—
Every year, thousands of men fall victim to the vicious disease known as addiction. For reasons ranging from genetics and familial history to social anxieties and overwhelming emotions, guys turn to a number of substances and activities to find some sense of comfort. Though there are a lot more men coming forward and getting help for common addictions to illicit drugs, gambling, or alcohol, there are other addictions that go untreated. Part of this is due to the fact that they may not be aware it’s even a problem. Below, are some surprising things that you can become addicted to.
Healthy Eating
This may come as a shock to you, but there is such a thing as being too consumed with healthy eating. In fact, it is an eating disorder known as orthorexia. Someone who suffers from this disease has become so obsessed with “eating right” that they, in turn, end up doing more harm than good to their health. They are so pressured by thoughts of what to eat and not to eat that it can quickly become a source of stress and even lead to malnutrition.
Exercising
Here’s another one you may not have expected, but guys, there is absolutely such thing as having a fitness or exercise addiction. Hitting the gym 5 times a week is harmless, but when you feel the urge to go every day for hours on in without giving your body a rest, this can quickly become a problem. If you’re feeling anxious because you missed a “leg day”, you may be dealing with an addiction.
Subutex Addiction
Subutex is a drug that is used to treat those who suffer from opiate addiction. Giving off a similar feeling as opioids (euphoria, numbness, lack of pain, ease of emotions), addicts who are trying to clean themselves up can quickly find themselves stuck on another crutch. When trying to quit Subutex they may notice withdrawal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, fever, intense cravings, and flu-like symptoms. If you were prescribed Subutex to get over a painkiller addiction, but believe you’re now hooked on the new drug, get to a subutex detox center fast to get help kicking the habit.
Work
You’ve probably heard the term workaholic a time or two, but do you really understand what it means? It’s someone who eats, sleeps, breathes, and thinks of work around the clock. It is categorized as a compulsive disorder. Working long hours on occasion is one thing, but if you work when there’s no need,or chose to work despite what it may do to your personal life, it could be an issue. Those who become workaholics are generally driven by the adrenaline rush they get from being stressed out or the praise they get from others when their hard work pays off.
Love
Yup, you read that right. There are actually people who become addicted to love. They become so consumed with the person they’re involved with that they place them above themselves, and everything else in life. Their love isn’t comforting, however, it is more obsessive. It would seem, a person who is addicted to love will stop everything in life just to be next to and provide for the object of their affection. It doesn’t matter if that means losing a job, breaking family bonds, or leaving behind best friends, they’ll do it all for the euphoria they feel from being “in love”.
Collecting Things
Being a collector is a hobby for a lot of guys. You might collect model cars, planes, or trains, sports cards, and a host of other things. Some do it with the hopes of cashing in big one day, some want things to pass down to their children, and others just like the idea of having a shelf full of cool things. There’s a thin line between collecting and hoarding, however. If you’ve gotten to the point that you have to hide things from your wife, you’ve filled up rooms with your junk, you feel an emotional detachment if you have to give things away, or collection has created so much clutter that your home is no longer safe or clean, you have an addiction to collecting things.
Who knew there were so many things out there that you could get hooked on? More importantly, how do you know when it’s an addiction? If you’ve reached a point where you’re hiding your habit from others, feel anxious or stressed if you go without it or are willing to sacrifice any and everything for it, chances are you have an unhealthy attachment and quite possibly an addiction. If you’re hooked on any of the above activities or items you should get help. The sooner you admit your addictions and seek treatment, the sooner you can get back to being the awesome husband and father you are.
—
This content is sponsored by Anne Davis.
Photo by Arthur Edelman on Unsplash