30+ People Discuss The Perfectly Legal Things They're Seriously Addicted To

When many of us hear or read the word addiction or addicted, we usually associate it with illegal and notably harmful substances. However, that is just a small corner of what addiction means and represents. In fact, the very definition of addiction is quite simple: "the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity."

Consider how broad that definition is for even just a moment, and you will realize that your initial perception expands outwardly to include obviously harmful things that people are addicted to but are not illegal, like nicotine cigarettes and alcohol. Even further from that are things that are harmful only when used in excess, like sugar and caffeine. Expanding even further outward, you'll find that individuals have their own personal struggles with addiction, and these experiences vary significantly from person to person.

One Reddit user posed the question to r/AskReddit: “What are you addicted to that is perfectly legal?” Nearly 39,000 comments later, many of which were relatable on a broad basis, we find that some of these responses resonate quite significantly.

These answers indeed pertain to addictions to substances, things, and activities that are completely legal, making for quite the interesting conversation. Don't you think?

1. Researchers generally believe that chocolate is "not a true addiction," but there are similarities with drug use.

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2. It sounds like this is more of a sorting addiction than a LEGO addiction, but what a great way to feed the addiction!

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Understanding Behavioral Addiction

According to research published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, behavioral addictions can manifest in various forms, ranging from compulsive shopping to gaming. These activities may offer temporary relief or pleasure, creating a cycle that reinforces the behavior. The brain's reward system, particularly the release of dopamine, plays a crucial role in this cycle, which can lead individuals to prioritize these activities over essential life responsibilities.

Moreover, experts suggest that understanding the underlying psychological factors, such as stress or anxiety, that drive these behaviors is essential for addressing them effectively. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to help individuals identify triggers and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

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3. Cotton swabs can puncture eardrums and cause hearing loss, and they "push the wax deeper inside; there's no way for the wax to get swept out of the ear."

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Social psychologists emphasize that the normalization of certain addictions in contemporary society can often blur the lines between healthy behavior and addictive patterns. For instance, the rise of technology and social media has created environments that can foster compulsive usage, which is often justified by societal acceptance.

Research indicates that when individuals feel isolated or lonely, they may turn to these activities for comfort, further entrenching their habits. The importance of community and connection cannot be understated in addressing these issues, as social support can provide the necessary encouragement to seek healthier alternatives.

4. Important clarifications were made

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According to Insider:

"Instant noodles were invented by Momofuku Ando of the company Nissin Foods in Japan in 1958. At that time, the company launched the product under the name 'Chikin Ramen.' The first instant noodles were created to feed people during a time of economic uncertainty following World War II in Osaka, Japan, in January 2007."

Today, over 100 billion servings of instant ramen are sold each year, and the United States accounts for just over 27% of the global market. In the US, instant ramen is a $7.7 billion industry.

5. Mmm, yes.

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The Role of Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation plays a significant role in why individuals may develop addictions to seemingly benign activities. A study from the American Psychological Association highlights that individuals with poor emotional regulation skills are more likely to engage in addictive behaviors as a means of coping with distress.

This suggests that teaching emotional regulation strategies can serve as a preventative measure against addiction. For instance, mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to enhance emotional awareness and help individuals manage their cravings more effectively.

6. G U I L T Y as charged

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7. Sugar offers us dopamine releases, and some research suggests it is AS addictive as cocaine.

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Behavioral addictions often come with underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Research from Stanford University indicates that individuals may utilize these activities as maladaptive coping mechanisms to escape from their emotional pain.

Addressing these root causes through therapy can help individuals develop healthier coping strategies. Techniques like schema therapy, which focuses on identifying and changing maladaptive life patterns, can be particularly effective.

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8. Surprisingly, caffeine only produces a "small rise" in dopamine, which means that it does NOT cause "the large surge that unbalances the reward circuits in the brain" that is necessary for addiction. In other words, caffeine isn't scientifically addictive the way sugar and cocaine are.

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Practical Solutions for Managing Addictions

When it comes to managing behavioral addictions, experts recommend a multi-faceted approach. Setting clear boundaries around the activity, such as time limits or frequency restrictions, can be a practical first step.

Additionally, incorporating alternative activities that promote well-being, such as physical exercise or creative hobbies, can provide necessary distractions and fulfill the need for emotional release. Building a supportive network of friends or family who understand the challenges can also be instrumental in creating accountability and encouragement.

9. The chemical capsaicin in spicy foods that makes food hot releases endorphins in our brains!

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10. This is not made any easier by Steam sales.

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Research suggests that genuinely being addicted to video games is entirely possible, and for a $90 billion industry (in the United States alone) that includes the active participation of 2 billion people annually, there's a lot of data to consider. Seventy-five percent of US-based households have at least one active gamer.

11. Especially if you turn the alarm off instead of hitting snooze.

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12. Over 1.3 billion smartphones were sold in the US in 2020.

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13. Happy time wasting

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14. Food is a difficult addictive habit to break

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15. Don't be mean to our beloved instant noodles!

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16. This might be OCD

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17. Insert Spongebob hands: Insomnia

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Insomnia may be summed up as a persistent problem falling or staying asleep, but it's also most definitely a common sleep disorder. Insomnia is one of the most common complaints from people recovering from substance abuse.

18. As long as none of them demand to be fed by Seymour, you should be okay with this creative "addiction."

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19. Who doesn't love a good cuppa?

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20. If it wasn't so easy...

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21. Honestly though, what a TIME to be ALIVE?

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22. Netflix, Hulu, Funimation, Disney+, the list goes on.

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23. Nap time? Sign me up.

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Hypersomnia, the opposite of insomnia, has occasionally been referred to as a "sleeping addiction." In an online article by Amber Merton, she states:

“If you are obsessed with sleeping or have an intense desire to stay in bed, you could be suffering from a condition called clinomania. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t people who can experience symptoms similar to addiction and even withdrawal in association with sleep, or lack thereof.”

At the very least, the compulsive need for sleep is "addiction-like," even if it's not an actual addiction.

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24. A moment of silence for our lactose intolerant siblings of the world.

But did you know that "the dairy proteins inside [cheese] can act as mild opiates?" I did not know that until I googled if anything in cheese was addictive.

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25. "I just think they're neat."

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26. Getting specific, I see.

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27. Honestly though? Same.

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28. They're flamin'

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29. If you've never seen an irresistible notebook at least once in your life, are you even human?

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30. The winner of the most logical addiction of all time goes to:

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Addiction isn't something to make light of; it's actually referred to clinically as a disorder and a complex disease of the brain. Many prominent health organizations around the world have formally declared that addiction is a disease or disorder of the brain and not merely a behavioral issue.

We may sometimes make light of our obsessive relationships with things like cheese and coffee, but if you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse addiction and in need of help or support, check out SAMHSA.

Psychological Analysis

This article highlights how behavioral addictions often stem from deeper emotional needs or unresolved psychological issues. It's essential for individuals to recognize these patterns and seek support, whether through therapy or community resources, to address the root causes of their behavior.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Behavioral addictions, while sometimes perceived as less serious than substance addictions, can have profound impacts on individuals’ lives. Research consistently shows that understanding the psychological underpinnings of these behaviors is crucial for effective intervention. By utilizing evidence-based approaches, individuals can develop healthier habits and improve their overall quality of life.