socializing with friends who don't play.
- Pre-Partying - plays EQ before going to a party where EQ will be played. Also, "gulps" hours to get online as quickly as possible. May also sneak hours so others don't know how much he/she is really playing.
- Denial and Minimizing - claims not to play excessively, despite evidence to the contrary. Minimizes the amount of playing ("I only had a couple of hours"). Avoids talking about his/her own playing. Justifies playing and tries to characterize it as normal, despite problems.
- Susceptible to Accidents, Injuries, or Illnesses - more likely to be hurt in falls, in fights, or by "bumping" into things.
- Playing to Feel Normal - plays to cope, to escape from problems, to solve a problem, or to feel like everyone else.
- Playing to Start the Day - plays in the morning to control tremors or shakes after playing the night before.
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