Most people can quickly identify several commonly known addictions, such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex and smoking. While these are among the most widespread addictions, and clearly the ones most people have heard of, they’re not the only addictions. An addiction is a persistent, chronic behavior repeated despite the negative consequences that occur as a result. Strange and unusual addictions might seem funny, but they’re no laughing matter. Similar to the more well-known addictions of alcohol and drug abuse, people with strange addictions are trying to avoid or control discomfort. However, the result can have a negative impact on their lives and relationships.
Exercise
If you’re wishing you could lose those last few stubborn pounds, an addiction to exercise might not sound so bad. But those who are addicted to exercise are chasing that runner’s high while also exerting strict control, and eventually the high is difficult to achieve. The need to exercise compulsively can put a strain on relationships and cause the addict to lose focus at work or school. An addiction to exercise might seem like one of the more healthy addictions, but it’s not. Exercise addiction often goes hand-in-hand with extreme control of caloric intake, leading to severe weight loss and potential eating disorders. Compulsive exercisers are also at greater risk of personal injury due to the length and intensity with which they exercise.
Eating Dirt
An undeniable craving to eat dirt stems from a condition known as geophagia. Similar to those with geophagia, people with a disorder called pica will munch on ice incessantly and compulsively eat paint chips, cigarette ashes, paper and other non-food items. Iron and zinc nutritional deficiencies may lead to geophagia and pica, but they are also compulsive behaviors associated with food deprivation, malnutrition, pregnancy and mental illness.
PDAs
People call it a “Crackberry” for a reason. PDAs, such as the Blackberry, provide the busy working man or woman with one convenient device for making calls, tracking appointments, and reaching clients via the Internet and email–all while on the go. However, this constant connection can quickly turn into an unhealthy habit. The results of a Rutgers University study show that many people compulsively check email and updates every two to three minutes. For those with PDA, Internet and cell phone addictions, the scales have tipped from having control over communication to increasing stress about missing calls and messages. PDA addiction has become so prevalent that it now has an official name–Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD)—recognized by mental health professionals. IAD can lead addicts to feel isolated, depressed and angry, and compulsive PDA-checking has a negative impact on their work habits, social lives and personal relationships. Just “sign off,” you might say? Internet addicts actually suffer withdrawal symptoms when events beyond their control prevent them from being online.
Body Modifications
Piercings, tattoos and cosmetic surgery are all ways in which to alter and enhance one’s appearance. But what’s going on when modifications such as these occur in rapid-fire succession? The need for self-mutilation and self-injury in an attempt to exert control often plays a part in compulsive body modifications. Many people experience a release of endorphins while getting a tattoo or piercing. While the endorphins serve as a way to relieve the associated discomfort, compulsive body modifications can become a way to chase that high.
Reading
Here’s another one that you might think isn’t so bad. However, when excessive reading takes the addict away from real-life responsibilities, it becomes a problem. This strange addiction leaves the addict physically unable to stop reading. Similar to PDA addictions, an addiction to reading can put a damper on one’s work ethic, social life and relationships. Reading addictions stem from a need to escape from reality into a fantasy world created by literature.
Thumb-sucking
It’s socially acceptable for babies and young toddlers to suck their thumbs, even in public. When children get a bit bigger, the behavior becomes less acceptable and well-meaning people might offer advice or comments. What about when the thumb-sucker is an adult? An addiction to thumb-sucking or carrying around the remnants of a baby blanket often stems back to trauma in life and the need to feel comforted. Addicts seek to obtain things they’re not receiving in their lives, and thumb-sucking and blanket-carrying provide that needed comfort and security.
Strange addictions can develop due to mental illness, past trauma or from growing up in an environment where alcohol, drugs and smoking were unacceptable. While the addictions themselves might be odd, the reasons behind them are the same as with more common addictions. An addiction fills a need, helping the addict avoid pain, depression and anxiety, while trying to control something in life.
Gregg Gustafson is a freelance writer who is alsoan outside consultant for Drug-Rehab.org. Gustafson’s current position is to assist with daily research, writing and tracking patient’s residential drug rehab programs status and helping patient recovery needs.