By the way,

I came to this site because I wanted to know just how bad I am. Upon reading most of the topics, I am nowhere near as bad as some people.

I play around 25 hours a week, and would never put the game before my girlfriend.

I was trying to find an escape, I thought about joining a gym.

But this site has made me realise I keep a balance, and it's reassured me knowing I'll never turn out like some of the boyfriends mentioned on this site.

It's terrible.

I mean absolutely -no- offence, but the vast majority of what you've listed here could apply to a lot of other things, rather than just a video game 'addiction.'

The Physical Symptoms especially. For example, due to myself being clumsy and taking a knock to the head when I was a kid, I have severe migraines -- whether or not I'm anywhere near a computer. Bright light when I'm outside can do it, reading a book for a few hours can do it, change in weather pressure can trigger it... Carpal tunnel is brought on by any excessive amount of typing, and believe me, it existed before computer games. Ask any secretary, from the typewriter to the laptop. Dry eyes: sinuses, lack of humidity, pre-existing eye conditions, etc... Back aches? Who doesn't get them from time to time. Sleeping funny will give you a back ache. Lifting a box wrong will do it. Some people are born with a slight curvature of the spine that can cause it. Strange eating habits? What college kid away from home eats regularly, whether or not they play WoW? A few might, but most probably worship cup ramen. In the day of tv dinners and fast food, I'd be hard-pressed to find more than three people in ten that have proper and regular meals even four nights a week. Hygiene... Do I have to relive high school? It seemed like ever kid in gym class had no idea what a shower was, or how to use deoderant. Some people just don't realize they need to bathe. Sleep irregularities can be brought on by stress, by a change in daily habit, by that bad takeout from earlier in the evening, from just plain insomnia... There's a lot more to it than just a game.

The Psychological Symptoms could apply to several other things, sans the computer-specific few; most of which I can think of are actually dangerous like drugs, or drinking. A sense of euphoria while snorting coke? Having no will to stop doing so? Wanting more, and more, and more? Not caring about the people around you, because you haven't gotten your fix? Being irrational and upset when you aren't in supply of your drug? Lying to cover up your habit? Having trouble holding down a job or keeping grades up? Just tinker a little with any of them, and they could apply to anything.

If you can point out something specific to WoW that is a symptom of addiction (maybe rambling off the top ten items up for auction in ones sleep?), then I'll be glad to discuss it with you. As is, I apologize for coming in and seeming like I'm trying to raze what you've built -- I just don't see how these properly correlate to WoW, and only WoW, and give proper empirical evidence of addiction to the game.

I believe that this is a good list of symptoms. Although the things that Lupa mentions must be taken into consideration, if a particular person is showing a majority of these symptons, it is likely they have an addiction. Everything can cause a symptom, but coupled with others, it makes a difference on how one should interpret those symptoms.

WOW! We have an expert here!!!!!

Even if WoW was considered an "addiction" it would be an harmless addiction. The only thing it takes out of people is time, and its their own right to spend time the way how they see fit, regardless if they have a family or not. I have a sense of well being and belonging on WoW. Because I do have a RL also, but WoW is an alter life, and I'm glad there is always something I can turn to, after a hard and fustrating day. I generally feel I have to put up with life, so I am entitled to feel a sense of happyiness on WoW. As for neglecting family and friends, its their own time, and if its a problem, its their own choice. I do lie to some friends about going on WoW, but if I tell them the truth they will just bitch at me, and I will have to put up with more things, than I already have to put up with.

As for physical symptoms, I attend good hygiene, and when I go out in public, I keep a good image on myself. I have a RL, but sometimes I feel like turning to WoW, its a shame people have to have such a problem with it.