The Opium Theory
Roleplay addictions are serious.
We all joke, as roleplayers, that roleplaying is our drug. This is fine and dandy, but one of the things we must always watch out for is opium.
Those who know me know that I always joke about opium, but it is a good point-making device.
Opium is a terrible drug that gives you a wonderful high. But every time you use it, you need more of it to reach that high. People have been consumed by opium addictions.
Sometimes, roleplaying can become opium. We use it as an emotional vent and as an escape from reality. As writers, we find a certain high in writing up a world that we can, to some degree, have authority over.
This, too, is fine and dandy, but the second your little roleplay "drug" turns into opium, you're screwed.
So, what is roleplay opium?
When you spend every spare moment roleplaying, when your thoughts are consumed by it., when it controls your emotions, actions, and words, when it steals all of your time and creativity for other things, when it is so time-consuming and stressful that all the fun and "high" of roleplaying is gone and all you have left is the struggle to reach said high once more.... you have opium.
The cure? Same as anything else: moderation. Sometimes, this can be as simple as taking a hiatus. Sometimes, you've become so dependent on roleplaying that you cannot stop. In cases like this, there is often no solution save for trying to cut back on your activity.
If you find yourself lost in an opium addiction, draw on the strength of the community you are playing in... and if you find yourself repeatedly becoming lost? Sadly, I have no advice for you, save to take hiatus or to abandon ship.
You'll miss roleplaying, and it'll be like a withdrawel. But you will work through it. I promise.
Those who know me know that I always joke about opium, but it is a good point-making device.
Opium is a terrible drug that gives you a wonderful high. But every time you use it, you need more of it to reach that high. People have been consumed by opium addictions.
Sometimes, roleplaying can become opium. We use it as an emotional vent and as an escape from reality. As writers, we find a certain high in writing up a world that we can, to some degree, have authority over.
This, too, is fine and dandy, but the second your little roleplay "drug" turns into opium, you're screwed.
So, what is roleplay opium?
When you spend every spare moment roleplaying, when your thoughts are consumed by it., when it controls your emotions, actions, and words, when it steals all of your time and creativity for other things, when it is so time-consuming and stressful that all the fun and "high" of roleplaying is gone and all you have left is the struggle to reach said high once more.... you have opium.
The cure? Same as anything else: moderation. Sometimes, this can be as simple as taking a hiatus. Sometimes, you've become so dependent on roleplaying that you cannot stop. In cases like this, there is often no solution save for trying to cut back on your activity.
If you find yourself lost in an opium addiction, draw on the strength of the community you are playing in... and if you find yourself repeatedly becoming lost? Sadly, I have no advice for you, save to take hiatus or to abandon ship.
You'll miss roleplaying, and it'll be like a withdrawel. But you will work through it. I promise.