I was definitely addicted to video games/chat rooms for about 2 years when I moved to a new town when I was in 7th grade. I was bullied in school for the first time, and within the first few months of class, I was sitting alone at lunch and consistently teased for my clothes, weight, embarrassing haircut and rolly backpack. I was pretty much a surefire target for bullying, so much to the extent where kids were uneasy being seen talking to me (I always brought extra pencils so i'd never have to ask a peer for one). Anyhow, because I was so alienated in school, I sought out acceptance elsewhere. I eventually got sucked into this chat website, where people would basically pretend to be something they weren't IRL. In retrospect, I'm embarrassed of this, and regretful of all of the money I poured into the website. I was definitely addicted because when I was at school I would fantasize of playing Runescape and interacting with my friends on the chat site that I frequented. I was exceptionally depressed, lonely and I hated who I was trapped being IRL. I eventually broke down and my parents realized what was going on with me once my personality started taking a turn. I became so frustrated with reality, I began to lash out at my parents, who were literally all I had. They eventually realized why when things escalated drastically and they had been called to the school because some girls poured bleach in my lunchbox. This was very traumatic, but finally my parents realized that the "school friends" that I had been talking to on the internet were all complete strangers. Although the relationships I created were wholesome, this spooked my parents and they became much more strict regarding what I was doing on the internet. They both made a point of getting me into extracurricular activities, and eventually, I had a social life again. Sorry for the long, disorganized story. Hope this cleared some stuff up.