As I watched the Academy Awards last night, I couldn’t help but wonder is this an addiction? Every year we have an Academy Awards party. Every year all the guests bring the same food: crab dip, meatballs, chili, hot-dogs, chicken wings and the list goes on. When the show begins, my mom shouts, “Everyone be quiet. The show is starting. Shhhhhhh.” Everyone does as they are told, continue eating, and watch the show. I must say this year really was funny and a great reprieve from all the working I have been doing lately.
However, is it an addiction to celebrities? Researchers reveal that their are many teenagers who would rather surround themselves with celebrities or become one, rather than becoming anything else; even a Presidential nominee. Does this phenomenon exist with us adults, as well? Perhaps it does. You would think so, by the way millions and millions of people glue their eyes to the awards ceremony taking in every detail of what the celebrities are wearing as they stroll the red carpet. Then before you know it, we are mimicking all the jewelry and clothes the celebrities have worn on one of the most, has to be, glamorous days of the year for them.
Any addiction in simplistic terms produces opioids, chemicals in our brain, that make us feel better. So, the larger question is, do the chemicals in our brain change when we watch the Academy Awards? I don’t know, but what I do know is where can I get that dress Saundra Bullock was wearing for a lot less? In all seriousness, scientists have found a correlation with celebrity worship and depression and anxiety. If that is true, how does that happen? Perhaps the reality television shows give the impression anyone can become a celebrity. Then you have the numerous magazines and blogs that cater to celebrity gossip, which I must admit, is a great read when I am getting my haircut, even though I consider myself a professional. As they say, a cigar is just a cigar. Perhaps the Academy Awards is just plain entertainment; nothing more, nothing less.
Sherry Gaba, is an LCSW and Life Coach and has a private practice in Agoura Hills. She specializes in substance abuse and dependence, depression, anxiety, trauma (PTSD), single parenting, and divorce. She is a contributing author to “The Conscious Entrepreneur,” with her own book coming out in September 2010 for Recovery Month. She is the Life Coach on Celebrity Rehab 2 and 3 and behind the scenes of Sober House and Celebrity Rehab’s Sex Addiction on VH1 with Dr. Drew Pinsky. She has been a media expert on CNN Headline News, Inside Edition, Channel 5 KTLA, and Fox Television news. She can be reached at sherry@sgabatherapy.com. Her web site is www.sgabatherapy.com.
