15 Dangerous Addictions People Don’t Even Realize Are Actual Addictions

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Addictions come in various forms and aren’t always as apparent as substance abuse or gambling. Many people find themselves unknowingly trapped in behavioral addictions that can have detrimental effects on their well-being. These addictions may not be immediately apparent, making it crucial to recognize and address them.

Join us as we get into 15 addictions that people might not realize they have and explain why they can be problematic.

1. Doom Scrolling

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Doom Scrolling is the compulsion to continuously scroll through distressing or negative news on social media or news websites. People may not realize it’s an addiction because they believe they’re staying informed, but excessive exposure to negative information can lead to anxiety and stress.

2. Drama

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Some individuals thrive on drama, seeking out conflicts and controversies. They may not recognize this addiction because they perceive it as excitement or entertainment, but it can strain relationships and create unnecessary stress.

3. Shopping

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Retail therapy is a common way to cope with stress, but it can turn into a shopping addiction. People may not realize it’s a problem because it initially provides temporary fulfillment, but it can lead to financial difficulties and emotional distress.

4. Anger

Young couple in quarrel conflict, boyfriend and girlfriend argue dissatisfied and try to solve their mutual problem.
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Anger addiction involves seeking out situations or arguments that trigger anger. People may not see it as an addiction because they feel a sense of control, but it can negatively impact mental and physical health, as well as relationships.

5. The Need for Validation

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Constantly seeking validation from others, whether through likes on social media or praise in real life, can become an addiction. People may not recognize it because they believe it boosts their self-esteem, but it can lead to insecurity and dependency on external validation.

6. Stress

Stressed, tired and frustrated business man with headache at night from burnout or making mistake on laptop. Overworked creative entrepreneur failing to meet late office deadline or working overtime
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Believe it or not, some individuals become addicted to stress. They might not realize it because they associate it with productivity, but chronic stress can have serious health consequences, both mental and physical.

7. Sugar

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Sugar addiction can be insidious because sugar is ubiquitous in our diets. People may not realize they’re addicted because they blame their cravings on a sweet tooth, but excessive sugar consumption can lead to obesity and other health issues.

8. Technology

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Technology addiction manifests as an obsession with smartphones, tablets, or computers. People may not see it as an addiction because they believe it enhances their lives, but it can lead to social isolation and hinder real-world interactions.

9. Food

junk food.
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Food addiction goes beyond everyday eating habits and involves an overpowering urge to consume certain foods. People may not recognize it because they view it as a harmless indulgence, but it can lead to obesity and health problems.

10. Procrastination

Lazy young office employee procrastinating at workplace
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Procrastination addicts habitually delay tasks and responsibilities. They may not realize it’s an addiction because they perceive it as a way to manage stress, but it can hinder personal and professional growth.

11. Caffeine

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Caffeine addiction often goes unnoticed because many people rely on it for an energy boost. However, excessive consumption can lead to dependence, disrupted sleep patterns, and anxiety.

12. Soft Drinks

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Consuming soft drinks, particularly those loaded with sugar or caffeine, can turn into an addiction. People may not recognize it because they see it as a refreshing beverage, but it can contribute to obesity and dental problems.

13. Everyday Workouts

Full length portrait of two fit young people, man and woman, running on treadmills facing windows in modern gym.
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While exercise is generally beneficial, some individuals become addicted to working out excessively. They may not see it as an addiction because they view it as a healthy habit, but it can lead to physical strain and injuries.

14. Social Media

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Social media addiction involves spending excessive time on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. People may not realize it’s an addiction because they perceive it as a way to stay connected, but it can result in reduced productivity and increased anxiety.

15. Gaming

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Video game addiction is a growing concern, especially among young people. Gamers may not recognize it as an addiction because they enjoy the entertainment, but it can lead to neglecting responsibilities and social withdrawal.

 

15 Conspiracy Theories That Turned Out To Be True

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Image Credit: Roberto Galan/Shutterstock.

 

With the amount of information and misinformation available, the line between fact and fiction often blurs, giving rise to conspiracy theories. While many such theories are quickly debunked, a select few have, shockingly, proven to be true.

Here, we share 15 instances where once-dismissed conspiracies were validated, uncovering unsettling truths that challenge our perception of history, governance, and societal institutions.

15 Conspiracy Theories That Turned Out To Be True

15 Things That Have Been Normalized That Shouldn’t Be Normal

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It’s pretty hard to define normal, but you know it when you see it. When something has been normalized, it isn’t shocking.

It’s something commonplace that we all get used to. However, maybe some of these things should never have become normal in the first place.

15 Things That Have Been Normalized That Shouldn’t Be Normal

The 5 Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S.

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We all want to be safe, and living in a city that is high with crime is not usually what people look for when they look for a place to live. Tracking crime statistics and safety is a complicated measure, but the FBI does its best to track different crime rates in most cities and states in the U.S.

You may be surprised to learn which cities made the list of the most dangerous cities. We often associate crime with large cities, such as New York, Chicago, and L.A., but those cities did not make it to the top five.

The 5 Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S.

12 Things That Were Socially Acceptable 25 Years Ago, but Are Frowned Upon Today

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Over the past 25 years, society has seen significant changes in what it considers acceptable behavior. What was once deemed perfectly fine in the past is now often met with disapproval. As cultural norms and values continue to evolve, it’s essential to reflect on these changes and how they shape our daily lives.

12 Things That Were Socially Acceptable 25 Years Ago, but Are Frowned Upon Today

15 Behaviors That Are a Dead Giveaways Someone Grew up Poor

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Many people who grew up poor don’t exactly want to display this information for the world to see. However, it can come out in a wide range of behaviors that make it obvious that the person grew up lower class or in poverty.

Many people have habits that they picked up during those years that they haven’t let go of yet.

15 Behaviors That Are a Dead Giveaways Someone Grew up Poor

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