Addictions

_jayciemarie_

Addictions run in my family. My dad is a drug addict and my mom is an alcoholic. I've never done drugs. I don't smoke. I drink from time to time, but not that often. I do have addictions though. I'm addicted to twirling my hair and I'm addicted to food. When I was exercising--I was addicted to that. Even though I have been doing great at weightloss, I am worried that once I get to the weight I want to be at--what will replace my addiction to weightloss? I'm sure many on here can/will make jokes, but I'm sincerely wondering is there such thing as a healthy addiction?

ldula88

Definitely wish I could get addicted to exercise!! haha, kidding. But in all honesty, I think you're wise to consider your dilemma now rather than not thinking about it until the time comes when it becomes a problem. Maybe you could find an activity you really enjoy that has little to do with weight loss or food to transfer your energy into (scrapbooking, gardening, knitting, etc etc.). That way you have the focus on one activity or thing that you seem to need without having to worry about taking weight loss too far. Or, if you feel like you need something more physical, why not get "addicted" to something like drinking green tea every morning and evening, or something like that? While I don't think any addictions that you can't seem to control are healthy, you seem to have enough control over them to push your focus in a positive direction. Hope this helps a little good luck!!!

JingleMuffin

you are using the word addiction in a strange way.
maybe you have a habit of twirling your hair. or eating some food.. but are you chemically compelled do do these things? i mean we all have to eat. that's a given. its just that -

Addiction is a strong word.

I'm in for the hookers and coke, mostly.

lafilledelarue

Sending you a private email. :-)

Sabine_Stroehm

you are using the word addiction in a strange way.
maybe you have a habit of twirling your hair. or eating some food.. but are you chemically compelled do do these things? i mean we all have to eat. that's a given. its just that -

Addiction is a strong word.

I'm in for the hookers and coke, mostly.

Interesting. My first reaction was: we're not using the word "addiction" in the same way. But then, my father was an AA sponsor.

To me, there's a difference between an addiction and something more like a habit, or even a compulsion. Compulsions are related, probably, but still. I wonder sometimes if folks who come from families with addiction issues may be more inclined to obsess on their habits and then that manifests in their lives in a way that wouldn't have otherwise. Dunno.
But to me alcoholism, and hair twirling are different.

LilRedRooster

To me, an addiction implies a lack of choice. It's an uncontrollable compulsion that has a negative impact on daily function. It's NEVER a good thing, because generally speaking, 'good' things imply the ability to choose.

My mother and father were both alcoholics. My grandfather, uncle, and other people in my family all struggled with alcohol and cigarettes. Those were major addictions that got in the way of their health, their social lives, their work, and their overall ability to function. They were addicts.

Exercise can be a healthy thing, and there ARE people that take it to the extreme where they start to impact their social, nutritional, and work lives negatively and they lose the ability to choose to moderate it, but that NEGATIVE IMPACT point is the point of addiction. Someone who generally exercises a few times a week after work is NOT an "addict". They have a choice, and it's augmenting their life, not detracting from it.

In that sense, I would never use the word "addiction" to imply something good. Something positive would be a habit, quirk, goal, or general direction, but it always involves a choice. True addiction never does, and impacting life to the point where you no longer can function properly is never a good thing. So I would say no, there never can be a "good" addiction, because then you aren't giving the word the credit that is due.

SLLRunner

Addictions run in my family. My dad is a drug addict and my mom is an alcoholic. I've never done drugs. I don't smoke. I drink from time to time, but not that often. I do have addictions though. I'm addicted to twirling my hair and I'm addicted to food. When I was exercising--I was addicted to that. Even though I have been doing great at weightloss, I am worried that once I get to the weight I want to be at--what will replace my addiction to weightloss? I'm sure many on here can/will make jokes, but I'm sincerely wondering is there such thing as a healthy addiction?

Addiction is a disease. Twirling your hair is not, it's simply a habit.

Food addiction is real, which means that you compulsively eat. You eat when you're not hungry and you use food to numb your emotions. Anorexia is an addiction to not eating food, and bulimia is an addiction to bingeing and throwing up food. I know, I had the latter when I was young.

Are you sure addiction is the correct word for your food and exercise issues? Are you really addicted to weight loss?

There is nothing wrong with working hard every day to be the healthiest you can be. I exercise every day and I make sure I log everything I eat and all exercise and I am not addicted to any of it. I simply am working on staying accountable to myself for my health and fitness goals.