Addictions Come In All Shapes & Sizes

Nettie posted a link to an article about Eminem and running. One of the questions in it was: "Still, it's a fascinating question: Is running "addictive"? Not in a cutesy, jokey way... but in a serious, potentially damaging way?"

I don't think the question should be at running but honestly at any endorphin raising, high- endurance sport....

Can it be damaging? Yes, it can for some people, I think. Physically people may push themselves so far beyond their boundaries that they end up with permanent injuries that affect them for the rest of their lives. Psychologically, I think it can take the place of far more harmful addictions--most people who work out get a "high" from it...endorphins and adrenaline are the body's natural answer to mood adjustment.

Do I think these "addictions" rank anywhere near addictions to sex, drugs, booze, etc. HELL NO. I think only a small number of people will truly allow it to negatively alter their lives--physically or psychologically.

And if I knew a drug addict who opted to become a running addict, I think I'd probably say more power to ya! Not only are you finding a natural way to make yourself feel better, but you're also taking a huge leap in stopping or even counter-acting all the awful things the drug addiction did to your body.

What about that could possibly be bad?