Ask the Addict: Lip Gloss or Lipstick Okay?
Lynn writes:
I am addicted to chapstick, I have been for years. I am on day two of not wearing any. My lips haven’t had moisturizer for 2 days and they are in terrible pain.
I am just wondering, after I get better…when I wear lipgloss or lipstick (down the road) I am scared I will fall into the same habit with those or go back to chapstick. Have you heard of any cases like this?
Have we heard of this? Of course we have.
Among the reasons for lip balm addiction are the psychological feelings one gets when you start your ritual of covering the lips. For some, trading lip balm for lip gloss or lipstick equates to someone addicted to drinking beer switching to wine. At the same time, lipstick especially will form a barrier between your lips and the elements. So, you definitely need to be careful to keep your use within appropriate limits.
Unless there is a professional reason to use lip gloss, however, we’d recommend staying away. Many of these are flavored, which only adds to the impact of “glossing.” These are essentially more viscous versions of lip balm anyway, so if you’re trying to cut the habit this isn’t much of a step.
Hope your sobriety continues.
Hi my name is Harry, I am 30 years old and for 30yrs of my life I never had chapped lips. I guess its the extreme dry cold winter we are having this year. I was on my way to work this mornin and I notice that my lips were cracked and in a little pain. I thought I would get some chapstick for my chapped lips, makes sense right? About an hour after applying the chapstick I felt a strong urge to reapply and have for every hour since.
Am I crazy? Why isnt this product illegal?
So I’ve been addicted to chap stick for 22 years, I’ve tried all the differnt ones out there but I always turn to my chap stick, I will even keep the ones around that you can’t get anymore out unless I use my finger or a q-tip. I bought some organic chap stick that doesn’t contain paraben and I HATE it I want my chap stick! I need to get off the stuff but I don’t know what to do! I LOVE my chap stick will never leave my house without it in my pocket!
I’m miserable. I stopped using my various lip balms 3 days ago. My story is the same as the others. I’ve been using for 40 years..all kinds..everywhere..I would steal it if I had to. Now I’m 3 days dry. It’s driving me insane. It’s all I can think about. I spent all day today in bed just trying to get through the day without using. I am determined to quit but wonder if my lips will EVER feel normal again without it. If not, why try?
Does this dry feeling ever go away? Am I doomed. I am reading a lot of addict stories but not recovery stories.
Help!
I am also addicted to chap stick
I have this crazy neighboor that uses lip balm every 10 minutes… he is crazy…
… but it makes him look sooo damn good!
I love him
I don’t consider myself a lip balm addict - though I do use it. I would say, however, I might be a lotion addict. I LOVE using lotion, and have certain favorites - particularly ones that are thicker and do not have strong smells as they are more drying than they actually help moisturize. I usally put lotion on my hands a couple times a day or so and always carry some in my purse.
Would you think this is kind of the same thing? I’m just interested. The psychological desire/need is certainly there. I suppose, really, we can get addicted to anything.