If you're alive, you're probably addicted to something. What are you addicted to?
by Catherine Morgan

So many addictions, so little time. What are you addicted to? Smoking? Coffee? Chocolate? Soda? Sugar? Food? Exercise? Blogging?

I haven't based this on any scientific study, but it's my observation that...

If you're alive, you're probably addicted to something.

What do you think? Is it just human nature to be addicted? Do you know of anyone who has no addictions in their life? Are some addictions acceptable and others not? Have you replaced one addiction with another? What is your addiction? Is there a 12 step program for it? Do you wish there was?

Here is a little addiction roundup...

The top ten modern addictions in the survey are:

1. Coffee
2. Chocolate
3. Facebook
4. Beauty Products
5. Checking bank statements
6. Junk food
7. Celebrity gossip and reality TV
8. Exercise
9. Retail therapy
10. The Blackberry/iPhone

My name is Leona, and I'm an addict...

Not all addictions are bad. I’m addicted to photography, horse back riding, buddyslim.com, and a slew of other things that are great. It’s the bad addictions that are the problem I was smart for the most part wisely stayed away from things that I knew would me harmful to me and those around me. With a one exception: I smoke. I know, stupid right? I started smoking when I was smart enough to know better. I was 23, and I started to help me lose weight. I have decided to quit smoking, even though to be honest with you I really enjoy it a lot. But I’m giving myself one month. My plan is to get my body on a healthy track and work out everyday and replace my smoking addiction with working out.

Many women are blogging about their addictions to soda, sugar, and caffeine...

That's Fit - Woman Goes To Rehab For Soda Addiction

One of the easiest ways to cut calories and sugar from your diet is to give up your soda habit. But for one Swedish woman, asking her to quit drinking Coke is like asking her to quit breathing. She took drinking soda to an entirely new level -- from bad habit to total addiction.

The en-LiGHT-nd Woman - I'm Addicted

Yes, over 90% of Americans are addicted to drugs. What drug you ask? It's the most common abused drug and although it's legal, it has the same effects as illegal drugs. It's something you've been ingesting since childhood. Have you ever consumed soda, chocolate, coffee, prescription drugs or over-the-counter meds? Ever been addicted to any of these substances? Drugs.com lists caffeine as a poisonous substance. The FDA says if caffeine came out on the market today, they would NOT release it to the public.

Addicted To Diet Coke

I realized today, when I left my house at 8am with a Diet Coke in hand, that my neighbor was looking at me funny. Is it wrong to drink a caffeinated beverage so early in the morning? Of course not - people drink coffee and tea at all hours of the day without receiving weird looks from the Joneses. Is it the coldness factor? People can’t handle a chilly caffeinated drink before 12 pm?

Breaking The Soda Habit

So I’ll be going from one or two 12 oz. cans a day to one or two per week. This is an experiment that I’ve done before and it usually makes me not want soda all together because I’m replacing what I’m drinking in sugar with actual, hydrating drinks like more water or 100% fruit juices. So we’ll see. I’ll keep you up to date. My hope is that cola will become something of a special occasion, like when I was a kid.

Am I addicted To Sugar?

What I have noticed since I started avoiding sugar is that I feel a lot better inside. My body feels a bit more pure, and I do not get that heavy lethargy at around 11 am that I was getting before. Once I got through the caffeine-withdrawal headaches and cloudiness, I started to feel really good, if not great (or even fantastic!).

It's All About The Caffeine

Imagine someone told you that you could no longer have something you love. Imagine it is something you look forward too everyday that gives you great pleasure.

Addicted to Soda

Yes, its true, my name is Stephanie, and I am addicted to soda.
. . .
The United States sells enough pop to quench the thirst with a 12-ounce bottle each day for every man, woman and child in the country. More precisely, 15 billion gallons of soda were sold in the year 2000. The higher consumption of soft drinks means a corresponding lower intake of healthier beverages, including milk and - yes - water.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus diet in Shape magazine...

She’s 48, addicted to chocolate and bacon and has six-pack abs–these days Julia Louis-Dreyfus is lookin’ anything but old.

In the April edition of Shape magazine, the New Adventures of Old Christine star admits that maintaining her toned body takes major effort.

“I have to work at not being fat,” Louis-Dreyfus tells the mag. “I’m always trying different things to see what sticks.”

Scale Junkie is Addicted to Food...

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am a food addict. I've picked food over so many things in life. There have been times when I've turned down invitations because I wanted to be with my food. I worried about traveling with friends because I wanted to make sure I'd have enough food. On business trips I've packed candy and snacks in my suitcase so when alone in the privacy of my hotel room I could be alone and take the edge off with food. I've gone through the drive thrus and ordered a favorite from one place only to drive down the road and order a favorite from another place.

Could being addicted to sugar impair your ability to get pregnant?

The Sugar Detox Challenge

As our Standard American Diet dictates, most of us are addicted to refined sugars. Not only do we dump them into our coffee, and inhale cookies, it's hidden in almost every processed food we buy. And the problem is, the more we eat it, the more our body craves it. The unfortunate thing is that along with the rest of our diet, sugar can greatly decrease our ability to get pregnant.

Eating excessive sugar cause an imbalance in our blood sugar levels (especially not good if you suffer from hormonal imbalances. Insulin and your reproductive hormones are closely tied together) and actually reduces the quality of a womens follicles and a man's sperm! It can also cause acidification of the cervical mucous, making it a hostile environment for sperm.

Also See:

What are you addicted to?  Let me know in comments.

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope

Submitted by Catherine Morgan (view blog) on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 11:06am

Comments

 

=/

I am completely addicted to caffeine. The source is not so important. It's less that I crave it, but if I go a day or so without any I get an awful headache. Sometimes I can push through it, but others I just break and make some coffee; which I know is only reinforcing my caffeine use! =/

 

I'm also addicted to making my pregnant friends and family members gifts for their babies! Handmade stuffed toys (very simple), blankets, quilts. It's so fun =)

 

www.katelynsfood.blogspot.com

Submitted by KatelynsFood on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 11:49
 

Addicted to Sweets

I used crave sweets all the time.  No matter how much I ate at lunch or dinner, I NEEDED something sweet or I still felt hungry.   It was gross.  So on 1/1/09 I started a sweet fast.  No sweets for 6 weeks.  It was not to lose weight, it was to show my sugar craving who is boss.  And it was a success!  Some days were easier than others but I completed it.  Chronicling my fast in my blog was very helpful!

And I agree, if you aren't addicted to at least something in your life you are doing something wrong ;)

Anna B

http://positivelyanna.blogspot.com/

Submitted by PositivelyAnna on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 12:24
 

addictions

I would say Twitter is my vice. I gave it, and Facebook, up for Lent and at about Day 3, I really wanted to check in. But I'm blogging more without it, and reading too. I love coffee and chocolate but I don't think I'm addicted. Twitter and Facebook are easy access with my phone, so I'm sure that helps with the cravings. 

 monica

http://monicabrand.net

Submitted by monicabrandywine on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 12:59
 

Coffee and the Internet

I just blogged today about how I quickly let myself get re-addicted to coffee the instant my stomach could tolerate it. Then there's the online trifecta: Twitter, Facebook and my RSS reader.

Submitted by Average Jane on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 13:52
 

Yes, but has she ever had chocolate with
bacon in it?

A friend brought me some bacon-y chocolates (milk chocolates with real bacon bits mixed in) from a confectioner in Chicago. Though they took some getting used to, I consoled myself with the fact that eating them was the ultimate exercise in efficiency: you say clogged arteries, I say killing two birds with one stone.

Seriously, I gave up sweets for Lent (sweets are my addiction--especially ice cream) but the Monday morning office donuts almost took me down. I said almost...I'm committed!

Tamia

Nothing to wear? Visit TheStyleSample.com

A personal style blogazine for young professionals

Submitted by TheStyleSample on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 13:53
 

Help me, Catherine.

I just read this article and it doesn't say they excluded drugs, alcohol or cigarettes as possible addictions or answers. I find it kind of hard to believe that more people don't have issues with those things than checking their bank statement repeatedly.

Just a thought...I just know these to be significant problems and hate to minimize them, you know? 

Laurie

LaurieWrites

Submitted by lauriewrites on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 16:34
 

I agree Laurie...

Hi Laurie...I agree.  The article stated it was based on a poll, but whether or not these more serious addictions were included isn't very clear.  Even so, I imagine when taking a random poll many people are likely to admit to what society considers "acceptable" addictions, and less likely to the others.  

I hope my post didn't come off as insensitive towards more serious addictions, I was purposefully focusing on the lighter side in this post.  However, your comment does make me think that I should do a post in the future that addresses alcohol and drug abuse...In which case I would also include information on help and recovery. 

Thanks for your comment.

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope

Submitted by Catherine Morgan on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 17:28
 

I can't imagine you being insensitive about
anything, frankly.

So no, I don't think so at all. But the poll just seemed odd. As with most data there just seemed to be some holes. Just wondering if I missed something. Thanks. :)

Laurie

LaurieWrites

Submitted by lauriewrites on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 17:48
 

used to be diet coke but I beat that

Now, the internet, totally

 

Jodifur

http://jodifur.blogspot.com/

http://svmomblog.typepad.com/dc_metro_moms/

http://www.mamapop.com/mamapop/

 

Submitted by jodifur on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 17:44
 

CRACK TEA LATTES....

Great post! 

I'm so addicted to Starbucks Soy No-water Tazo Chai Latte. It's so not funny. I've been entertaining/boring my readers with it for years already. And, now, many of THEM are addicted to this EVIL drink, too! (And, they blame ME!?!) It's totally CRACK, I tell you. CRACK!

I was able to quit it for 21 days (last month).... But, now I'm off the wagon again. Send help!

-- Haley-O blogs at http://cheatymonkey.com.

Submitted by Haleyo on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 17:53
 

Coffee, of course

I only have one cup each morning, but I MUST HAVE THAT CUP first thing in the morning to properly function. So I think this qualifies as an addiction.

----

A Mommy Blogger and a Blogger For Hire

Submitted by Vered on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 21:24
 

Smoking and Caffeine

 I am completely addicted to smoking and caffeine. Instead of coffee in the mornings, I must have a ciggarette and a can of Mt. Dew. I do NOT know not one person who isn't addicted to something. It's only human.

 

 

 

 

LISA

Submitted by lgay03 on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 22:35
 

Reading

Really really addicted.  To a worrying degree.

I've tried to give up, and find myself grabbing shampoo bottles and reading the labels.  I can have a horrible fight with my husband, grab a book and start reading and - poof - I completely forget what I was so angry about.  Its like I get sucked right out of myself.  I have to have rules like - "no reading during daylight".

Also - colourlovers.com.  It sounds very silly.  Its a wonderful kind, loving comunity site in which people combine colours together to create colour palettes.  They are sort of like poems too, as you get to name each colour and your own palette.  I know it sounds daft, but just try it. Its very habit forming.

 

 

Submitted by mashadutoit on Tue, 03/03/2009 - 01:21
 

Coffee and Email

Each morning I start the day with a yummy cup of coffee. I love the smell and warmth it brings and it just says "welcome to your day." While it is a bit of an addiction since I do have it daily and feel a little thrown off without it, I think I am more addicted to the coffee than the caffeine. I have opted many times for decaf when no caffeine was around and it still filled that part of my morning I crave.
 
Email -what can I say, I am constantly popping my mail from everywhere I go. I blame this on the lovely invention called the iphone :) 
---
YM
Women's Hair Loss Project - Help, Hope and Understanding

Submitted by womenshairlossproject on Tue, 03/03/2009 - 06:39
 

Hello, I'm Deb. And I'm a 21st Century
Adult...

I'll admit, I'm weak. I've been addicted to coffee most of my adult life. I kicked it once for 6 months, then went to work and totally caved.

Exercise. In the right mood, I'll say it's a habit. But if you've seen me when I haven't gone to the gym for 3 days, you'd know it's a addiction. Bouncy off the walls?

Internet. I wake up and I'm online. I come home from being out (they gym?) and I'm online. I watch tv with my laptop on my lap. complete and utter addiction (or distraction or connection to the world with my lonely real-world life.. or.. nah. addicted).

Hello, I'm Deb and I'm a 21st century adult...

Debra
A Stitch In Time
Weight for Deb

Submitted by debra roby on Tue, 03/03/2009 - 08:51
 

If I'm awake and home...my laptop is in front
of me.

Hi Debra.  I guess I'm addicted to the internet too.  I basically have my laptop on and in front of me every waking moment.   And like you, even when I am watching TV I am still online too.  But I guess "internetting" while watching TV is better than eating while watching TV.

:-)

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com and Women4Hope

Submitted by Catherine Morgan on Tue, 03/03/2009 - 09:03
 

caffeine cigs and world of warcraft

Those are my addictions.. all 3 go hand in hand at night :D smoking and coffee i admit i am way more addicted to but wow is right up there with it for when the kids are in bed.. i rather record shows and watch em when i have time then to miss out playing wow with my friends :D.. No i dont feel like i should stop drinking coffee or playing wow.. i like it and its not to a point where my life would end if i wouldnt have either.. smoking.. yeah i should def kick that habbit and i have 3 times.. but I failed obviously. I do plan on quitting just not sure how and when yet..

as for decaf coffee.. i can tell the diff.. it just doesnt work for me.. :D

Submitted by Nachthauch on Tue, 03/03/2009 - 09:01
 

Call me a geek - i'm addicted to learning and
self growth!

Love it, thats why I started my 2nd blog and i'm so excited about it. i'm soon gonna sell e-products too - so hopefully i can make some cash doing what i love!

Submitted by allisononeill on Thu, 03/05/2009 - 18:29
 

Someone else's drama

General Hospital.  I love it!  It is shameless and self-indulgent and has crazy storylines but is a break from all the chaos that my life can become.  If I miss an episode it is not the end of the world - thankfully there are many sites with spoilers/recaps so I can catch up.  Not tea, coffee or chocolate - GH is my addiction!

Tracy 

Submitted by waterfish on Fri, 03/06/2009 - 09:39
 

 I am dependent upon peanut

 I am dependent upon peanut butter. Next week, on my blog, I am posting a picture of my empty peanut butter jar collection. It goes on at least one thing I eat every day.

 http://www.somewherethesunisrising.com

Submitted by sylinthecity on Fri, 03/06/2009 - 20:17