I fully realize that posting this is potentially opening me up to be flamed. That said, I am really glad Classic is here.
Trying to kick booze (again) and haven’t had a drink since a couple of days after release. I’ve been spending the morning listening to the vids on the importance of finding something else to occupy your time with when trying to get off alcohol, and so far Classic has been great for that for me.
I know I’m trading one addiction for another, but at least this is far less self-destructive than blackouts and losing even more. The game doesn’t solve the problem, but it’s an incremental step for the time being.
Anyway, this isn’t a sympathy thread; I’m curious if anyone else is using the game as an aid to kicking drinking, smoking, or other vices.
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Currently using it as a solid time to enjoy an herbal relaxation technique. So not kicking a vice, but good on you for kicking the stuff! For some folks it aint meant to be messed with.
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Whatever works. Best of luck to you.
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Been sober for a while so not using the game to quit. But it does provide a nice distraction on the occasional rough days when I’d like a drink.
All I can say is stay strong friend. Nothing but the best wishes and warmest thoughts going your way. Quitting isn’t easy, but if drinking is truly an addiction it’s one of the most worthwhile things you’ll ever do for yourself.
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Can confirm drinking slows down the leveling process: more bathroom breaks while drinking, then the next day waking up too late or very slowly.
Had a group get impatient with me when I was drinking wine and healing ST. Too many bathroom breaks. It discourages drinking.
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I drink more. In between frost novas I try and down an entire beer as a personal challenge.
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it actually helps with lonliness and anxiety for me. I dont have many real life friends, and the one I do we dont really have a lot in common, just known each other for a long time. I have a gf, and a 3 year old son so aside from that I have nobody else to talk to normally.
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Classic has helped me reduce my beer in-take … but not eliminate it. Sorry but beer is just good to give up altogether! 
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The game is having the opposite effect on me. I have not had a cigarette since November 9th, but playing and drinking coffee makes me want to smoke.
It’s probably because I smoked when I used to play WoW.
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Not really in the same boat as you OP, but I feel like if I wasn’t playing wow or some other video game during almost all my downtime, I would drink a lot more than I do now. I like drinking, but I also don’t really like playing games drunk. So in a way, wow keeps me in check lol
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I believe this game may drive me back to drinking when phase 3 starts.
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While I am tremendously proud of you (and you should be proud of yourself more importantly)…
I think classic would MAKE ME DRINK MORE…
But whatever works for you. GL
Whatever you do OP,
DO NOT play retail, because Island Expeditions require for you to be drunk to tolerate the dull nature of spamming whirlwind.
I’m actually not joking, I’d drink hard liquor and diet coke to get my AP grind on. In Classic I make too many mistakes to be able to play with vodka or Whiskey.
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I also feel like it makes me drink more, all that auto running and nothing for my other hand to do while my right hand is steering lol.
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I have cut back. I don’t drink at home anymore. I make tea. I’m up late grinding.
I don’t need to be tired and hung over.
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Amen. I’m using classic to help keep me in on the weekends and out of trouble. It’s helping me break the habit and bring the party lifestyle to an end.
I’ll still sip on a glass of scotch but at least I won’t be paying a $250 tab on an average night out.
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That’s one way of looking at it, I suppose.
The thing about addictions is that when you try to drop them, you need to replace them with something of substance that brings some sort of fulfillment to your life. Maybe it’s work. Or working out. Or the church. Or some sort of craft, like woodworking. Or hey, gaming. But it’s fairly well acknowledged that you need to replace the addiction with something healthier.
If it looks (or sounds) stupid and it works, it ain’t stupid.
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Interesting replies! For me, drinking would kill my performance in the game. I mainly heal and I do not play even remotely as well while drinking. I want to be known on my server as a good healer and so far so good.
Also, like a real drunk, I can’t just have a couple; if I start, I keep going until I am either out or passed out, whichever comes first.
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Trade one addiction for another! At least this one is healthier than drinking by far
Although being sedentary all day isn’t. So be sure to stand up and take a walk around every hour or so!
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Yes, this is it for me as well… helps with my chronic depression and anxiety… hoping to make more friends in-game, but it’s a slow process.
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