A lot of people seem to think that crossdressing is an addiction because most crossdressers cannot stop crossdressing even if they tried. Sadly, there is a good number of crossdressers who feel that their own crossdressing is a terrible addiction they need to rid themselves of. We all grow up learning about how “wrong” crossdressing is. It’s driven into our heads repeatedly throughout our lives.

Myth: Crossdressing is an addiction like alcoholism or any other drug dependency that must be overcome. Fact: Although crossdressing may addictive to some, crossdressing itself is not an addiction, but rather a personal trait like being right or left handed.

Here is the word “addiction” as defined by two popular online dictionary resources:

Marriam-Webster definition:
Addiction: (2) compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly: persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful

Dictionary.com definition:
Addiction: the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.

Almost anything enjoyable can become an addiction. Not including obvious drugs, people have become addicted to television, food, sex, gambling, the internet, gaming (video games), extreme sports (like sky diving), and working (workaholic) to name a few. Each of the mentioned “addictions” are perfectly normal, everyday activities accepted by most of society. Normal, accepted activities or not, sometimes people do become addicted and it can have devastating consequences on their lives.

Because people have the potential to become addicted to playing video games, does that mean that a video game enthusiast is automatically an addict? What about a hard core football fan who eats, lives, and breathes football – would they be considered an addict because of their extreme love of the game and all things related? I think in both cases, to cease the desired activity of choice would cause withdrawal, perhaps even “severe trauma”. How many football lovers do you know could just give up the game? If they cannot give it up, does it make their “addictive” behavior a destructive force in their lives?

If an activity does not consume a person’s time and resources to the extent that responsibilities are neglected and/or physical harm is caused, is there truly a problem?

Sports, gaming, and watching television are each well accepted activities in today’s society. With few exceptions, none of these activities are seen as addictions or destructive behaviors simply because people indulge. It is unlikely that people who enjoy these activities posses the will power to just give them up and stop forever. In most cases, there is no reason to do so anyway.

So why then do so many people consider crossdressing such an evil addiction? It has been established that crossdressing, like any other activity, can become an addiction to some, but why consider crossdressing an addiction, period? Is it because it is a social taboo? Is it because it makes some people uncomfortable? Is it because of all the other idiotic crossdressing myths put together?

Here’s my theory: Those who classify crossdressing as an addiction simply don’t like the idea of crossdressing, period, and think that vilifying it and shaming people will make it go away. Sadly, in some cases this tactic does work and people will be shamed into giving up crossdressing. With enough reinforcement though, you can pretty much shame any confused person into anything.

As I stated in the opening paragraph of this myth, some crossdressers classify crossdressing as an addiction. They believe they are addicted, it is no good for them, and feel the need to quit. I once fell into this category, but only because my mind had been filled with all the negative garbage and lies about it. Wouldn’t it be interesting if football was the big social taboo and football fans were constantly made to feel bad about themselves for their love of the “evil” game. If that argument sounds silly to you, then perhaps I made my point.

Crossdressing, on the whole, is no more an addiction than anything else people do and enjoy because it is a part of who they are. If you disagree because crossdressers can’t stop, then keep in mind the football fan who can’t give up football. The only major difference is that society frowns on one, and not the other. Neither are destructive behaviors in and of themselves.

Consider this: Most people love chocolate. If you don’t care for chocolate, then pick another food that you really enjoy – chips, pretzels, ice cream, pork, steak, whatever. I’m going to use chocolate for this example, but please substitute your own favorite food or snack.

Stop eating chocolate forever. Never pick up another piece of the dark, delicious treat ever again. You’ll still see all those commercials for chocolate candy bars, candy coated chocolate, chocolate ice cream, milkshakes, soft, hot homemade chocolate chip cookies, etc. People will still enjoy chocolate in front of you, but you must never touch it again. If you do, then you obviously need professional help because you’re clearly addicted and this destructive behavior needs to be overcome. ;)

Funny how no one hates chocolate lovers or sports enthusiasts. Why then crossdressers? What on earth did we do to deserve all this? God forbid we’re allowed to be ourselves.

 
Related content: Crossdressing Myths

 

Tags: addiction, cliches, crossdressing, mental health, myths