• Question: Can people be addicted to chocolate? And if so why and how does this happen?

    Asked by bealeewh to Stu, Martin, Mark, Jenni, Helen on 20 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Jenni Tilley

      Jenni Tilley answered on 20 Jun 2011:

      According to wikipedia, the modern definition of an additction is a ‘primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry’. In otherwise, sufferers go after the reward with no regard for how their behaviour affects their wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around them.

      Additionally, ‘Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death’ Thinking about chocolate, I did think that despite its ability to affect our hormones (hence women crave it more at certain times of the month), the death definition ruled it out as a substance you can be addicted to.

      But then I had a think about seriously obese people and the risk they are taking with their health. What do you think?

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