20 Surprising Addictions!
Addictions are a serious social problem. While you may be familiar with the idea of alcohol or drug addictions, you might be surprised to learn about some other kinds. Not all of them are recognized by the medical establishment, but they are very real.
1. Except for love at first sight, most relationships begin with a seduction stage. After it’s over, the relationship evolves into something else. People who are seduction addicts, like Don Juan, never satisfy their desire for new conquests. Once their prey falls under their spell, they drop them in pursuit of someone new.
2. For most people, tanning is a fun activity that you do from time to time, like when you’re on vacation. But for others, it can be a real addiction. The phenomenon is known as tanorexia, and those who suffer from it are addicted to tanning. What’s the difference between tanorexics and those who simply love the sun? They have an uncontrollable urge to tan and are “literally addicted to ultraviolet (UV) rays.”
3. The internet may seem like a surprising addiction, since most people use it every day for work, communication, and entertainment—and it’s harmless. But for some, it’s not that simple. They may spend enormous amounts of time online, engaging in “compulsive behaviour such as a need to keep playing a game, constantly check email, or compulsively gamble online.” This can lead to a drop in productivity at work or school and less time spent on other things in general, an overload of work, and an increase in stressors.
4. Putting on makeup, going to the salon, and getting a manicure or a pedicure might seem harmless, but not for everyone, according to American psychologist Vivian Diller. “We may think of beauty routines as superficial, but in a world where looks matter a lot, satisfaction can run deep when they’re enhanced. And anything that contributes toward that end can easily become addictive.”
5. Paying attention to your well-being is just as important as taking care of your health, but some people take it to the point of obsession. Some people, obsessed with self-improvement, turn into “self-help junkies.” They race between self-development workshops, meditation sessions, and yoga classes. They keep regular appointments with a counsellor and fill their days with wellness activities. They spend large amounts of money on retreats, massages, and personal growth seminars. But instead of achieving perfect mental health, some actually become more depressed as their quest remains unfulfilled.
6. Most people like to sleep in from time to time, but some people need to sleep a lot longer than average. If you’re sleeping more than 12 hours a night, you might have a problem. Experts typically recommend seven to nine hours a night for adults. Too many hours in bed can lead to personal and professional problems if you don’t leave yourself enough time to get things done during the day.
7. Everyone has a unique relationship with the food they eat. Some people are obsessed with eating only health-food products—foods that are good for their body—a phenomenon known as orthorexia nervosa. These people may have an “unhealthy obsession” with eating healthy foods. They can become fixated on eliminating fatty, salty, or overly sweet foods from their diet and live in fear of eating something unhealthy. If they do give in to temptation, they punish themselves, often through exercise, fasting, or an even stricter diet. While not officially recognized as an eating disorder, an addiction to healthy eating is similar to anorexia or bulimia, with a compulsion to lose weight and be in control of their bodies.
8. Nowadays, sporting a tattoo or body piercing is pretty common. But when you have multiple tattoos or piercings, it could be a sign of addiction. Some people cannot have just one tattoo. As soon as they get a new tattoo, they start dreaming about the next one. Because body modifications—tattoos, piercings, and even branding—cause pain, “the body releases endorphins in response,” leading to a high, similar to the feeling you get when you really push yourself during a workout or go for a long run (“runner’s high”). People also become addicted to body modifications to constantly improve their appearance and stand out in a crowd.
9. Bigorexia, a body-image disorder, is the compulsive need to do intense workouts frequently. While people who suffer from bigorexia may be seeking an endorphin release, their addiction isn’t purely chemical. Bigorexia is actually more of a psychological dependency than a biochemical one. Those who suffer from the disorder tend to be obsessed with their body size and “worry about being too small, underdeveloped, and/or underweight.” In actual fact, people with bigorexia tend to be very strong, but their distorted self-image drives them to constantly build bigger and bigger muscle mass.
10. Everybody knows a daredevil, someone who isn’t afraid of parachuting, bungee jumping, or freestyle skiing. Among those who love sports, there’s a subcategory who are thrill or high-sensation seekers. When thrill seekers do extreme sports or pursue dangerous activities, they get an “incredible adrenaline rush” and will often neglect work, family, and financial responsibilities to get it.
11. Whether it’s at a casino or online, some gamblers are compulsive. They don’t just play occasionally for fun—for them, gambling is a necessity. Pathological gamblers “have a hard time resisting or controlling the impulse to gamble” and will even commit crimes to get the money they need to keep playing. The condition can begin as early as adolescence in men.
12. Drunkorexia involves restricting your diet so that you can binge drink (excessive drinking in a short period of time). A study by Victoria Osborne of the University of Missouri found that “16% of those questioned limited their calorie intake so they could ‘save them’ for drinking alcohol.”
13. Shopping, in and of itself, is no big deal, but things get problematic when your urge to shop is uncontrollable. “A shopaholic is someone who feels he must shop. The shopaholic would rather go to the mall than do any other activity,” says Luisa Cameli, PhD, psychologist and director of the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Clinic, which is affiliated with the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC).
14. Everyone has to work, but for some—also known as workaholics—it’s a serious addiction. According to one article, “workaholics display many of the same characteristics as those addicted to drugs or alcohol, compulsively engaging in behaviour that is ultimately destructive.” Workaholics may face decreased feelings of self-fulfilment, high levels of stress, and burnout.
15. Social media addiction is a form of internet addiction. According to Marie-Anne Sergerie, PhD, a psychologist who specializes in internet addiction, “social media addiction is marked by withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, anger, or boredom when there is no access to social media. Social media addicts will continue to use it, despite any negative consequences it may have for them (being frequently and significantly late for work or school, or relationship troubles if there is any online cheating).”
16. With 77% of Americans owning a smartphone, it’s undeniable that these devices have become an integral part of our day-to-day lives. But for many, they have become indispensable. According to an article in Psychology Today, nomophobia (fear of being without your smartphone) affects 66% of adults in the United States. Smartphone addictions are having an effect on relationships, interrupting family and romantic dinners—and even sex. People are also taking their smartphones into the shower, movie theatres, and classrooms. More dangerously, they are being used while walking, cycling, and driving. If you can’t put your phone down, you might be an addict!
17. Nothing beats a cup of coffee in the morning, but don’t go overboard! You might become addicted to the caffeine it contains. “Like most drugs, caffeine increases the production of dopamine in the brain’s pleasure circuits, thus helping to maintain the dependency on this drug,” according to the Brain from Top to Bottom.
18. Some people prefer beginnings to forever-afters. The so-called honeymoon phase or infatuation period of a relationship tends to last about six months. During this time, the brain releases endorphins and some people become addicted to this happy feeling. After the honeymoon phase is over, however, they quickly move on to the next relationship to recreate this rush.
19. Some gamers can spend seemingly endless hours in front of the screen. This is especially true when it comes to MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games). According to the Center for Internet Addiction, “gamers who play almost every day, play for extended periods of time (over four hours), get restless or irritable if they can’t play, and sacrifice other social activities just to game are showing signs of addiction.” Luckily, only a small percentage of gamers become addicted.
20. Addictions can appear in some surprising forms. Take Tamara, a 33-year-old woman, who is completely addicted to her pillow. She has been carrying it with her since she was four years old. For this woman, the focus of her addiction is a pillow—but this same phenomenon could manifest in other everyday objects.
Source: https://www.msn.com/en-in/health/wellness/20-surprising-addictions/ss-BBENrOr
2. For most people, tanning is a fun activity that you do from time to time, like when you’re on vacation. But for others, it can be a real addiction. The phenomenon is known as tanorexia, and those who suffer from it are addicted to tanning. What’s the difference between tanorexics and those who simply love the sun? They have an uncontrollable urge to tan and are “literally addicted to ultraviolet (UV) rays.”
3. The internet may seem like a surprising addiction, since most people use it every day for work, communication, and entertainment—and it’s harmless. But for some, it’s not that simple. They may spend enormous amounts of time online, engaging in “compulsive behaviour such as a need to keep playing a game, constantly check email, or compulsively gamble online.” This can lead to a drop in productivity at work or school and less time spent on other things in general, an overload of work, and an increase in stressors.
4. Putting on makeup, going to the salon, and getting a manicure or a pedicure might seem harmless, but not for everyone, according to American psychologist Vivian Diller. “We may think of beauty routines as superficial, but in a world where looks matter a lot, satisfaction can run deep when they’re enhanced. And anything that contributes toward that end can easily become addictive.”
5. Paying attention to your well-being is just as important as taking care of your health, but some people take it to the point of obsession. Some people, obsessed with self-improvement, turn into “self-help junkies.” They race between self-development workshops, meditation sessions, and yoga classes. They keep regular appointments with a counsellor and fill their days with wellness activities. They spend large amounts of money on retreats, massages, and personal growth seminars. But instead of achieving perfect mental health, some actually become more depressed as their quest remains unfulfilled.
6. Most people like to sleep in from time to time, but some people need to sleep a lot longer than average. If you’re sleeping more than 12 hours a night, you might have a problem. Experts typically recommend seven to nine hours a night for adults. Too many hours in bed can lead to personal and professional problems if you don’t leave yourself enough time to get things done during the day.
7. Everyone has a unique relationship with the food they eat. Some people are obsessed with eating only health-food products—foods that are good for their body—a phenomenon known as orthorexia nervosa. These people may have an “unhealthy obsession” with eating healthy foods. They can become fixated on eliminating fatty, salty, or overly sweet foods from their diet and live in fear of eating something unhealthy. If they do give in to temptation, they punish themselves, often through exercise, fasting, or an even stricter diet. While not officially recognized as an eating disorder, an addiction to healthy eating is similar to anorexia or bulimia, with a compulsion to lose weight and be in control of their bodies.
8. Nowadays, sporting a tattoo or body piercing is pretty common. But when you have multiple tattoos or piercings, it could be a sign of addiction. Some people cannot have just one tattoo. As soon as they get a new tattoo, they start dreaming about the next one. Because body modifications—tattoos, piercings, and even branding—cause pain, “the body releases endorphins in response,” leading to a high, similar to the feeling you get when you really push yourself during a workout or go for a long run (“runner’s high”). People also become addicted to body modifications to constantly improve their appearance and stand out in a crowd.
9. Bigorexia, a body-image disorder, is the compulsive need to do intense workouts frequently. While people who suffer from bigorexia may be seeking an endorphin release, their addiction isn’t purely chemical. Bigorexia is actually more of a psychological dependency than a biochemical one. Those who suffer from the disorder tend to be obsessed with their body size and “worry about being too small, underdeveloped, and/or underweight.” In actual fact, people with bigorexia tend to be very strong, but their distorted self-image drives them to constantly build bigger and bigger muscle mass.
10. Everybody knows a daredevil, someone who isn’t afraid of parachuting, bungee jumping, or freestyle skiing. Among those who love sports, there’s a subcategory who are thrill or high-sensation seekers. When thrill seekers do extreme sports or pursue dangerous activities, they get an “incredible adrenaline rush” and will often neglect work, family, and financial responsibilities to get it.
11. Whether it’s at a casino or online, some gamblers are compulsive. They don’t just play occasionally for fun—for them, gambling is a necessity. Pathological gamblers “have a hard time resisting or controlling the impulse to gamble” and will even commit crimes to get the money they need to keep playing. The condition can begin as early as adolescence in men.
12. Drunkorexia involves restricting your diet so that you can binge drink (excessive drinking in a short period of time). A study by Victoria Osborne of the University of Missouri found that “16% of those questioned limited their calorie intake so they could ‘save them’ for drinking alcohol.”
13. Shopping, in and of itself, is no big deal, but things get problematic when your urge to shop is uncontrollable. “A shopaholic is someone who feels he must shop. The shopaholic would rather go to the mall than do any other activity,” says Luisa Cameli, PhD, psychologist and director of the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Clinic, which is affiliated with the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC).
14. Everyone has to work, but for some—also known as workaholics—it’s a serious addiction. According to one article, “workaholics display many of the same characteristics as those addicted to drugs or alcohol, compulsively engaging in behaviour that is ultimately destructive.” Workaholics may face decreased feelings of self-fulfilment, high levels of stress, and burnout.
15. Social media addiction is a form of internet addiction. According to Marie-Anne Sergerie, PhD, a psychologist who specializes in internet addiction, “social media addiction is marked by withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, anger, or boredom when there is no access to social media. Social media addicts will continue to use it, despite any negative consequences it may have for them (being frequently and significantly late for work or school, or relationship troubles if there is any online cheating).”
16. With 77% of Americans owning a smartphone, it’s undeniable that these devices have become an integral part of our day-to-day lives. But for many, they have become indispensable. According to an article in Psychology Today, nomophobia (fear of being without your smartphone) affects 66% of adults in the United States. Smartphone addictions are having an effect on relationships, interrupting family and romantic dinners—and even sex. People are also taking their smartphones into the shower, movie theatres, and classrooms. More dangerously, they are being used while walking, cycling, and driving. If you can’t put your phone down, you might be an addict!
17. Nothing beats a cup of coffee in the morning, but don’t go overboard! You might become addicted to the caffeine it contains. “Like most drugs, caffeine increases the production of dopamine in the brain’s pleasure circuits, thus helping to maintain the dependency on this drug,” according to the Brain from Top to Bottom.
18. Some people prefer beginnings to forever-afters. The so-called honeymoon phase or infatuation period of a relationship tends to last about six months. During this time, the brain releases endorphins and some people become addicted to this happy feeling. After the honeymoon phase is over, however, they quickly move on to the next relationship to recreate this rush.
19. Some gamers can spend seemingly endless hours in front of the screen. This is especially true when it comes to MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games). According to the Center for Internet Addiction, “gamers who play almost every day, play for extended periods of time (over four hours), get restless or irritable if they can’t play, and sacrifice other social activities just to game are showing signs of addiction.” Luckily, only a small percentage of gamers become addicted.
20. Addictions can appear in some surprising forms. Take Tamara, a 33-year-old woman, who is completely addicted to her pillow. She has been carrying it with her since she was four years old. For this woman, the focus of her addiction is a pillow—but this same phenomenon could manifest in other everyday objects.
Source: https://www.msn.com/en-in/health/wellness/20-surprising-addictions/ss-BBENrOr
The gamming addiction is 😎
ReplyDeleteHahaha yess😂
DeleteMobile addiction tho !
ReplyDelete