It is common for addicts to have more than one addiction. It is also common to rely on some unhealthy substitute behaviors. It is sometimes difficult to tell apart substitutes from addictions. With time and a sponsor’s guidance, we can take stock of the situation, identify substitute behaviors, and check if any of them is actually a second addiction.

Substitutes are mindless, repetitive behaviors that we find ourselves often doing while adjusting to game-free living, things like numbing out in front of the TV or computer or with puzzles or junk food, or seeking excitement or distraction in other excesses. We live in a society that seeks continuous entertainment and good feelings. It’s only to be expected as we begin adjusting to a new way of life free from active addiction that we will sometimes spend too much time numbing out in other ways. Our obsessive energy seeks other outlets.

Obsessing over a substitute behavior can feel demoralizing. It can feel like we’re back in active addiction. We sometimes set no or few limits on it, get lost in escape, use it excessively and impulsively, and neglect what’s important to us. Sometimes we hear people call it an “addiction,” like a chocolate addiction or TV series addiction.

Imagining these behaviors up on the same level as addiction can be dangerous to us. If overcoming one type of addiction meant being overrun by others, stuck in a never-ending game of whack-a-mole, we would feel hopelessly defeated.

Imagining our addiction down at the same level as substitute behaviors is equally dangerous. Once we lose interest in a substitute and discover it was a passing phase, we might assume the same should be true of our gaming addiction. We could become careless and vulnerable.

We all use substitutes as crutches at times, especially in the early months. Trying to eliminate all bad habits at the same time that we’re getting off games is too much, too overwhelming. We need to start with the most important thing—not gaming just for today while taking some of the suggestions in GAA. Eventually we will be ready to address our bad habits with a clearer head and stronger support system, and perhaps with a sponsor and an inventory.

In the meanwhile, we can remind ourselves of three important slogans whenever struggling with substitute behavior.