The most reliable giant from Game of Thrones loves to play World of Warcraft. It even saved him from a drug addiction.
If you listen to the cynical tongues, then World of Warcraft has ruined many a youth and plunged some players into a video game addiction. But that WoW can also help one escape from a completely different addiction is something you hear rather seldom. There is a fairly prominent example: Kristian Nairn, whom many will know primarily as ‘Hodor’ from the series ‘Game of Thrones.’
Where did Nairn talk about this? In the latest episode of ‘The Games That Made Me,’ Kristian Nairn is a guest. He talks mostly about his time in World of Warcraft and how the game has shaped him. He was actually a console gamer who bought a lot of consoles – but after he started playing World of Warcraft, he hardly had time for them anymore.
Nairn previously published the autobiographical book Beyond The Throne. In it, he speaks extensively about his drug addiction. This included alcohol and amphetamines as well as ecstasy and cocaine.
How did WoW help Nairn? Nairn reveals that during his drug addiction, one day he no longer recognized himself in the mirror and decided to change something drastically. He packed his things and moved to the coast with his dog and his computer to gain distance from everything.
He had intended to take his dog for walks on the beach – but that never happened in the 6 months. Instead, he hardly left his apartment and was almost permanently immersed in World of Warcraft.
Such a fixation on World of Warcraft for such a long time is probably not particularly healthy, but it was a good way to escape drug addiction. Because in doing so, he “found himself again,” as he reveals.
Community jokes Exchanged one dark master for another
This is how the community reacts: In the Subreddit of WoW, they are also discussing the video. Most people think it’s great how openly Nairn addresses his past problems. Some also admonish him, not necessarily jokingly, that he has just exchanged one demon for another.
As spanishtroll112 says, “He probably slipped into a worse drug,” which another player commented with, “Yes, but this one at least has transmogs and mounts.”
- “He exchanged one evil master for another.” – Sexus445
Even though this is actually a nice story, others should not take it as an example. Those struggling with addiction problems should confide in friends or family and seek professional help to overcome this addiction.
That World of Warcraft can engage and distract for a considerable time is also known to many players – as one who proudly shows that he has completed all quests.
