In the Unites States alone, there are over 50 million chocoholics, many of which are self-diagnoses. Currently, the DSM-IV does not recognize chocoholism as a disease, nor does the ICD-10 (although there have been numerous calls for it to appear in the next version of both) so empirical definition of the disease is difficult. A chocoholic can usually be identified by:
1. A strong desire or “craving” for chocolate and/or chocolate-based products
2. An intense sense of euphoria once the craving has been satisfied, often followed by feelings of guilt and regret
3. The purchase and storage of quantities of chocolate; called a “stash”
Chocoholism can lead to obesity, type II diabetes, tooth decay, sticky fingers, and paranoid delusions accompanied by detachment from reality. Statistically, more women are chocoholics than men; experts think this is because women are just crazy- am I right guys?? Others call chocolate a ‘gateway drug’, saying it opens up doors to more dangerous addictions (e.g., heroin, peanut butter).
Although chocolate is regulated under by the FDA, chocolate lobbyists have coerced congress not to pass any anti-chocolate laws, offering them bribes (particularly around Christmas and Easter). Also controversial is the tendency for ‘Big Chocolate’ to target America’s youth in their ad campaigns, a move some critics say is setting children up for a lifelong problem.
Chocolate-based anthropomorphic characters have drawn comparisons to the
use of the now infamous “Joe Camel” of Camel Cigarette
Odds are that you know someone who is a struggling with chocoholism. The most important thing you can do is let them know you are there to support them. Know the signs. Seek treatment for them. And if need be, tell the to get their fat ass to the gym.
There is no reason why a recovered chocoholic shouldn't be able to live a healthy, productive, enjoyable life.
For the record, the odd spacing of this post is directly due to the Blogger formatting options sucking the big one.
ReplyDelete