So I like to wind down a bad day or week by eating a piece of candy. My idea of winding down is eating a handful of nerds or jelly beans. Sugar is my addiction.

My question is. Can this be considered as substance abuse? It's not like it's alcohol or tobacco or drugs. So is it substance abuse?

And if so. Does this mean I'm into the hardcore stuff? I've like completely skipped the pansy chocolate and gone straight to the full on sugar coated goodness. Jelly beans, gummy bears, swedish fish, nerds, laffy taffy... I think I have a problem...

I'd like opinions on my problem and it'd be nice to hear of other peoples addiction problems. If they have a problem.

Remember: The first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem. :]

Wikipedia says substance abuse is "the overindulgence in and dependence of a drug or other chemical leading to effects that are detrimental to the individual's physical and mental health, or the welfare of others."

So, sure. By those definitions, eating candy can certainly be a form of substance abuse.

By the way, Swedish Fish and Laffy Taffy are absolutely phenomenal. Just thought it needed to be said. -shifty eyes-

Sure. Even drinking coffee can be substance abuse (it's the caffine).

Quick measure of addiction: If, on a regular basis, you feel terrible or have a lack of energy for no appearant reason but feel significantly better after eating candy, you are addicted. Fortunately, candy's not the worst thing to be addicted to unless you have a family history of diabetes or don't watch your overall diet.

If you want to try to break your addiction, try slowly reducing the amount of candy you eat every week. Worked for my aunt and cigarettes.

Quick measure of addiction: If, on a regular basis, you feel terrible or have a lack of energy for no appearant reason but feel significantly better after eating candy, you are addicted. Fortunately, candy's not the worst thing to be addicted to unless you have a family history of diabetes or don't watch your overall diet.

Well fortunately, by that way of putting it I don't have an addiction. I don't feel terrible or have a lack of energy for no apparent reason. I'm just obsessed with it because it tastes good. Sugar actually makes me sleepy. Sugar and caffeine, it's the weirdest thing. I know I shouldn't consume as much, but the way I look at it, at least I'm not into drugs or alcohol. Don't touch the stuff. Luckily, I don't have a family history of diabetes and I watch my overall diet with the exception of candy.

I thought about cutting candy from my life completely as much New Years' resolution, but I wasn't exactly sure I could do it. Or I would really want to. My sister cut out chocolate for lent, she was a very very mean person for that amount of time. She literally counted down to the hours until she could eat chocolate again. It's interesting to see what people's addictions can do to them.

Am I the only person with an addiction problem? It doesn't have to be substance, it could be like computers or books or exercising (I have no idea who could be addicted to exercising, but hey... it could happen.)

Well, I'd suspect that most people on this site have a writing addiction so you're not alone.

I understand what you mean... some things just taste too good. I'm addicted to water. I know what you guys are thinking - you need water to live, you idiot. But I will often drink it when I don't need to. When there's a vending machine and juice, coke or other drinks cost about the same as water, I will still buy the water. I will drink juice, milk and assorted adult drinks on occasions, but I think it taste better alongside a glass of water so I always have two cups on the table - one with water, one with something else.

I thought I was addicted to using the computer because I'm always on it doing stuff... but that can be rationalized in that I have lots of stuff to do. There was this one particular stint when I spent 3 days online reading through journal articles for an assignment and after that, I could not touch the computer for a day or two.

Some people have a naturally addictive personality. Without going into it too much, that basically means you become easily and sometimes irrationally attached to tastes (or other experiences). But as long as you know you might be prone to addiction, and you adjust your actions accordingly, then there's no problem.

Waaaa! Sorry about the account, I was just doing StP stuff this morning.

-Bread

Haha Bread you are a silly.

Addicted to water? That's cool. It's good for you. I'd rather be addicted to water than addicted to candy. I almost wish I was addicted to water, I never drink enough. I'll sometimes go a day or so without drinking anything. On the bright side, when I do drink it's only water or milk. I don't like soda or juice that much. Ironic, right? Because of my obsession with candy.

What happens if a person doesn't naturally have an addictive personality and yet they find themselves obsessed with something. Because that's what's happened in my case. I can give things up super easily and yet this candy thing not so easy.

I agree that pretty much most of the people on this site have either a writing addiction or a reading addiction or both.

Can addiction and obsession be two different things? Or are they the same thing just different words?

Well, you can be addicted to things without having a addictive personality. I wouldn't describe myself as someone with an addictive personality either.

Addiction and obsession are slightly different. Addiction is more of an involuntary reaction (the basis of the addiction is biological, not mental) whereas obsession is like a hobby on acid. But don't take my word for it - I may be wrong.

hahahahah oh my goodness, hobby on acid. You have no idea how hard I am laughing right now. Seriously.

Would you say we have a hobbies on acid? Not an addictions?

It is possible that neither of us have addictions, rather, serious cases of hobby on acid.

I have an addictive personality. -.- And I know I'm addicted to my computer. It's sad, but true.

It's not sad, Ms Fen. If information is a vascular system, computers are just the way through which we, mere cells, respire.

I have an addiction to MegaTokyo, and all other things l33t. My brother has an addiction to Pokémon, as well as anime and manga in general.

-Melissa

I have an addiction to MegaTokyo

What exactly is MegaTokyo? I'm curious, I've never heard of it. I've heard of Pokemon though, used to play it when I was younger. And anime/manga's. But MegaTokyo? Please elaborate further.

:]

http://www.megatokyo.com/

It's a webcomic. It's pretty good, too. If you're going to read it, start from the beginning.

http://www.megatokyo.com/strip/1

(P.S.: That's where "ph34r t3h cut3 on3s" ("Fear the cute ones") comes from.)

You're right. It is pretty funny.

I was iffy on looking at it at first because you mentioned 1337 and I can't stand the stuff, gives me a headache, no offense.... But you're right it's pretty funny.

Chocolate is sissy! I and my kin Godiva worshipers are gravely offended! Fine chocolate is an adventure to the right mind - searching for the nougat in the bottom of the box, determining which type to get, making up excuses to buy/receive chocolate!

Both sides of my family have a history of addiction, especially to alcohol. I have determined not to drink excessively or ever do drugs. I'm terrified that if there's an addiction gene (though now they think it's not just the genes that you have, but how they are turned on and off) I'm terrified I got it.

*isn't

dude, i've seen substance abuse. you're not an abuser, you're just hungry.

i vote starbursts for the win.

Both sides of my family have a history of addiction, especially to alcohol. I have determined not to drink excessively or ever do drugs. I'm terrified that if there's an addiction gene (though now they think it's not just the genes that you have, but how they are turned on and off) I'm terrified I got it.

I agree. I doubt I'll ever do drugs, unless I'm supervised. And just that is nearly a guarantee that I'll never try it - I have this weird fear that I'd get drunk and say something really stupid and - gasp! - honest, and piss someone off. xD

I'm against drugs, but alcohol isn't so bad. Last time I got drunk... I confessed to someone and told some people I loved them.

I'm against drugs, but alcohol isn't so bad. Last time I got drunk... I confessed to someone and told some people I loved them.

That must've been fun the morning after. o.o

Haha, yeah. ^^

I'm not saying I wouldn't drink alcohol or get drunk, I just wouldn't do it often. I feel so prudish saying this, but I'm honestly worried. Besides, I really only like the taste of wine and Champaign, and mostly only dessert wines at that. Beer is . . . uck. And port is too strong.

i vote starbursts for the win.

Starbursts are amazing. I have some at home :D

Alcohol is fun when you watch the other people getting stupid and drunk. That's always fun. I'd rather observe people being stupid than actually do it myself.

Plus I agree with Kumquat, alcohol is kind of gross tasting. Unless you add some sort of fruity juice or something to mask the taste. In my opinion.

I avoid things that are illegal for the most part. And things that lead to possible addiction. Such as, cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. I just don't like the idea of being dependent on anything other than like water and food. It doesn't seem attractive to me.

Cigarettes are nasty. I find it very hard to believe anyone could enjoy them. I have not smoked, but the ideas is disgusting.

Don't get the idea that I drink either. I have very meager experience in that area, mostly from family parties, and that's where I'm getting my ideas.

And Skittles! I think that Skittles are what happens when mnms and Starbursts mate. They get their mothers shape and fathers lovely taste and personality. XD

i'm practically bred to drink. my entire family on both sides are drunks. i do drink, on occasion, but in moderation. it's more of a social thing for me to sit around on my friend's porch with a glass of wine and just chill. drinking in moderation isn't bad at all. look at the europeans. they have a glass of wine with their meals, kinds and adults, and they all know how to control themselves. i've had a few cigarettes in my life, and they taste terrible. it's like licking an ashtray. the only drug i would ever consider doing is pot. it's not nearly as dangerous as people make it out to be, and at the same time, it supposedly isn't that great either.

I've only occasionally taken a sip of someone's alcoholic beverage, as I'm obviously too young for anything more than that. xD Aside from a very bubbly apple malt drink, everything I tasted was absolutely repulsive. People say it's an acquired taste, but I say, "Why acquire it?"

I don't like the taste of alcohol, either. The only exception is chocolate martinis. It's like chocolate milk with a buzz. I had one when I went on vacation to New Orleans, last year. It was a crazy experience. After just one martini (actually it was less than one) I felt a little tipsy. I walked back into my hotel room and announced to my mom, "I'M DRUNK!" Then I texted my friend and told her the same thing. Her reply was "What the hell?"

Anyway, as for smoking and doing drugs, I probably will never do them. Smoking has a negative effect on a chronic illness that I have. Besides, I asked a friend how it tastes and she told me cigarettes taste terrible, even though she is addicted. As for drugs, I take so many prescription medicines that I don't have a need for drugs.

My addiction-- if it is an addiction-- would be music. I can't seem to get enough and I'm finding that after just a few listens to a CD, it gets old. Then I look for something new. I wasn't always this way. I used to be able to listen to the same CD several times a week for months on end. I think I'm building up a tolerance. Again, I'm not sure if this is really an addiction. It might just be an obsession.

And Skittles! I think that Skittles are what happens when mnms and Starbursts mate. They get their mothers shape and fathers lovely taste and personality. XD

YES! That's the best description of Skittles ever. I haven't had skittles in a long time, now I want them. The only candy I really ever eat are these sour ones called Warheads That and munching on raw human stem cells usually keep me awake during lectures.

I didn't mean to turn this thread into alcoholics anonymous... or in this case, it seems more like non-alcoholics anonymous. I agree, drinking it is not productive and some stuff out there is truly shocking. I'm a mostly wine, sparkling and desert wine person. I've never been big on mix drinks and beer... beer guts are not sexy, know what I mean?

My addiction-- if it is an addiction-- would be music. I can't seem to get enough and I'm finding that after just a few listens to a CD, it gets old. Then I look for something new. I wasn't always this way. I used to be able to listen to the same CD several times a week for months on end. I think I'm building up a tolerance. Again, I'm not sure if this is really an addiction. It might just be an obsession.

It might also be that music isn't as good anymore. Good stuff comes out every now and then, but it's getting trashy.

Omfg. Warheads. I haven't had those since I was like... eight. o_o They only sell those things in Dollar stores now.

NOOO! They sell warheads in those sweet factory candy stores and such. You can get them like everywhere. Just go to the mall and find one of those nifty convenient candy stores of heaven and joyfulness. ::drifts off into a lovely fantasy land:: But I agree. Haven't had those things since I was like eight.

If you search you can find good music. It's just a search. A lot of unsigned bands are the bestest. And it's not an obsession. It's a hobby on acid :D

I agree that is the best description of skittles I have ever seen.

I believe that the reason why no one here seems to have a problem with alcoholic substance abuse, because alcohol is kind of a form of escapism. Most of the people on fictionpress don't need substances to escape, we already have our novels and writings. Much healthier if you ask me.

I can't get them everywhere. -.- My town apparently hates Warheads.

I remember those things being so freaking sour, though. xDDD I actually made that weird, puckered-up face.

the black cherry ones were the best, but those were brutal on the mouth. i remember one time i ate all of the colors ate once. it was a mix of awesome flavor and numbing pain. stale warheads were pretty awesome. they were chewy. it's like stale peeps, but better, because peeps are nasty.

We wasted like two hours one night just doing peep wars. It's where you have two peeps in the microwave with a tooth pick stuck in them kind of like a sword...and you see which one stabs the other first...

the black cherry ones were the best, but those were brutal on the mouth. i remember one time i ate all of the colors ate once. it was a mix of awesome flavor and numbing pain. stale warheads were pretty awesome. they were chewy. it's like stale peeps, but better, because peeps are nasty.

They were. Those things were fucking INSANE. xD I don't know what they put in Warheads, but it's crazy.

And, I agree. Peeps are repulsive.

We wasted like two hours one night just doing peep wars. It's where you have two peeps in the microwave with a tooth pick stuck in them kind of like a sword...and you see which one stabs the other first...

That's amazing. o.o The next time I end up with failworthy Easter candy, you can bet that I'll be trying that out. xD

I remember Warheads only being insane like the first couple of seconds you put it in, then you hit the sweet center and start questioning why in the world you were so afraid to try it in the first place. Then again I haven't had a Warhead in at least ten years.

Peeps are amazing. They are right next to jelly beans on the easter candy front. They also have come out with like peppermint ones for christmas and such. You seriously don't know what you're missing. Amazingness.

Peep wars. I've heard of it. But never actually tried it. One of these days though. Will definitely try.

Jelly beans are sickeningly good. o.o

Jelly beans are okay... but Jelly Belly's are awesome.

Jelly beans are okay... but Jelly Belly's are awesome.

....Jelly Belly's are jelly beans....

Around Easter the candy companies come out with this type of Jelly Bean. It's a mix between a sweet tart and a jelly bean. They are amazing. Like beyond amazing. And they only come out once a year which is just dreadfully saddening. But seriously. Sweetart Jelly Beans=Love in the purest form.

I recommend them for next year.

I adore Sweettart Jelly Beans. xDD

Jelly Bellies? Jelly Beans? What about the obscure English candy 'Jellie Babies' (no lie! I've had them.)

XD I should be a professional candy breeder, apparently.

Oh God, peeps in microwaves. The best is when you make a pyramid and wait for them too ooze.

Jellie babies aren't so uncommon here. Peeps, on the other hand, I have never heard of.

the sour jellie bellies are the best. i remember a few years ago, when you'd get a pack of jellie bellies, they would have a recipe list. i swear i tried every damn recipe they had.

I always tried that too. It never worked. =(

I remember when they opened this one grocery store nearby my old house...They had this guy in a Jelly Belly costume hanging around by the candy section. I was an angry child so I started like kicking him and stuff...

You kicked... the Jelly Belly guy. :|

I remember when they opened this one grocery store nearby my old house...They had this guy in a Jelly Belly costume hanging around by the candy section. I was an angry child so I started like kicking him and stuff...

I'm sure you were an experience to know when you were younger. XD

I'm sure you were an experience to know when you were younger.

I concur. That's the type of child that I'd be very afraid to babysit. What was it exactly that you didn't like about the Jelly Belly guy?

Peeps, on the other hand, I have never heard of.

Peeps are these disgustingly great marshmallow candy in the shape of little chickies and coated in a colored sugar. I've come to the conclusion that you either love them or hate them. I personally love peeps. But it takes a lot for me not to like a piece of candy.

Peeps, to me, are too sweet; they're like angelcake. Far too much.

Peeps, to me, are too sweet; they're like angelcake. Far too much.

....Too sweet? Is that possible?

Ha just kidding...

Not really.

Well sort of...

But you're entitled to your opinion.

And taste buds :D

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