30k hours, gaming ruined my childhood, yet I can't stop.
I have played video games since I was 5 years old, and never once did my parents make me stop. I had no friends throughout school, stayed up till 3am every day(not exaggerating), never got a job or did school work or took care of my health or had any other *hobby* besides games. I'm doing a bit better in life now, I have a girlfriend, and have a job, and am doing better mentally and physically, but I have this awful habit that I do nearly every week. On my off days I'll get on my computer and promise myself that I'm only gonna play one or two games, this turns into the "just one more... okay this is the final one... I'm going to bed right after this one" and soon enough, it is 4-5am, I ate 0 food the whole day, didn't do any chores and I've been online for 12 hours. I always hate myself after this happens(like tonight) and will uninstall my games and steam in an attempt for it to never happen again. Then sure enough, the next weekend roles around, and "Just one game" appears in my head.
This is a cycle that I have suffered from for nearly 2 years now. I genuinely hate playing video games, but for some reason feel this overwhelming urge to chase nostalgia and novelty in games, but I NEVER get those feelings. Just regret, and hopelessness. I wanted to know what you all think the appropriate thing to do to permanently stop is? I don't wanna ever play a video game for the rest of my life if I can make the choice.