I’m a firm believer that people should be free to do and live however they wish, as long as it’s consensual and safe for all involved. Of course, some either choose to partake in or become addicted to activities far outside the social norm. There’s one particular show on TLC that showcases many deviant behaviors and obsessions called "My Strange Addiction". Although a new episode hasn’t aired for over a year, it’s still referenced often in the public lexicon and remains a point of interest for many people.
On the show, there are some activities or lifestyles that are condemned by “normal” society, but are relatively (or even completely) harmless. However, some behaviors go to the extreme and end up hurting the people who are participating in them. Here are six of the most shocking, bizarre and downright dangerous stories depicted on "My Strange Addiction".
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1. Eating Mattresses
2. Coffee Enemas
This episode was pretty hard to get through. Getting an enema by itself sounds pretty awful, but this couple does their "special" enemas four times a day, 32 oz each time. They reports a sense of euphoria every time they have one, but enemas should only be given if there is a serious medical need, but a trained official. There are many consequences should something go wrong. "Whenever you are inserting something into the rectum there is a danger of causing a tear in the lining... Over using enemas can sometimes lead to dehydration and it can basically lead to a decrease in bowel function," said Dr. Roshini Rajapaksa. At the urging of their son, they pledge that they'll try to stop by the end of the episode.
3. Breast Implants
Breast implants are a normal surgical procedure and fairly common around the world, but some cases can turn extreme."My Strange Addiction" profiled a woman named Sheyla Hershey who was one such case. Her last reported bra size was 38KKK, which is absolutely massive (her goal, as of 2012, is 38MMM). However, Hershey has already experienced many negative effects. In 2011, she slipped into a coma as a reaction from medication. Each time she has surgery, the dangers of the procedure increase. Plus, the size of her breasts press on her lungs and chest, and could result in problems with breathing. If she doesn't sleep in a certain way, there is also a chance that she could be smothered to death by her own boobs.
4. Bee Stings
Admittedly, I can't even get through a short clip of this particular addiction. In 2013, "My Strange Addiction" featured a woman named Margaret with an entirely unique obsession--bee stings. She would use the stings to distract from her arthritis pain and use them all across her body, from her arm to her hip to her nose. While stinging herself started out relatively harmless (besides the fact that she kills a bee every time she stings herself--now more than 50,000 times), a doctor warned her she could develop a fatal allergy due to her constant use. Margaret is so addicted that she even has her own hives in her backyard.
5. Drinking Paint
Heather has consumed more than three gallons of paint since her addiction started, and now drinks at least one paint marker each day. The sheer number of chemicals that go into paint should indicate to anyone how dangerous this behavior would be. When Heather goes to see a doctor, she is informed that her kidney function is abnormal, and the paint fumes constantly in her lungs could cause pulmonary hemorrhage and even death. Thankfully, "My Strange Addiction" reported that since filming the show, she stopped drinking paint and her kidney function has returned to normal.
6. Chewing Dirty Diapers
Keyshia, despite being pregnant with her first child in it, is addicted to smelling and chewing on pee-filled diapers. She stores them all over her house, and even goes so far as to raid her friends' houses for their children's dirty diapers. Thankfully, she doesn't consume the ones with poop in them, but there are many negative health effects from consuming not only the urine but also the chemicals that are in diapers. There's a lot of bacteria in them, and eating them could be detrimental for her health. At the end of the episode, she vows to stop for the sake of the baby she's carrying.
7. Eating Her Husband's Ashes
In 2011, "My Strange Addiction" aired one of their most shocking episodes yet. They introduced Casie, who was addicted to carrying around her husband's urn and eating his ashes. She lives in fear of the day she'll run out of his ashes--consume all of the ashes, that is. The psychological problems she must be suffering from are numerous--she tailors every aspect of her life to her late husband, from taking "him" to the movie theater to buying the food he likes the most at the grocery store. There could also be physical health effects she doesn't realize yet. Thankfully, the episode ends with Casie checking into a mental health facility.
