How to distinguish hobby from addiction

1) Short answer

Infatuation is when a game fits into life, obeys rules and doesn't harm finances and relationships.

Addiction is when the game controls you: your own limits are violated, decisions are made "on emotions," time and money go longer than planned, debts, lies, problems in the family/work appear - and all this is repeated, despite the consequences.

2) Model "3K": Control - Compulsivity - Consequences

Control: Can you predict and execute: how much time/money, when to stop, what to do with triggers?

Compulsiveness: does it pull to "play at any cost" (stress → game; boredom → game), are there any intrusive thoughts?

Implications: Are there recurring financial, emotional, social issues because of the game?

If 2 + out of 3 points "limp" - this is already a risk zone.

3) "Traffic light" signs

Green zone (hobby):

The game is scheduled, with strict time and budget limits.
Rare sessions, without night "ties."
No debt, do not hide deposits.
Without problems in the family/work, the previous hobbies remain.

Yellow zone (pre-dependence):

Sometimes you violate the limits "a little bit."
Playing as a way to relieve stress/boredom.
"Dogon" appears, "almost won" affects decisions.
Hide part of the expenses "so as not to swear."

Red zone (dependency):

Frequent limit breaks; night and long sessions.
Debts/loans "for the game," lies to loved ones.
Play contrary to the consequences (conflicts, absenteeism, deterioration of sleep/mood).
Without playing - irritability, intrusive thoughts ("breaking a habit").

4) Self-checklist for 2 minutes (not a diagnosis, but a guideline)

Check Yes/No for the last 3 months:

1. Violated your own money/time limits at least 2 times a month?

2. Did you want to cut/stop, but it didn't work?

3. Played to relieve stress/get away from problems?

4. Hid from close amounts/game time?

5. Borrowed/credited to play or close game holes?

6. Returned to play to "beat off losses"?

7. Did the game interfere with work/study/sleep, conflicts arose at home?

8. Feeling annoyed/anxious when you couldn't play?

9. Need all the bigger bets/longer for "same drive"?

10. There were cases when it was possible to stop only "for an external reason" (money/time ran out)?

0-2 "Yes" is probably a controlled hobby (keep the frames).

3-4 "Yes" - the risk is growing: strengthen the rules, do an audit (see below).

5 + "Yes" - a high probability of a problem game: you need a help plan.

5) 10 differences between hobbies and addiction - by points

1. Purpose: entertainment vs "fight off/relieve pain."

2. Plan: fixed rules vs improvisation "on emotions."

3. Limits: ≥80% of sessions are observed vs regular breakdowns.

4. Finance: only free money vs debts, advances, loans.

5. Time: day blocks, sleep saved vs night marathons, lack of sleep.

6. Emotions: slight fluctuations vs frequent tilt, anxiety, irritability.

7. Honesty: openness to partner vs secrecy, "gray" accounts.

8. Social sphere: hobbies/friends persist vs narrowing circle, isolation.

9. Behavior after minuses: pause/stop vs dogon, rate/tempo increase.

10. Recovery: easy to "switch off" vs intrusive thoughts "a little more."

6) 30-day audit (here and now steps)

A. Set barriers: limits in the application, daily "curfew," prohibition of credit funds, a separate card with a spending limit.

B. Keep a log: date, duration, turnover, total, emotions 1-5, tags WIN-PEAK/NEAR/TILT.

C. Discipline metrics:

[
\ textbf {Compliance} =\frac {#\text {sessions with SL/TP/time met}} {#\text {of all sessions} }\\\text {purpose }\\ge 80%
]

D. Pauses and replacements: breathing 4-7-8, walking 10 minutes, showering, calling a friend with emotions ≥4/5.

E. Result of the month: if there were debts/lies/night "ties" or Compliance <80% - go to the assistance plan.

7) Assistance plan (steps)

1. Self-help: tighten money/time limits, turn off autospin, narrow the "decision window" in live (60-90 seconds, did not have time - skip), exclude night sessions.

2. Social support: tell a loved one, appoint a "interlocutor of responsibility," jointly control limits/access to funds.

3. Professional support: cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing; with severe anxiety/depression - medical consultation.

4. Mutual aid groups: regular meetings greatly increase the chances of keeping the framework.

💡 If you feel that you cannot stop or there are thoughts of self-harm - contact local emergency services or the nearest medical center. There is help.

8) Frequent myths - short answers

"Sometimes I win - that means everything is ok." - Rare peaks do not cancel system failures.

"I will fight off - and tie. "- Dogon strengthens the cycle of addiction.

'It's just a hobby, doesn't bother anyone. "- Debts, secrecy, night sleep are already harming.

"Strong will is enough. "- We need a system of barriers and support, not just will.

9) The bottom line

The boundary between hobby and dependence passes according to the repeatability of the loss of control and the growing consequences. If the game obeys your rules, this is a hobby. If the rules obey the game, this is already a problem. Use the "3K" model, a quick checklist and a 30-day audit: at the first signals, strengthen barriers and connect support. The sooner, the easier it is to return the game to the safe entertainment zone.