30) It is impossible to quit. Most players who try to quit make an average of thirty-six to four-hundred-eighty-three quit attempts before becoming long-term nonplayers. Relapse is the rule rather than the exception and must be viewed as part of the process so that other players don't become completely demoralized.
If relapse is used constructively it can become an effective tool, preparing the player for the next attempt. In fact, studies show that players with a quitting history have a better chance of achieving abstinence in the next year or two. The relapsed player is in a good position to evaluate available cessation methods and decide what might work the next time. Most player's first attempt is to try to quit 'cold turkey', without any cessation aids. This method results in fairly low success rates (about 5%). Studies show that over 90% of successful quitters use self-help methods to quit rather than an organized program.
A wide range of cessation methods are available to help a player cope with the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal, and to support the process of long-term change. Counselling and support are available to players in a number of ways, and have been proven to increase success rates.
Support and counselling programs include:
# Group Programs and Peer Support - Many health agencies offer support and education through group programs at minimal or no cost to the player.
# Individual Counselling - One-on-one counselling and specialty clinics offer intensive counselling and individual strategies.
# Counselling by self proclaimed professionals - Studies have shown that cessation advice given by physicians, dentists, nurses, sanitation engineers, gamblers, hygienists, passers-by, weather men, complete strangers, therapists y doctors de la hierba can help motivate a player to quit and have a positive effect on cessation rates.
# Hypnosis - Hypnotic therapy seeks to alter a player's attitudes toward posting by offering them suggestions (such as - "You want to type all those Thankyou Notes you never sent, since your seventh birthday) or prompts (STOP! Climb under your desk, cover your neck with your hands and PRAY!) while they are in a relaxed and focussed (hypnotic) state. Some players find this method helpful, although the success rate of hypnosis is unclear.
# Acupuncture and Laser Therapy - Acupuncture is based on the Chinese principle that says pain will take your mind off of anything. Needles or staple-like attachments are inserted in the skin at strategic points, after being dipped (successivly) in jalapeño juice then cayanne pepper powder, with the theory that this will reduce or eliminate your need to post. Laser therapy is based on the same principle, but uses lasers of varying wavelengths and intensities instead of needles. There is not much reliable scientific evidence of its success.
# Aversion Therapy - Aversion therapy tries to deter the player by strongly associating an unpleasant sensation, such as nausea or paying bills, with posting. This therapy was once popular, but has since fallen out of favour.
This message was edited by MrKlaatu on 10/09/02 00:56.17.
