I have been an avid gamer all my life. In the recent decade it's taken a hit, as life (work, moving in with the gf, etc.) got in the way.
Ultimately, though, I come back to gaming. I play fewer games, as their quality overall has been affected by capitalism's relentless pursuit to ruin everything in the name of profits, but there are still plenty of good titles left.
I have come to the realisation that nothing else in life gives me the kind of happiness and peace of mind as gaming does. It's about as good as the most effective drugs I've known and that's saying quite something (certainly healthier too).
When I play games, I have something to focus on, while simultaneously rewarding the part of my brain involved in learning and accomplishment. It's a killer mixture I've fostered since I was a toddler pretty much, so it hooks into something very primal, deep down.
The funny thing is, that gaming has gone from the thing reject-nerds used to do, to a thing that's broadly socially accepted. So nowadays I can finally just happily admit that I enjoy games.
What I do not admit is, that almost anything I do in life is so I can play more games and ultimately, I don't mind, because that's where I have found more happiness than anywhere else.
The only thing that comes remotely close is the stability I get from a healthy family life living with my girlfriend, who loves gaming just as much.
Going to work, the forced socialising required to hold down the job, etc. is all just a means to do more gaming. If I could disappear into a virtual world full-time, I would.