Strange Addicitions: A Discussion with Jenn A Nocera

Do you have a strange addiction? For many years, experts believed that only alcohol and powerful drugs were addictive. Recent research has shown that certain pleasurable activities, such as gambling, shopping, and sex, can also hijack the brain. Addictions are chronic and persistent behaviors that we continue to do despite their negative consequences. Although common addictions such as alcoholism and drugs typically come to mind, some people suffer from strange addictive behaviors. You may joke that you’re addicted to chocolate, but what if you really were? What if you couldn’t stop eating chocolate no matter how sick it made you? Or, what if you were addicted to something else such as eating glass, hair pulling, eating dirt, or drinking nail polish? Addiction exerts a powerful influence on the brain that manifests in three distinct ways: craving for the object of addiction, loss of control over its use, and continuing involvement with it despite adverse consequences. For some addictions, the action itself is considered socially acceptable, making it harder to identify and deal with. In fact, some behaviors are so common like watching TV or surfing the Internet, that an addiction might go unnoticed. But where is the line between normal behavior and an addiction? And how can you tell the difference? Life Coach Jenn A. Nocera of Formula for Excellence will set the record straight. After the show, check out After Hours at Jersey Coastal Live for additional information.