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- $Unique_ID{BRK01477}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Addiction To Running}
- $Subject{running addiction social community problems exercise sports
- personality changes work outs sleep disturbances anxiety muscle twitching
- irritability nervousness guilt behavior behaviors problem lifestyle lifestyles
- addicted exercises change out insomnia anxieties twitch irritable nervous
- guilty}
- $Volume{Q-23}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Addiction To Running
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- QUESTION: I can't believe it, but a wonderful, caring (if fat) husband has
- changed his personality since he took up running. His doctor felt that he
- needed a good exercise program to help with his overweight problem, but this
- is ridiculous. All he thinks about is running, and he no longer seems to care
- about anything else. Is this a condition you know something about, and what
- in the world can I do stop it?
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- ANSWER: Experts in Sports Medicine have seen this condition, a type of
- addiction to running which becomes the principle concern of these individuals.
- They do show personality changes, often becoming less concerned with family
- and work, completely taken up with the importance of "feeling good" that comes
- with their runs. Just as in a chemical addiction, they develop a tolerance to
- their work outs, and need more and more time to gain the lift they desire.
- Soon they can be running just to avoid feeling bad. When they stop they even
- may experience withdrawal symptoms that can include sleep disturbances,
- anxiety, muscle twitching, irritability, nervousness and feelings of guilt.
- Such experiences may be enough to drive them back to their excessive exercise
- routine. While there may be no simple method to bring this to a halt, it
- starts with you confronting your husband, perhaps with the help of a
- professional, and then developing a treatment plan that includes group and
- personal therapy.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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