Does the ‘chocoholic’ exist?

Few indulgences have had such universal historical appeal as chocolate, which spans cultural boundaries and exists in all varieties to match each individual’s tastes and budget. The average Joe can grab a Mars Bar out of the nearest vending machine for less than a dollar, while connoisseurs seeking a more refined taste can travel to Knipschildt Chocolatier in Norwalk, Conn. and buy a single dark truffle for $250. \nIn extreme cases, people confess themselves to be “chocoholics” – exhibiting voracious cravings and physical symptoms of withdrawal when they cannot get their chocolate “fix.” Yet, can we classify a craving for chocolate in the same way that we determine caffeine, nicotine or drug addiction? \nUniversity of Bristol professor Peter Rogers says no. Chocolate’s appeal is more likely attributed to our attitudes about it, he said in a news release. Most people consider chocolate, comprised mainly of sugar and fat, a treat that should be savored in moderation. Roberts said that a supposed “addiction” to chocolate is therefore really an unfulfilled desire for the substance. Basically, when people deprive themselves of something, they crave it more.\nThe claim that chocolate is “addicting” stems from the presence of several psychoactive ingredients such as serotonin, tryptophan, phenylethylamine, tyramine and cannabinoids, which have potentially mood-enhancing effects, Roberts said in a news release. \nHowever, other foods with greater concentrations of mood-boosting compounds are much less appealing than chocolate, Roberts said in the news release. Dark chocolate has more cocoa solids and therefore a higher concentration of the psychoactive substances but is usually less preferred than its lighter counterpart.\nGeorge Rebec, Chancellor’s Professor of Psychology, researches the mechanisms of substance and drug addiction.\n“The typical definition of an addiction would be someone who persists in a habit despite harmful consequences,” Rebec said. “A person might be addicted to a drug, even though it affects work, family life and a variety of other aspects.”\nWhether or not chocolate could be classified as an addiction is up for debate. \n“I wouldn’t rule (chocolate addiction) out for some people, but it’s certainly not as strong as most drug addictions,” Rebec said.