Dr LeCrone
05-31-2006, 12:16 PM
Recently I was asked the following question.
"What is the difference between an avid outdoorsman and an individual who is addicted to his hobbies?
My husband's hunting, fishing, and golfing take him away from me and the other members of the family most of the time when he is not working. During the rare times when the weather is simply too bad to pursue his hobbies he rents hunting and fishing videos or watches golf tournaments on TV. On the rare occasions he does attend special events for our children he complains bitterly, pouts and seems miserable. Sometimes I feel like a sports widow. At other times, like the other woman (he is married to his sports), or maybe just a fool who doesn't know when to get out. I think he needs outlets like everybody, but he seems so excessive in his pursuits. Is it possible to be addicted to these things?"
Being an avid outdoorsman myself I will try to respond to this and hope that I am not walking on thin ice. Some mental health professionals view excessive involvement in sports as another form of addiction, a coping mechanism for dealing with life's difficulties. As in other forms of addiction such as alcohol, drugs, smoking and gambling, a craving develops when the addictive substance or activity is withdrawn. The individual becomes obsessed with thoughts of regaining the addictive substance or activity. Once the addictive activity is resumed or the substance is consumed, a feeling of euphoria and a false sense of well-being often provides the reinforcement that keeps the cycle going. In the opinion of many mental health professionals, any activity or substance that chronically interferes with relationships, with ability to perform at work, impairs health and assumes an unusual and inappropriate dimension in the individual's life can be labeled an addiction.
Paring a difficult hole, catching a big fish or bringing down a trophy buck all produce an adrenaline high and give a sense of competence and control to someone feeling the lack of these things in other areas of their lives.
Just as workaholics feel anxious, restless and uneasy when not working, sportaholics enjoy few, if any, activities not related to sports. They lack balance in their lives which often disrupts family relationships and can, at times, also be financially burdensome.
If you think you might have a problem ask yourself:
When is the last time you quit after nine holes and went on to do something with the family?
When is the last time you hunted or fished for two or three hours before switching to a non-sports related activity?
When you don't get to play golf, hunt or fish as often as you like, do you feel irritable and very unhappy?
Do you often golf, hunt or fish alone if you can't find someone to go with you?
Remember excessive involvement in sports can result in too much of a good thing. Seek balance with your hobby as well as other areas in your life.
Copyright c 1993 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.
"What is the difference between an avid outdoorsman and an individual who is addicted to his hobbies?
My husband's hunting, fishing, and golfing take him away from me and the other members of the family most of the time when he is not working. During the rare times when the weather is simply too bad to pursue his hobbies he rents hunting and fishing videos or watches golf tournaments on TV. On the rare occasions he does attend special events for our children he complains bitterly, pouts and seems miserable. Sometimes I feel like a sports widow. At other times, like the other woman (he is married to his sports), or maybe just a fool who doesn't know when to get out. I think he needs outlets like everybody, but he seems so excessive in his pursuits. Is it possible to be addicted to these things?"
Being an avid outdoorsman myself I will try to respond to this and hope that I am not walking on thin ice. Some mental health professionals view excessive involvement in sports as another form of addiction, a coping mechanism for dealing with life's difficulties. As in other forms of addiction such as alcohol, drugs, smoking and gambling, a craving develops when the addictive substance or activity is withdrawn. The individual becomes obsessed with thoughts of regaining the addictive substance or activity. Once the addictive activity is resumed or the substance is consumed, a feeling of euphoria and a false sense of well-being often provides the reinforcement that keeps the cycle going. In the opinion of many mental health professionals, any activity or substance that chronically interferes with relationships, with ability to perform at work, impairs health and assumes an unusual and inappropriate dimension in the individual's life can be labeled an addiction.
Paring a difficult hole, catching a big fish or bringing down a trophy buck all produce an adrenaline high and give a sense of competence and control to someone feeling the lack of these things in other areas of their lives.
Just as workaholics feel anxious, restless and uneasy when not working, sportaholics enjoy few, if any, activities not related to sports. They lack balance in their lives which often disrupts family relationships and can, at times, also be financially burdensome.
If you think you might have a problem ask yourself:
When is the last time you quit after nine holes and went on to do something with the family?
When is the last time you hunted or fished for two or three hours before switching to a non-sports related activity?
When you don't get to play golf, hunt or fish as often as you like, do you feel irritable and very unhappy?
Do you often golf, hunt or fish alone if you can't find someone to go with you?
Remember excessive involvement in sports can result in too much of a good thing. Seek balance with your hobby as well as other areas in your life.
Copyright c 1993 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.