Speaking of Addictions
Just thought I'd share this...
I was at Book Group tonight and decided to ask the group a question about addictions. This is a wide variety of ladies from all walks of life, all ages and all sizes. My question was, "Do you think that everyone has some sort of addiction?"
Anyone with any type of extra weight thought that everyone has an addiction of some sort. Those who were thin did not. The one thin woman who most vigorously argued against addiction felt that an addiction is really a control issue. I found this interesting since her husband is a successfully recovering alcoholic and she is driven to exercise every single day of her life. Does she feel that her husband who has not had a drink in years and years just has a control issue? He describes it as an addiction.
The other thin woman said that she chews ice continuously, but didn't feel it was an addiction (no she's not anemic, I asked). She agreed that it is damaging her teeth. She agreed that is is bad for her. She said that it drives her family nuts. She sees no reason to stop and doesn't think it is an addiction.
So depending who you believe, I don't have a food addiction, I just have a control issue.
This is a great topic you brought up.
I work at an inpatient/outpatient institute for addiction disorders. I've been in healthcare administration for 20 years, but I am not clincally trained. One thing I do know is that people don't like to use the word 'addiction'. Tell the skinny lady at your book group to visit a clinic for addiction disorders and tell people it is a control issue. I can tell you she won't be too popular. It takes a very long time for some people to admit they are addicts. But, I agree with you, and I think we all have some sort of addictions in our personality, but some are just worse than others. Once people admit they are addicted, then find the triggers which cause that behavior, then it becomes a matter of wanting to control the addiction or not.
Joanie