Signs of addiction

I wanted to write something about the fact that I can’t really speak about drugs, outside of a theoretical perspective, because pretty much the only drug I do is beer. And even that I don’t consume very regularly in recent times.

But then I thought about the feeling I just had. I just had lunch, and when I got back into my office, I felt this absolute craving for sugar. It can’t be that I’m hungry, because I just ate. For a minute or two it was at the absolute forefront of my mind, and I had to concentrate to be able to work. I more and more get the suspicion that sugar is one of the most addictive substances out there. And it’s so hard to avoid, because it is present in so many foods, either naturally or added. I significantly reduced my sugar intake in the last year and a half. But recently, because of vacation, where I don’t skip the dessert and do indulge in ice cream, and because of the delicious jams we just made out of the cherries and apricots in our own garden, I think my digestive system has already reverted back to the old sugar routine. Also, I show pretty much all of the warning signs that Chuck is showing, so it’s high time to wane myself off again!

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8 comments on “Signs of addiction
  1. Rick Westerman says:

    I have sugar cravings all too often. And like you make jams from home raised fruits. Hard to resist those on breakfast toast!

    I do avoid the artificial sweeteners. My belief (and it is only a belief) is that these create a sugar craving without satiating it.

  2. jan olieslagers says:

    Yes, sugar is very addictive, yes. Even worse: we naturally want it, such is written in our genes. Even young children who were brought up sugar-free will fall to sugur, immmediately.

    Which might mean that it is not so bad, perhaps after all.

    BTW did you know that sugar and alcohol are close cousins, chemically? People who want to fight sudden cravings for either get recommendations to eat some fruit instead – fruit contains sugar, too, but of a less harmful kind; while it will somewhat soothe the craving. Don’t ask me how I know.

  3. jan olieslagers says:

    (apologies for the typos – why is there no [[edit]] function?)
    s/sugur/sugar/
    s/immmediate/immediate/

    And BTW I totally agree with Rick: sugar may perhaps be bad (of which I am not too convinced, but moderation is always in order) but the alternatives are a thousand times worse. Except for one: honey! Only you shouldn’t spoil it by adding it to your tea.

  4. Magnoire says:

    I avoid fake sugar!! I knew someone who had a stroke after drinking a Diet Sprite. It also burns my throat and tears up my stomach. This morning I saw a report about sugar alcohol (sorbitol) and how it hurts stomachs so I know I’m not imagining it.
    That said, I am a Librarian and we are notorious for our chocolate stashes. I currently have 2 kinds of chocolate at my desk.

  5. jan olieslagers says:

    NB if I may be allowed a serious word of criticism: some people name deities far too lightly these days, and there’s no end to the consequences. Phrases like “oh my …” really ought to be avoided, if only because they can have so many meanings to so many people. Make that “holy shit” if you will, but nothing that requires spelling in capitals.

  6. Fbs says:

    About (légal) addictions : how about coffee ?

  7. Manuel says:

    Well, as Jan already wrote: It’s written in our genes, it’s inherent to us for two simple reasons:

    A) There is no natural food that is both sweet and poisonous. Our ancestors learned, that if it tastes only sweet it will not kill you (maybe there are some rare exceptions to that but I never heard of any).
    B) Sugar has one of the best volume to energy ratios, it’s just really efficient and effective.

    No wonder all humas like sweet taste so much. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I suddenly have some inexplicable urge for chocolate 😉

  8. Kopets says:

    In my country pilots are known as hard alcohol drinkers. Only sailors are able to drink up more than airmen!

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