Addictions

America has become a nation of addicts.  Most people that I can think of are addicted to something.  If it isn't alcohol or drugs, it's aspartame, cigarettes or food.

For most substances and addictive habits, the numbers are (thankfully) low.  About 9% of the US population uses illegal drugs.  2.7% are addicted to prescription medication.  Close to 25% of Americans are addicted to cigarettes.  3.5% are addicted to gambling.  10% adults (28% of those adults are women) admitted a sex addiction; but 70% of men visit pornographic sites on the internet.  With these numbers I can't really say that most Americans are addicted to something, but with food addictions, I can.  60% Americans are overweight and there are several researchers, doctors and nutritionists who attribute that to sugar/food addictions.  This brings the majority of Americans into the addict's circle.

Is it any wonder that the number is so high?  Consider the amount of sugar and/or artificial sweeteners (also addicting) in our food.  Also consider the fact that marijuana is now legal for recreational use in two states and that people accept the denial that it is an addictive substance.  So many of us are so used to the things that we're addicted to that we don't even realize that we are addicts.

The next time you have uncontrollable cravings for diet soda or sugary foods, consider what you feel physically and emotionally if you were to go a day without this food.  How about a week?  How about a month?  If you are starting to feel out of control without this food, you just may have a problem.  If you think that you have a problem, then it's time to go seek some help because if you have an addiction, chances are it's poisoning you in some way shape or form.