Little Mathletics

Breaking news from Holland: fear not, games addicts! The Smith & Jones Wild Horses Center in Amsterdam - “the first, full-service, outpatient, 12-step based, “Minnesota Model” addiction treatment facilities in the Netherlands” - is here to help!

The centre began when, Keith Bakker (above - and from the site, I might add) was unable to get the help he needed in Amsterdam, and went to the UK, and has, since then, been drug and alcohol free. After that…well…maybe I’ll just let the site speak for itself:

“Keith had a vision. That vision was to bring addiction treatment CHOICES to Holland.”

As of this coming July, these CHOICES will also include a residential treatment program for gamers. Don’t think it’s needed? Check out these shocking statistics from Smith & Jones:

“20% of all gamers can develop a dependency on gaming. Many of these individuals have neglected family, romance, school, and jobs; not to mention their basic needs such as food and personal hygiene… all for a video or computer game. In addition to obsessive thoughts and neglect of important life matters, gamers are often addicted to stimulants such Red Bull, coffee, cigarettes, soft drugs, speed, and eventually even cocaine. We want to give these people a taste of life. Real life! Gaming can be a serious addiction and can even lead to death…”

People of the Internet…my name is Alistair…and I’m a gamer. When I close my eyes, I see Tetriminos. Help me stop before I need cocaine to crack Matt G from Press The Buttons’ Tetris DS score.

Now’s probably a good time to point out that I’m not making fun of drug addicts, or alcoholics, or World of Warcraft addicts - because GamerWidow.com does actually worry me a lot - it’s the sensationalism of the site that I have a problem with.

So, that said, maybe some of you do have a problem. Maybe I have a problem.

“When an alcoholic in denial is brought to the WILD HORSES CENTER for an intervention, our staff is trained to ask the individual certain questions in order to look for evidence of disease symptoms, and to help them identify negative consequences of the drinking behavior. We look for signs like attempts to control, loss of control, health complications, damage to personal relationships, the progression of the illness, etc.

When we started asking these same questions to compulsive gamers, we were surprised to hear many of the same responses.”

What questions, you ask? Why - these ones below, from the site. Note that the Smith & Jones Wild Horses Center says that these are not “yes” or “no” questions, they are meant to provoke a reaction, and you should answer them with a pen and paper next to you to record you feelings.

• Why are you taking this self-assessment?
• Do you play Tetris DS to enhance your life?
• Does a life without Tetris DS seem like a fun life to live?
• Have you ever set a goal to stop or reduce your Tetris DS playing and failed to reach it?
• Do you have a favorite mode of Tetris DS?
• How would it be for you if someone said they were taking Tetris DS away?
• What do you remember about the first time you ever played Tetris DS?
• What is your mood like when you cannot play Tetis DS?
• Has anyone ever told you that they are concerned by you playing Tetris DS?
• Do you ever have regrets about how you behaved while playing Tetris DS?
• Do you sleep well?
• How is your physical health?
• Does Tetris DS seem to have an affect on your ability to connect with your feelings?
• Is your efficiency in life affected by Tetris DS?
• Does Tetris DS put your job or finances in jeopardy?
• Have you ever sought help for your Tetris DS habits before? What was the result?
• Do you often feel hopeless?
• Have your personal or business relationships been affected by Tetris DS?
• Do you regret spending money on Tetris DS after you have already spent it?
• Do you need to get a little something in you (Tetris DS) before you go out?
• Are your children affected by your Tetris DS habit?
• If someone offered you help, would you take it?

Frightening stuff. Record your answers below, kids.

Props to Egde Online for finding this.