In recovery, but getting addicted to TV

I think watching TV becomes a resort when you want to escape reality, I felt the same way doing some of my more awkward teenage years. I eventually took a cold turkey from my escape and resurfaced as a more social and outgoing person, if you really are developing an addiction, know that it might just be a temporary escape from the hardships of reality, and if you find yourself unable to withdraw, atleast make sure you're watching something of value, as others have suggested already!

Watching TV is a lot better than doing other addictive substances if you look at the bright side, but I see your problem. Personally, if I compare your TV to my internet, I can see how this is a big problem. What I like to do it find something I really want to do. Whether it's something you saw on TV or an idea you came up with before you sleep, it all works. I than tell myself I will make than idea a reality, and work on it a little bit at a time everyday. Sometimes you get really into it and end up spending a lot of time on it. This won't help you quit TV completely, but it will help you get other things done throughout the day.

Well, it doesn't seem to disrupt your health or job right, if you're working? I think it's a lot less harmful than other addictions, but try to find a better hobby to concentrate on. The worst effect of too much tv is just being unproductive, so it's not really life-threatening. I would suggest to be more social and try to meet new people or hang out with other friends to make you preoccupied for a while.

I agree that watching too much TV isn't the worst crime one can commit. The issue here, as serinity pointed out, is that staring at the magical flickering box hinders your productivity which in turn makes you miserable because you begin to think that your whole day was wasted. It's a completely normal reaction. I usually feel that way whenever I play too much video games or when the highlight of my day is the trip I take from the bed to the sofa with a bowl of chips in my hands. This happens for a reason - it pushes you to do something creative and useful for a change. I hope you get that urge too.

Finding a way to feel like you've accomplished something is an important part of any day. Even if it's something as small as making your bed, under-taking even one self-benefitting task throughout the course of the day sends the message to your body that "you matter!" Which, to be clear, you do!

I don't know if I can call it an addiction. Everyone binge watches from time to time, I think it's more of an issue with procrastination and low motivation than actual addiction. Addictions are physically impairing when you stop them, and you get withdrawal symptoms. I don't think you'll get withdrawal symptoms if you stop watching your series. You'll just be bored. Although it does really mess up your life by taking away your time for other things.

I'm guessing that with all the binge watching you don't have a job. I suggest you get a job, get a girlfriend and get some hobbies. Get outside now that weather is nice. Join a sports team. There are tons of ways to distract yourself from the boob tube that are much more exciting.

Binging on TV is a problem because streaming services and all other forms of content are so accessible these days. Consuming TV and movies in moderation can often prove difficult, and we can never successfully watch everything that we want to see in a given day. It's tough to get things down to a level of moderation and enjoyment that doesn't negatively impact our health.

Binge watching a show is a lot better than binging any other sort of addicting substance, but then again that isn't your point. I recommend doing some sort of physical activity such as running or hitting the gym. That way, both your physical and mental stability are improved and you will just feel a lot better. Trust me, if you take exercise slowly and build up to it, it can be more addicting than watching a TV show.

You need to get out and go for a walk. Get yourself a buddy to do some walking with you. Some outdoor activity will help you to feel much better and more energized to do things. Try to focus on doing something more than watching all the time. A liitle exercise never did anyone harm and you can slowly increase it.

I supposed it is better than any substance. But I would agree that any form of addiction is still bad. I suggest that you find something productive to do.

I am especially interested in knowing how TheStoryTeller1 is doing. It's been a while since she was last here. Interestingly enough I think I might have developed a slight addiction to a series a little after reading this story but I was able to kick the habit. Even television can be addictive and that's a fact.

I hope TheStoryTeller has things under control.

But if it's a series you have been enjoying then why stop watching it? Just because you can't wait for the next episode and you're wondering how it's all going to turn out doesn't mean that you have a problem you know! Sometimes, the concept of "addiction" can be taken too far.

I made it my business to revisit the definition of addiction and based on my findings I am convinced I was addicted to the series which I craved until it came to an end. I am not going to beat myself up over it anymore, but I spent countless hours consumed with the television show, time I wished I had spent being more productive. It doesn't mean I am not going to watch another series but I'll manage my time much better.

My experience helped me to better understand what TheStoryTeller was saying and her obvious agony. I believe in my lifetime I have been addicted to much that did not include drugs or alcohol. I know addiction takes several forms and some forms are more dangerous than others. At the end of the day, it's still addiction.