Is Hoarding An Addiction ?
Is Hoarding An Addiction ?
Is Hoarding An Addiction ?
Is Hoarding An Addiction?
Well, the straight answer is that though hoarding bears certain
similarities to addiction, it isn’t classified as such. Despite this,
hoarding, like an addiction, can cause a massively declining
quality of life, creating a need for comprehensive treatment.
Even though both disorders are marked by debilitating,
compulsive behaviors, there are some key differences which
make hoarding disorder stand apart from addiction. Addiction is
marked by long-term changes to the brain’s structure and
molecular form, alterations which haven’t yet been shown to
occur from hoarding.
What Is Hoarding Disorder?
Hoarding is a mental health disorder characterized by an excessive
accumulation of possessions that have little to no value. Further, a person
will have an inability to discard these items, despite the obvious toll they
have on their life. These behaviors are so extreme that a person suffers from
high rates of distress and functional impairment. Hoarding can cause
emotional, physical, mental, social, financial and/or legal instability. It’s
estimated that as high as 14 million Americans suffer from the debilitating
effects of compulsive hoarding, according to Scientific American. Any item
may be hoarded. Additional items include cardboard boxes, food, household
supplies, paper and plastic bags and photographs. Some individuals even
hoard animals, keeping dozens or even a hundred animals in unsanitary and
unsafe conditions. Hoarding is different from collecting. Collectors are
generally organized and feel a sense of pride and well-being from their
collection, whereas a hoarder experiences shame and detriment to their life.
When a person with a hoarding disorder is confronted with the possibility of
throwing away their belongings they typically experience a strong emotional
reaction and intense anxiety.
Hoarding And Compulsive Shopping
A significant number of hoarders may have an acquisition-
related impulse control disorder (ICD), meaning an ICD that
drives a person to acquire more stuff. Examples include
acquiring free things, compulsive shopping and kleptomania.
These individuals may not be able to resist bargains or free
giveaways, leading them to stockpile items they have no use for.
Other people may compulsively steal to fuel their hoarding
behaviors.
Is Hoarding An Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?