Gaming Addictions

[ChocolatChip]

I have been reading online about gaming addictions, and I believe my boyfriend has one.
We have been together for about a year and half, and it makes life really difficult. He's had a lot of problems in the past, before when he lived down in london he suffered from depression, self-harmed and tried to commit suicide.
He said that I was his salvation, and I helped him recover from all this.
Now he lives with me and my family, he is 22 and unemployed (has been for about 2 months, he is desperately trying to find a job!)
But he spends about 12 hours a day on his Xbox 360. He refuses to go out, for walks, or shopping, or meals or just anything! And says he just doesn't want too. If he does go out, he whines and huffs and puffs. But obviously he just spends his time on the Xbox.
It's very fustrating, because I don't feel like I have any friends, and rely on my mum or auntie to come out with me. As I can't bear to be out alone, I have anxiety problems.
I adore him completely, and when his Xbox is broken (which seems to happen a fair bit) or we're away, he's really wonderful and kind and loving. You couldn't ask for a better partner. But I feel that the gaming is taking over his life, and I don't want to continue down this road, otherwise I don't think I spend the rest of my life with him, like I want to.
Is there such things as counsellors for gaming addictions, or how can I get him to realise whats happening.
I don't want to leave him.
(Posted in B&S too)
Any advice welcome, please.

[VorVZakone]

Yes, addicted.
Can only really stop if becomes bored (unlikely) or realizes is addicted. Games addiction and relationship not too compatible.
2/3 weeks of stopping would be enough for him to realize its better on the other side.
Games are a lot of fun. But addiction to them is not a life.

[VorVZakone]

ps. It's about 60percent likely that he's not playing the games for the games, but because they form a great type of mental block for people with problems like the ones you describe. If he (or a professional) were to tackle that route, giving up the gaming would be easier.