Addiction and Obsession...

Little Obsessions
A psychiatrist was conducting a group therapy session with four young mothers and their small children. "You all have obsessions," he observed.
To the first mother he said, "You are obsessed with eating.

You even named your daughter Candy."
He turned to the second mom. "Your obsession is money.

Again, it manifests itself in your child's name, Penny."
He turned to the third mom. "Your obsession is alcohol and your child's name is Brandy."
At this point, the fourth mother got up, took her little boy by the hand and whispered,

"Come on, Dick, let's go home."

I've always known I did not have an addictive personality, in regards to ingested, imbibed, injected or inhaled substances. As a matter of fact, I have a high tolerance for all of those things. When I had my motorcycle crash in 2000, I remember giving up on the pain killers because they really didn't help much. I do, on occasion, have alcoholic beverages. When I do, I rarely get "high" nor do I overindulge. Pot? Yes, tried it (and DID inhale... heh heh) but it really only gave me the munchies. All in all, I've never had a problem with addiction...

Obsession, on the other hand...

Okay, here's what I mean:
When I leave the house, I frequently re-enter to check to see if I turned electrical things off... locked doors, etc. Obsessive/Compulsive? Maybe.
Reading... I start with one book and I HAVE to read everything that author has done (especially series). And I can't seem to borrow books... I have to OWN them. Weird huh?

And when I get interested in a new hobby, a new project... a new... person... it consumes me.
It occupies my mind 24/7.
What's up with that??
Now, I'm not talking about Stalking... or "fatal attraction", but I do become preoccupied.
Am I sick? Do I have a problem? I'm inclined to say "NO". I'd like to believe that. I've always been pretty normal (whatever THAT means). And, mind you... I've never taken this to an extreme nor have I ever done anything to bother anyone (at least I don't think so). I've certainly never hurt anyone. However, what this does end up doing... it puts my heart in jeopardy. I get so involved, I want to be important, close to the person, NEEDED ... and if they don't feel as... deeply as I do. I'm crushed. I'm hurt.
Oh, I get over it... eventually, I realize they do indeed care for me (perhaps even LOVE me)... they just don't react with the same zeal as I do. And that's okay, it really is... but it takes me a little while to see. I guess I just FEEL too intensely! So... what're ya gonna do?

M. Webster defines them:

Main Entry: ad·dic·tion
Pronunciation: &-'dik-sh&n, a-
Function: noun
1 : the quality or state of being addicted
2 : compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful

Main Entry: ob·ses·sion
Pronunciation: äb-'se-sh&n, &b-
Function: noun1 : a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling; broadly : compelling motivation
2 : something that causes an obsession- ob·ses·sion·al /-'sesh-n&l, -'se-sh&-n&l/ adjective- ob·ses·sion·al·ly adverb

Do you have an addictive personality?
Take the Quiz.
My quiz results say:
You're in Control. You exhibit commendable self-control — you appear to lack most of the personality traits that can put you at risk for addiction. Continue to make smart choices by staying self-aware during difficult periods in your life, surrounding yourself with loving friends and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Well, that settles it huh? Okay, I'm not worried... much.