Do you have addictions? Which ones?

[crazyincalifornia]

Addictions are difficult to define. Many say if it interferes with your job, family, or lifestyle, you may be addicted.
Addictions almost are always the first choice over anything else. The fallacy that you can stop anytime you want is a common claim of addicts.
Addictions cut across all gender, social, and education lines. Doctors, nurses, and other health professionals deal with personal addictions
Your turn!
Thanks for the courage to respond.

Alcohol and/or other drugs

Food

Sex and/or P*rnography

Tobacco

Other, you may choose to explain below.

[twigsducks]

I've been dependant on weed for the past couple of years but I have been gradually quitting that habit for the past two months. Now I'll only get high if I'm experiencing some sort of conflict that I can't see a solution to.

I'm also quitting smoking cigarettes. Have been smoke free for two days haha doesn't sound like much but gotta start somewhere:-)

I have found out that I have a very easy time developing addictions to various things so that's why I'm trying to cut those things out of my life entirely. I don't want to be a slave to my vices anymore

[crazyincalifornia]

Weed is a known psyche addictor. None physical that I know of though.
It is all over our dorms and they have slacked off a lot on the busts.
Just be careful. Addictions can steal your life away.

[xobrowneyedbeauty]

i kind of have a food addiction, but in the sense that i have eating issues that stem from my depression. i also have (had?) self harm issues. i haven't cut in a while but that's because i haven't been depressed in a while. i have really screwed up eating habits though and i need to figure out how to fix them. :(

[Gnome0]

If you don't mind me saying, you're profile pic is pretty for a food addict (old photo?, I guess none of my business). I have trouble with eating too.

[crazyincalifornia]

Food and other consumption addictions are the most common. They also may be the most difficult to control.
Personally I believe we all have addictions. Some are very dangerous, others not so.
What surprises me I how many men are fessing up and far fewer woman. I expected the opposite.

[xobrowneyedbeauty]

@Gnome0 thank you i guess? it's a picture i just took a few weeks ago. my eating issues are different than they used to be. i have disordered eating (rather than an eating disorder), which is basically an addiction in itself. it's kind of a control thing. so i'm not exactly addicted to eating all the time, but i'm addicted to the control i have when i choose when and what i'm eating if that makes sense.
@asker i agree with you, i think everyone has their own addictions. some are just more serious and/or unhealthy than others. it's nice to see guys admitting to this stuff though. surprising, i agree, but it's kind of refreshing ya know?

[Zango91]

Video Games and G@G :P and p*rn to some extent. I guess, I'm on my holidays and have nothing else to do. So I resort to my laptop 24x7. I'm too busy on working days, that I have time only for food and sleep. And any day, I would choose my laptop instead of human interactions.

[crazyincalifornia]

Yeah I think that's a big one, especially for teens. Schools are complaining that kids are staying home to game instead of attending classes.

[Zango91]

I used to play 96 hours straight with just lays and cola. Now its just 4-5 hrs per day. Guess I have improved :D :D

[crazyincalifornia]

My guy is a gamer, just not that intense.
I'm pretty casual about it.

[Zango91]

Ha ha. Lucky You, Or should i say "Lucky him", Either way, lucky both,

[Zango91]

Thanks :D For MHO :)

[Insaan]

I think i am addicted to sexual fantasies. Yeah i am virgin tho. You will die laughing if i mention my sexual fantasies. Lol i have released enough sperms by now to actually impregnate every women in this planet.
I was a smoker for 1&1/2 years and i have quit already.

[crazyincalifornia]

Ok! The thing is to not panic. Sexual fantasies are common, even healthy. We all have them, me included.
Some can be dangerous though. Rape fantasies in particular, child molestations, etc. These can lead to suicide.
If you are harboring any of these please seek help.
This is not the place for you.

[Insaan]

Lol no... i don't have such weird sexual fantasies like you mentioned. I love women and i cannot think of rape with women at all.

[crazyincalifornia]

Ok thank goodness!
Society can no longer think as mental and physical health as separate. We need help in both areas if we are to be holistically healthy. Everyone benefits from a society and government that takes care of their citizens.

[Insaan]

You are right.
What are your addictions? :p

[crazyincalifornia]

I have some food consumption issues. I stress eat, and binge on occasion.
Sometimes I think I favor masturbation over hetero sex but I don't think at an addiction level.
I am personally super shy that leads to some personal avoidance. Addictive or not that can be serious.

[Insaan]

You are normal :)

[crazyincalifornia]

Maybe! The thing is I'm not afraid to tell others, like my guy. I don't mean when he comes walking in the door I say, no sex tonight cuz I masturbated already. We are all allowed some personal privacy. But if I'm feeling a little insecure, I can pretty much tell him anything and he will not judage me.
We all need someone like that in our lives.
We also need to be open on GAG as a self induced therapy.

[Insaan]

You are taken :( :( :( :p :p :p

[BertMacklinFBI]

i literally can't think of one, in a technical sense.

[crazyincalifornia]

Think harder Bert!

[Insaan]

YOU ARE ADDICTED TO FBI dOOd! :p

[BertMacklinFBI]

@Asker oh okay I got it! :D im addicted to food! :) x) X) hahaa

[crazyincalifornia]

Always funny. thx.

[Doofey]

Hey baby... I'm addicted to *respecting women*. Oh yeah, you know I love it when you *appreciate it* when I *buy you roses*. Yeah girl you've never seen a *gentleman* like this. Oh and I am so addicted to *romantic dates* and *waiting until marriage*.

[crazyincalifornia]

well, either you're being facetious, or you're very nice.

[Doofey]

Haha I'm a little of both. People tell me I'm too goofy or too nice.

[crazyincalifornia]

Well, you sound nice to me.:)

[Doofey]

Oh and I'm addicted to making girls smile. That too :P

[crazyincalifornia]

Now you sound very nice. XDD

[Doofey]

Why of course! XD

[nerdyasianman14]

I can't stop smiling.

https://i.imgur.com/2kK3MrY.jpg

That is my addiction.

[crazyincalifornia]

hahahaha good one thanks

[GoodManDave]

Smiling's my favorite.

[zorro8888]

I am finally coming to terms with the fact that I am addicted to GAG but you know what they say acceptance is the first step so pray for me but honestly I'm not sure

[crazyincalifornia]

I'm pretty sure you're not alone. XD

[zorro8888]

Glad to hear it, Maybe we can start a support group for people like us

[Shyguy_1988]

I may be addicted to exercise. But if it's really important, it won't effect my family matters. I do love food, but who doesn't. Sex and pornography? Well wouldn't say I'm addicted, but I do think about it often admittedly.

[crazyincalifornia]

You sound quite normal. Everyone thinks about sex, masturbates, and has sex.
You sound fine. I would be more worried if you said you don't like sex, never masturbate, etc. XDD

[Shyguy_1988]

Guess I am quite normal! I have a little bit of OCD were things have to be done a certain way or done at a certain time! XD

[mydestiny]

Meditation.. Whenever I feel low it rejuvenates me again..
It makes me feel high far more than any alcohol or drugs can.

[slackercruster]

Alcohol, drugs, spending, clutter, food, sex / p*rn. Some are in remission of sorts, others never take a holiday.

[crazyincalifornia]

Yeah I believe you. These issues are more prevalent than many people realize.
Since you are aware you have taken a giant step. Denial is death to the addict, depending on the issues.
Are you in therapy?

[BigPhil24]

ALL of the above...

And gym... :)

Although these days its nicotine not tobacco, on the e-cigs... at least im a bit healthy ;)

[crazyincalifornia]

Tobacco is one of the worst, most damaging addictions. It is awful!

[SpiderGirl226]

i love pan flutes ^^

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giXIJGaGgiM

[JackKerouac77]

@SpiderGirl226

Hahah OMG yes you do... glad you have a healthy addiction.

[DragonWolf]

E, im extremely addicted to music. I probably wouldn't survive a day without music.

[crazyincalifornia]

Music and sex. What wonderful addictions.
XDD

[DragonWolf]

Yeah haha

[bunnahies]

if there were two hamburgers hanging off a cliff, id save them both. nomnomnonmom

[crazyincalifornia]

Well, are you inferring a food addiction?

[SailorMars]

I'm definitely addicted to gum, I go through packs so quickly

[crazyincalifornia]

Wow! New one on me. Not too harmful I think. :)

[sovetskii13]

I don't think I have any according to my definition of "Addiction".

[crazyincalifornia]

I believe we all have some issues that fall within addiction guidelines. I certainly do. :)

[Fitnessfanatic27]

I have multiple addictions, the feeling is like a drug for me always trying to reach a new high

[crazyincalifornia]

How do they affect you. the negatives?

[Part6fam]

To sweets 😩 I see diabetes in the future at the rate I am going.

[crazyincalifornia]

Me too. I crave chocolates, milk shakes (vanilla for some reason) those stupid Twizzler thingees, M&Ms. the list goes on. LOL!

[MadBoy]

Games and music. I love playing video games, and I have been since I was 5 years old. Music, it's been a thing for a while now. It helps me calm down, relax, and get away from the world.

[crazyincalifornia]

OK, but that doesn't sound like you're an addict. Everything you say sounds positive.

[MadBoy]

It's also the only thing on my mind, what I'd prefer to be doing, and if I could there'd be nothing but those two things until I died. Does that count?

[crazyincalifornia]

IDK! It sounds like you're just doing something you enjoy, not a compulsion that may lead to addiction.
Addicts are usually aware of who they are. They may exist in a state of constant denial, but deep down they know.
It just doesn't sound like you fit that definition, but you're the better judge, almost better than anyone else.

[Thrifty]

This is really bad but I have text sex with hookers with no intention of paying them. And they are the only girls who will respond because all they want is my money.

[Thrifty]

Sorry and I am doing my best to change and turn away from this.

[crazyincalifornia]

Visiting prostitutes is nothing new and not necessarily an addiction. Many experts think prostitution will become legalized sometime in the future.
The question, is it causing you problems related to work, family, or other relationships? Are you mentally stressed by the psychology of paying for sex?

[Thrifty]

It interferes with me spiritually and affects the kind of person that I desire to be, which is real, authentic, and faithful. It is stressing on me mentally because all my energy is directed towards lustful sexual activity that bares no fruit or future and stressing on me monetarily since they only do it for the money. I hate it.

[Thrifty]

More than anything its a huge waste of time.

[crazyincalifornia]

Have you sought pro help?

[Thrifty]

I sought The Lord for help.

[Thrifty]

Very truly I tell you that the very reason I turned to God was because I seeked to turn my life away from this addiction and sin against my very own body. Believe me not but rather believe in the works of the Father who is in Heaven whom sent Jesus Christ on Earth to die for my sins so that I could be saved through him. I seek The Lord in my darkest hour and gift of the spirit lights up my darkness with a bright light to quench my thirst by being the living water that springs up to eternal life.

[crazyincalifornia]

I wish I could be supportive of prayer. I think for some people it brings a degree of relief. Other than that I don't see prayer as all that helpful.

[Thrifty]

You cannot connect to God unless you have faith and you cannot have faith unless you believe. My experiences have been that I learned that prayer is actually talking to God. Just like when you do not talk to any other person, when you do not talk to God, the relationship cannot grow. God listens to your prayers but its important to be 100% sincere and authentic. Effective prayer is internal and not just going in public to show your good works by saying "God This!" and "God That," because very truly I tell you that will be their reward.

When you believe in Jesus Christ, he gives you the gift of the Holy Spirit which is a counselor to teach you all the things that Jesus taught. The Holy Spirit helped me in how to manage my money effectively by using the 10/10/80 system to give me financial freedom rather than giving my money away to prostitutes or buying useless material things. The spirit gave me life and experiences put me in places with people who have always inspired me.

[crazyincalifornia]

I do not have faith in organized religions. As an atheist I am very spiritual. I believe in man and his struggles here. I believe we are obligated to treat one another as brothers without borders, and certainly without the hostility that many religions breed.

[Thrifty]

Thats cool.

To me: Religion is man made, but Jesus is God made.

[Thrifty]

Ill tell you the truth, though, I like sex. I am always going to like sex. It's biological and necessary but done the wrong way and with the wrong person sex which is supposed to be this great gift just becomes boring. And you'll get horny again and then you'll have to find someone else for your next cum. Maybe thirsting for sex lies more of looking to fulfill something more. Dulling a pain. For me, God was my outlet. My escape and my freedom. And reading the Bible more I am scared of God and the karma that may occur because what if someone I loved had to be a hooker for some reason? To feed her kids. Keep the power on. Or even for worse reasons like she just likes buying shoes. So I think I really desire to turn my back against addiction and turn towards God because I believe in soul mates and twin flames and every thought or action has it's reaction so I am seeking to do things right so I am prepared for the right person for me.

[knotme]

I don't have any. Sex might be the closest thing I have to one

[crazyincalifornia]

Great addiction. Working on it myself.

[johnmsk]

is it addiction if i want sex about 3 times a week atleast?

[crazyincalifornia]

of course not
99% of the world population would be addicts then

[johnmsk]

How about wanting it twice a day and constantly horny if I don't get it?

[crazyincalifornia]

That means your addicted to writing BS on here.
XD

[Nearctic]

I used to struggle with self harm, and I'm finding now that I'm addicted to love from a certain person. Like the rush in my brain when he's around is unreal, but it also feels rough to be dependent on it.

[soitgoessss]

Actually addiction does have a definition, wikipedia does a good job...

I'm addicted to anxiolytics.

[crazyincalifornia]

Yes but it's subjective. What one person says is addictive, another says no.
There is no "addiction" test.

[soitgoessss]

Technically, addiction is not subjective but rather a field of study in cognitive sciences with relevance to psychiatry and neurology. Because it is difficult to objectively define does not mean it is subjective.

I'm not trying to be a poindexter and annoy you... it's just that I suffer from an addiction and fight it. An addiction (chemical dependency, gambling addiction) is not the same as liking chocolate a lot.

[crazyincalifornia]

What it is? (sic)

[soitgoessss]

anxiolytics. I am addicted to anti-anxiety medication... and it's really difficult to get out of them :(

[crazyincalifornia]

I agree to some extent, but addiction values are subjective, and definitely do not fit the description as scientific. Cognition is fine but where does that lead to?
The problem with subjectivism is, who is doing the evaluation.
An example may be the term "crazy". 100 psychologist will give you 100 differing opinions on if that person is crazy, and by what measure.
This is important. A person evaluated as crazy usually are not fully prosecuted for their crimes because they may not be able to distinguish right from wrong.
So addiction therapy is elusive because a defined alcoholic may be able to live a useful life, while another's addiction is so severe he dies from it.
They are very very complicated.

[soitgoessss]

Have you given the wikipedia entry on addiction a chance? It's well-written and up-to-date.

There is no subjectivity in delineating a chemical dependency, tolerance to a drug, etc. It's point-black physiology. When a neural circuit requires an exogenous substance to function (as is with benzodiazepine tolerance), you can define it as addicted.

Try taking opioids for an extended period of time, and then revisit how subjective the dependency (or addiction) you'll develop will be.

Addiction to Gambling was a breakthrough in the field, because it allowed the study of addictive behavior substance-free. It all relates to the pleasure-reward mechanisms in our brains (www. health. harvard. edu/newsletters/Harvard_Mental_Health_Letter/2011/July/how-addiction-hijacks-the-brain).

"Crazy" is not a diagnosable condition, therefore a bad example. Most psychs would correctly diagnose, say, a schizophrenic patient.

[crazyincalifornia]

I do NOT use Wikipedia as a reference tool, although I'm a registered writer on Wiki. Remember, Wiki writers are essentially amateurs, like myself, not necessarily experts, and not necessarily subject to review.
It is not a White Paper, not empirical, and little more than a conglomeration of opinions.
Still, I browse it for thoughts and Ideas, validity aside.
I have found numerous errors on Wikipedia.

[soitgoessss]

It's not a matter of being error-free or not. Scientific manuscripts are also not error-free. Most wikipedia entries on well-defined topics such as "addiction" are very good, open access and free. It's a solid entry with good referencing to pay-walled scientific literature. The one on addictions is quite up-to-date.

I doubt the wikipedia entry on the Schrödinger equation was done "by an amateur".

At any rate, addiction has a strict medical definition, with a goal to diagnose and help treat people suffering from debilitating addictions.

Pleasurable habits that do not interfere with ones life, nor cause harm, will hardly be considered addictions. We are built to like sex, food and oxygen. It's drawing the line between being "very sexual" and a "sex addict" that is a challenge.

[Ironman127]

Hmm... i must say procrastination and too much internet surfing while studying :(

[Autumn_stone]

C and E, Sex and Music :)

[crazyincalifornia]

Love you!
Sometimes I think we do not have enough sex. I mean, righteous sex between consenting partners forms a unique bond that for some last a lifetime. For others it is a wonderful orgasmic trip and encounter that leads to a better understanding of our society.
I tried to never turn a guy down. Although I have a guy, the only one I've had intercourse with, I satisfied many other guys that were sweet enough to want me.
True sexual people are the great lovers of this world.
We need many many more of them
Fuck war, guns, hunger, pain, ignorance, and all the other crap some are willing to thrust on another..

[Autumn_stone]

Well i know for sure i dont have enough of it. I've just started to get used to having it and now i just can't get enough!

[Sreemukh]

playing Call of Duty on my Xbox. 😍

[TheEnding]

Pizza, mostly.

[crazyincalifornia]

So me!

[elman123]

im addicted to cola

[crazyincalifornia]

Yeah I get that. Love my sodas. 8 a day I'm guessing

[elman123]

yup :P

[ExcitedGuy]

Sex addiction

[crazyincalifornia]

what makes you think you are addicted to it? Liking sex itself is not an addiction. As a matter of fact abstaining from sex could actually be an addiction.
So tell us why.