Compulsive Behavior or Healthy Hobby

[fatmax2]

Something I have not see being talked about or even mentioned? Can you be addicted to guns?

Working in the addictions field in a state correction facility. I have come across several inmates that claim there addiction was to guns.

By definition, addiction (compulsive behavior) is defined by "any behavior that meets at least three of the seven criteria during the same 12-month period." Behavior could be Shooting, Buying, Loading, .. anything to do with the guns.

1. Tolerance. Engagement is the behavior increased over time
2. Withdrawal. When you stop the behavior, do you experience at least one
of the following symptoms: irritability, anxiety, ...
3. Difficulty controlling your use. Do you sometimes buy or shoot more or for
a longer time than you'd like?
4. Negative consequences. Have you continued to engage in the behavior
even though there have been negative consequences to your health, job,
or family?
5. Significant time or emotional energy spent. Do you spend a significant
amount of time or thought obtaining, using, concealing, or planning in the
behavior?
6. Put off or neglected activities. Have you given up or reduced social,
recreational, work, or household activities because of your behavior?
7. Desire to cut down. Have you repeatedly thought about cutting down or
controlling your behavior? or have you made unsuccessful attempts to cut
down or control your behavior?

[ungawa]

A number of those sound like marriage from what I have heard.

[StealthBeast]

I actually think this is a perfectly legitimate topic and I'm glad it was brought up. Should make interesting conversation.

Being a student in school with no job, I don't have the luxury of fully indulging in firearms.

[ungawa]

I actually think this is a perfectly legitimate topic and I'm glad it was brought up. Should make interesting conversation.

It certainly is. If you are nuts, you're nuts. Doesn't matter if it's guns, alcohol, snow babies, shoes, purses, crystals, cats, or calling me every 20 minutes.

Working in the addictions field in a state correction facility. I have come across several inmates that claim there addiction was to guns.

I generally get my insight elsewhere. But it is important to be open minded since it can come from the least expected places.

[roland]

So if 6 of the 7 would apply, you're sayin that person would technically be considered addicted?

Is there a site that can be referenced? So we know yer not just making this up.

[AIRBORNE]

High , my real name is fred ! I am a gun junky , we have always joked about starting a helth care aa type group for people like my self . the place where i work has a gun policy ( IF YOU BUY A NEW GUN , YOU HAVE TO BRING IT TO WORK AND SHOW IT OFF ) there are quite a few people there that share this disease . some times 2 or 3 guns a month , some times a week , just to get it , might not shoot it , but you have it , go to the show to get a scope come home with three new guns , this condition does exist , sell them all just to start over again , ha ! getting maried and having kids slowed me down , I sold over 250.00 guns. now i have a respectible 10-14 . i cant go to the gun store with jonesen like an adict , i quit smoking cigaretts 11 years ago , it was easy compared to compulsive gun buying

[gander215]

Hi my name is Brian and....... I'm addicted to guns. -BB

[fatmax2]

Surf the net for compulsive behavior - But if your saying it can't - You might want to check the net for DENIAL? I pose the same question to myself, even though I work in the addictions field and own 6 handguns and 6 rifles.

[ungawa]

So if 6 of the 7 would apply, you're sayin that person would technically be considered addicted?

Is there a site that can be referenced? So we know yer not just making this up.

Don't panic just yet There is also a matter of degree in any of those items. You could find examples for 6 out of 7 for any aspect in your life if you try hard enough.

Here is another list:

1. Are you happy?
2. Is your happiness unlikely to result in consequences that would make you unhappy? Or would it still be worth it?

If you answered yes to both, that is the most important thing in life. You only live once.

One man's passion is another man's neurosis. A lot of people earn a lot of money telling people they are sick or deviant. And many more simply get a lot of satisfaction from it.

[roland]

I was just askin, figuring you'd have a quick link.

Your poll is a little confusing. If one would vote "yes", how would you know if it a yes for comp. behav. or yes for healthy hobby? Just sayin.