How to put the game in accordance with everyday life

Hi everyone. Again, and I know Ive been doing this a few times already - really really sorry for the unexpected thread. I know you didnt see this coming. I just, have something I really want to talk about with the community. I hope nobody minds.

Well, you see . . . in the past when I was younger and still played this game, I didnt really care about how it pretty much ruined my life in the way that I was trying to run away from school, or not go altogether, or when I was skipping meals/hang out with irl friends just so I can spend some more time on Maple. Now, being 22, I really start to take it more seriously than before. I used to think this game is the only reason to rush home for, I had fights with my sibling over who gets to play on the computer first, etc. - all sorts of things. And I did all this just because I had this extreme urge to play as much as possible. Or, as it is often called, addiction. This addiction to the game . . . all the time when I was young, I had not fully realized it, and I have let it control me and my life. I'm sure some of you here may have been through similar times, and when you grew up you might have started to pay more attention to it and take it more seriously. Its really vital to anyone out there who is addicted to this game. Its because if you dont be careful, this game can really ruin your life. Really, I'm not joking. I think it kind of did in some way for me by now already, in the sense that I dont have as much real life friends as others have, and this is all because of me focusing on this game than focusing on making friends in life, or at school when I was younger. I even gave up on homework and other important studies. Yeah, I guess I really thought nothing could stop me from loggin in and playing this game everyday hahah...But now, when I have finally realized the damage done to me by overplaying this game so much, I have started to significantly reduce the hours I spend playing it. I dont ever try to completely refrain from, playing altogether, because I still love this game, even if I am considered childish by others because I still play it , etc. I'm sure some of you may have been through similar times in your life, or even going through something like this right now. That's where you can feel safe about sharing it here - let your thoughts be heard and perhaps even share what you've done to stop this crazy addiction you might have had to this game. I mean, this passion and enthusiasm to play this game - who doesnt have? Its great to have, but you have to set up your limits or you'll be letting it control you and ruin your life. Man, when I had learned my lesson from all that, I sure have improved much better, both as a person and as a player. I'd imagine my life pretty miserable if I were to not realize it ever. I know I'm late by realizing it only in recent years, but "better than never" as they say. Now I only play a few hours a day at most, and thats only after I am done with real life stuff. I have a great idea of looking at it and preventing myself from overplaying - I take care of my real life stuff first, then, and only then I play games. its really great feeling to be able to control things, especially addiction which can be difficult to control. I hope some people around these parts can share a little bit from their own experiences, and what did they do to deal with their addiction to this game. I hope you found my own story interesting, and looking forward to hear about yours. Always happy to come here knowing there's a nice community willing to listen and discuss things together.