When we talk about addictions, the first things that come to the mind are drugs and alcohol. Surely, they are common and, unfortunately they affect way too many people. However, these serious addictions are not the only ones threatening the human race. There are many that are not so common, but they still occur fairly often and are a major problem for those involved.
Gamblers, dirt eaters, sex addicts and gamers all come under the category of uncommon addicts. Here are another four unusual addictions.
1. Tanning
Having a slightly tanned body during the summer season is desired by many. It makes us feel better, more confident, prettier, and sexier. But this non-stop exposure to the sun only lasts during the summer holidays, which is usually 10 days, or up to two weeks in a year. And, even during those days, we protect (or at least we should) ourselves with appropriate sunscreens. However, there are people who prefer to go tanning throughout the whole year, without realizing that they are suffering from something called tanning addiction.
How this addiction develops, and what causes it, is still unknown. There are some researches that regard UV lights as the main cause. A Harvard study says that UV lights stimulate our bodies to release endorphins, the happy hormones. According to this study, when we sunbathe, we feel happier, and we feel incredibly good. So, maybe that’s why people visit the tanning salon a few times per week – to make themselves happy.
Unfortunately, many tanning addicts do not realize that extreme exposure to UV lights can cause skin cancer. But, before they get to such a serious level, their skin becomes more wrinkled, dry, and dark spots start appearing. There are other risks, such as eye damage. So, clearly, tanning is in no way good for everyone, especially if done regularly over a period of several years.
2. Working too much
Being a workaholic is something people joke about, and they do not think that it is a real problem. A person who works overtime, 7 days per week, is considered hardworking and serious. Nevertheless, this behavior might be hiding something else, something more troublesome. For instance, if a person has a compulsive need to work, or if he or she works in order to avoid facing negative emotions, they could be called workaholics. Also, if not being able to work causes you stress, or you choose work over your vacation, then you might have a problem. And, these are only some of the signs that point to a work-related addiction.
Other than causing a rift in the relationships with your friends and family – like that isn’t bad enough – workaholism could also present a threat to your health. For instance, you might constantly feel tired, have trouble sleeping or gain excess weight. These symptoms can cause even worse issues, like increased blood pressure, or a heart attack.
3. Hoarding
We all have certain items that we do not want to get rid off. They are probably related to a fond memory of ours, which makes the act of throwing away the item rather difficult – even impossible. But these few little memorabilia pieces could start filling up boxes, eventually taking over an entire room. When this need to get and keep things turns into compulsive behavior, we are dealing with hoarding.
The worst part is that the hoarder is not aware of the problem at hand. Because of this lack of awareness, dealing with or overcoming the troublesome situation is unimaginable. They will just keep on collecting free stuff, buying more things they think are unique, or they’ll find other reasons for hoarding.
What they do not realize is the damage. For example, their living conditions could become difficult, or even impossible. If their house is overflowing with junk, then this is a very unhealthy habit. And lastly, hoarding creates cracks in relationships, with a partner or with family and friends. The best way to try and mend the situation is to directly confront the person, and seek professional help.
4. Lying
Liar, liar, pants on fire! Telling lie after lie can only get you so far. Eventually, they will all accumulate, and without any concrete base to fall back upon, the liar’s world will crumble to the ground. But, this is something compulsive liars do not understand. Due to their mental disorder, they do not separate lying from the truth. For them, lying is totally normal, like breathing air. Moreover, lying represents a form of satisfaction to them.
Additionally, liars would go to great lengths, like trying to conceal their involvement in a murder, or trying to get some financial gain by lying about an illness or about needing some other form of help. Eventually, if the lying doesn’t pay off, their mind could break down and this can lead to dangerous situations.
Even though there are only four addictions listed here, there are many more. They may not seem like addictions at first sight, but if the behavior continues day in and day out for a longer period, then you know you are dealing with a serious problem. The best solution would be to consult a professional, and then work your way towards recovery slowly and strategically. Leading a happy, addiction-free life is the most important thing. Actually, it would be a longer life, as well.
