Former addict; throw caution to the wind?

[Turkish]

Hi everyone. As the title says, I'm a former EQ (and other mmorpg) addict. Lately I've been reading the forums to get my fix but it's just not doing it for me. I need immersion! So I've seriously been thinking of saying f-it and buying titanium. The only problem is I've been internet-free for about 8 years and I don't know where to start. I don't even have a computer! I was life ruining, hopelessly addicted for about 7 years. The only thing that stopped me was pulling the plug 100%. However, I have matured since then so hopefully it won't get to that point again.

So, should I throw caution to the wind and once again go down the rabbit hole?

P.S. Can someone recommend a computer? Truely starting from scratch here. :D

[Cyrano]

Dude, seriously? If it was so bad you had to completely cut yourself off from the internet I'd say just stay away.

If you're going to disregard what I say then you might look into these things called torrents and search for everquest titantium. It's an easier solution. There's also guides on these forums explaining how to set it up.

So far as the comp goes get a PC that you can afford. They can all run EQ classic well now.

[Sorn]

I would actually recommend you don't start playing again if you were a serious former addict.

If you do decide to go through with it, control your playtime. The game comes with a timer, I suggest you obey it like the voice of God.

[Turkish]

Well it's not like I was at poop-sock status, more like young with no responsibility obsessed. ;)
Thanks for the face punch reply. Maybe I should just say no! Oh but the siren song of Firiona Vie is calling...

[sacman08]

It won't be as good as you remember it from before. If you have been internet free for 8 years (I'm not asking how you posted either) then stay internet free.

[Swish]

Make a character and take it from there <3

[Portasaurus]

This game is totally not addicting at all.

Jump in! The water's fine and the meat is exactly as you remember!!

[Kowalski]

Once an addict, always an addict. Use copious amounts of "self-medicating" and jump back into the fray.
Winners never quit, and quiters never win :)

[Turkish]

I think my original post came across a little more serious than I intended so let me clarify a few points.

My home is currently internet free but I recently acquired one of those newfangled doohickies that all the kids are using these days to tap into the internets. ;) Also, I'm not above using the library when needed. So, technically not 100% free.

Part of the reason I pulled the plug was my last residence. It was either pay the landlord to share his internet (wtf?) or an ungodly slow dsl connection. So, I thought I could do myself a favor and quit gaming for a while. Turned out to be a pretty good idea.

Anyways, I've since moved and now considering getting back on the grid. Also, back to school tax-free week is coming up and I want to take advantage of it. The first $750 of the price of a new computer is tax free so why not?

[Gilder]

I wanna know about this guys 8 year hiatus from the internet... I can't be the only one!

[JayN]

cheapo laptop; welcome back Gaffin, may your addiction never die

[Itap]

As much as I encourage new people to play here, if you were a serious addict that requires you to eliminate the Internet from your home, I would advise against joining. The same advice I would give a former gambler, do not bet it all on black

[Swish]

Moderation like anything else in life (yes coming from someone with 11k posts on an elf sim forum). If it's not EQ it could be a different game, just set time limits or an alarm on your phone and stick to it.

[Varren]

are you married with children?
Do you own your own business?
Are you in good physical condition?
Do you have people in your life that love you?

If so, stay away. Otherwise, you can always use your old ti-83 connected to a tv antenna. Prob best to drop $1k at aldo before you install titanium tho. Make sure you buy lots of AAAs along with canned/boxed food

[Herp]

Last time I quit something I was addicted to (e.g. World of Warcraft) I just used that time doing something else unproductive like browsing internet more, playing other games, etc. Quitting is overrated.

[JurisDictum]

Well it's not like I was at poop-sock status, more like young with no responsibility obsessed. ;)
Thanks for the face punch reply. Maybe I should just say no! Oh but the siren song of Firiona Vie is calling...

It depends on how ambitious you are in life. Almost anyone can have some crap part time job (or better yet -- some form of welfare) and have 3 raid geared characters. However, you will have to modify your goals if you have a real career. Either that or try to do it all and watch both EQ and RL blow up in your face.

[Madbad]

8 years without the internet? Did you actually have to go and buy a porn magazine?

[curtischoy]

8 years without the internet? Did you actually have to go and buy a porn magazine?

^ !

Start a character and see how it goes. If you think you are getting re-obsessed just remember that it is an emu of a 16 year old game that will never progress past Velious. That seems to do it for me.

[Portasaurus]

It's still real to me dammit!

[Charlievox]

I spent $600 on a Best Buy, Geek Squad Refurbished HP laptop. It runs thi game as well, if not better than, the $4500 Alienware I bought 10 years ago which died on me after only three years but not before it burned thru three video cards.

[phacemeltar]

if you have not seeked help to fix your problems with addiction, its foolish to assume that an 8 year break will cure your issue. many "scientists" would conclude that addiction is based on an chemical or social imbalance, and if you have not resolved these issues then coming back may only lead you down the same path.

on the flip side, however, most people who play on this server suffer from a similar problem as that which you have described. i dont want to say that all players here are addicts, but there is definitely a large community here who can empathize with your problem. for some, this community can act as a support group (ive witnessed others in my life being "addicted" to this game).. for others it provides a safe way to slowly wean themselves from the feeling of being addicted.

my advice in this situation would be to just do what feels alright for you, but try to moderate your time spent. try reaching out to people in the game (the majority of the community doesnt use the forums) and you may find that many players have similar issues as yourself.

[deathpanel]

I wanna know about this guys 8 year hiatus from the internet... I can't be the only one!

i want to bet it involves a court order, and he prolly stil isnt allowed to use one