Addictions

I think I am addicted to chocolate. I can't stop myself buying and eating it (even though I tell myself I won't get any more). I don't drink or smoke, and it cheers me up as I feel a bit miserable most of the time so what the heck!

Me too HootyMcowlface, I try to have at least one day per week without chocolate but it's a struggle. I only eat the plain stuff but as the post mistress in Larkrise said "it's my only weakness "
Why is there no emoticon for chocolate ?

You're addicted to cheese if your relationships are suffering from it, if you're itching to leaeve family events to get some cheese, if you try to force others to eat cheese with you so that your cheese eating looks "social", if you're calling in sick to work/hobbies so that you can eat cheese instead…...

Yes notanan it's another of those occasions when medical terms are bandied about without understanding how difficult it is for people with those conditions. Sorry if I contributed to that.

No I think it's actually helpful to replace "alcohol" with "cheese".. because there is a certain level of socially acceptable alcoholism which goes under the radar unless you insert something else to "test" if it's an addiction, and then you really see the behaviours for what it is

Of course you can be addicted to anything, I would say casually that I'm addicted to chocolate. However I'm actually not, I've never spent the rent money on chocolate, I've never missed half of the kids school plays because I'm "sugar hungover" from the night before. I HAVE sneaked out of a wedding to buy chocolate.. but admittedly we'ld been there since 10.45 and not fed until 8pm!! I don't routinely sneak away from family dos to have chocolate..

notanan I think you are making a very important point. I have heard the 'addicted to chocolate/cheese/coffee' argument put forward when discussing true addictions like alcohol, smoking or gambling but, as you say, putting cheese/chocolate/coffee in sentences discussing the dreadful life effects of true addictions shows the spurious nature of these comparisons.

Another aspect of addiction is the gradually increasing amount a person needs to be 'satisfied'. I sometimes took a piriton tablet when I couldn't sleep, now increased to 2. I looked on Google and and it can get to real illness from overdosing.
I don't know if that applies to foods though.

Addiction to smoking is awful as it does not affect the mind. I gave alcohol up fifteen years ago as it was affecting my life. Nye guidelines are keep baby away from smoking. New baby arrived last week and will only see him on film. Have tried to stop and starting again next week. Haven't seen older gc for over year. Can see a gd as her dad smokes. As long as not around children which is obvious in this day and age. Got to stop to see gc. Hope Inc an manage it.

Good luck with it Marnie. Babies are a real push when it comes to stopping smoking. Have you seen your GP for help in stopping smoking? You'll feel a lot better as well.

Marnie - Before managing to give up completely, after pneumonia, I had made myself a rule only to smoke outside. After an aunt had died from lung cancer ( she was a heavy smoker.)
I found that wasn't too difficult and might help with your new grandchild.

I have a strong liking for:

Oatcakes the rough variety.
Vick inhaler
Mint and tea tree shower gel
Mint toffees which I do not allow myself to eat
Meringues which I avoid because of the sugar content

I could go on but I won't