When I think about addiction, my mind often jumps to the big ones: smoking, drinking, or maybe spending too much time on social media. But have you ever heard of someone who can't stop eating couch cushions? Or someone who loves the smell of gasoline? Yes, that's right. Many unusual addictions out there might make you do a double-take for sure.

100.7 KOOL FM logo
Get our free mobile app

According to an article from How Stuff Works, odd cravings and addictions can indeed take on many forms. But I wanted to spotlight some that caught my eye. Look below to see how strange some folks' addictions can get.

LOOK: THESE 3 BIZARRE ADDICTIONS ARE STRANGE TO SAY THE LEAST

Photo: Canva
Photo: Canva
loading...

For example, the addiction to eating strange items, known as pica. People with this condition might find themselves craving dirt, clay, or chalk. Then, there's trichotillomania, where folks can't resist the urge to pull out their hair. It sounds painful, and it can be, but the relief it provides to those with the condition is why they keep doing it. What about someone in love with an object? That's objectophilia, where affection and attraction are directed at inanimate objects. People have fallen in love with buildings, cars, and even roller coasters.

But it's not just about the 'what' - it's the 'why' that's interesting. For many, these addictions provide comfort, a way to cope with stress or emotional pain. They're not just quirky habits but symptoms of deeper issues that need understanding.

Photo: Canva
Photo: Canva
loading...

So the next time you hear about someone with a strange addiction, remember that there is more going on under the surface that deserves our compassion. It may even be you who has these odd cravings. Let's keep an open mind to the ways people find relief.

LOOK: The largest lottery jackpots in US history

Stacker compiled a list of the 15 largest lottery jackpots in U.S. history from news reports and lottery press releases. [This list is current as of July 25, 2023.]

Gallery Credit: Chandler Friedman

More From 100.7 KOOL FM