Please don't flame me, because I mean this seriously.
Lately I have been thinking that I am addicted to D&D. I am in my late 20's, not what you would consider a geek (like that even matters), but D&D takes up alot of my thoughts and time. I feel that it is starting to limit me, limit my topics of conversation and the people I hang out with. This is mainly because I get SO much enjoyment out of it. Before you say to yourself, oh man this guy is just wierd, can you say that D&D doesn't do the same for you to some extent? I am sometimes to the point of giving it up, but it feels almost like breaking up with someone in a way. One forges relationships with the people one plays D&D with, invests money in it, and this stuff almost seems to hold you into it sometimes.
I laugh at those who call D&D evil. It certainly isn't, but it seems TOO fun. Has this ever happened to anyone?
Anything can be addicting. A lot of us here are probably addicted to D&D (or the broader TTRPG hobby) but don't necessarily view it as a negative (
even if it might actually be a negative). We might instead say we're
obsessed . . .
Having D&D as a major lifestyle hobby is perfectly okay, being obsessed with the game and spending a lot of time playing, and a lot of time outside of actual play thinking about it . . . that can be okay too. But yes, you can certainly cross the line over into addiction if you are neglecting other aspects of your life . . . your job, your family, other interests.
I've known folks that I'd say were addicted to the game, and it did have a negative impact on their life. These guys prioritized D&D over jobs, over relationships, and spent money they couldn't afford on massive collections of books and collectibles. They had mental issues that they were not addressing, and could have used counseling. But they didn't see their behavior as addictive, they were just "
super fans", and never sought help (while I knew them).
But D&D can be a healthy source of, not only entertainment, but social interaction. Are you making friends with the folks you play with? If you are not neglecting job, family, and relationships . . . but you spend most of your "
leisure energy" on D&D, that's okay! Also consider it might be somewhat of a phase, and you'll "
calm down" after a while and seek out other interests. Even now, in your "
D&D manic" phase, I'd recommend pushing yourself to find some additional hobbies and outlets for social interaction outside the game.
Are YOU addicted to D&D? We can't really judge based on your post here, you're probably fine . . . but it's worth thinking about. If you are truly worried, get yourself into some counseling.
