LIVING IN BELIZE – “My Chapstick Addiction” – 2/28/12

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On my Facebook Fan Page last week, I disclosed that I have recently given up Chapstick, as I had become severely addicted to it. I realized I hadn’t really talked about it here on my blog, so I thought I’d get into it a little more here, as well. 

First, as some background info, both my sister and I have been Chapstick/Vaseline addicts for years (since my 20’s I believe, although it is hard to remember or pinpoint when it actually started).  Everywhere I go, I always have Chapstick with me – in my purse, fanny pack if working out, car, etc. In my house, every location that I spend any significant amount of time has a container of it as well, like where I watch TV, my computer, and the kitchen. And at night, I’ve kept a small jar of Vaseline on the night stand, so that when I awake, I could reapply.

The problem is, you can never get enough of the stuff. If it wears off at all, and your lips start feeling the slightest bit dry, it is actually painful, and you have to reapply immediately. I’m sure this is intentional on the parts of the manufacturers – get ‘em addicted and they will continue to buy! 

In any case, what the heck does this have to do with Belize, right? Well, when I lived in California, even though my addiction was ridiculous, it was pretty “under control.” But upon moving to Belize, it became like a lifeline. For some reason, the heat and humidity here really were hard for my lips to deal with, and it didn’t matter how much Chapstick I applied, it wouldn’t work. Every 5-15 minutes I was reapplying.

It got so bad that some of Nige’s family started making comments. Now, you have to put this in perspective. Most Belizeans believe in “live and let live.” They very rarely care or comment on what you’re wearing, eating, drinking, etc., let alone what lip care routine you have. 

However, they will comment if they think you are doing something unhealthy, and Nige’s mom, aunt, and sister have all made comments about my addiction. So finally, I decided something had to be done. So I gave it up – cold turkey!! That was ten days ago.

The first few days were rough. My lips got so dry and scaly that they began to scab. I just let the process proceed as normal. Come hell or high water, I was not going back. Finally someone suggested I could use some olive oil, which is a natural moisturizer for my lips. So every now and again (I don’t want to get addicted to that either), I dab some on. It has helped my lips heal immensely. 

I’m proud to say I’m off the Chapstick, and my lips natural color has returned and are starting to feel soft again, all on their own. They’re still a little chapped, but I think in a few more days I will be completely healed, and I will have lips like normal people.

Have you ever been addicted to Chapstick or nasal spray, etc.?  And how did you kick the habit?

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  • Dr Al

     Sharon, its ok if you don’t have anything erudite or stimulating to write about. A day off is good:). Well there is pretty much nothing I do not know about addictions and maybe this qualifies. One caveat: because you are from California, the breakfast cereal state of fruits, flakes and nuts that immediately puts you at risk of offbeat far out concerns. To qualify as an addict,you need the following: craving, withdrawal, tolerance, psychological and physiological dependancy.You do have some of these features. In my younger days I suffered from a sexual addiction, so I know the suffering involved. I realized after reaching bottom that you must admit that you are powerless and must surrender to a higher power.  After 30 days rehab in a Trappist monastery and and with the support of sexaholics anonymous I am in recovery. But you must know your warning signs Sharon, relapse with chapstick addiction is still probable.You are only in the early phases of recovery.I suggest C. A. meetings and a recovered chapstick addict sponsor. I admire your courage and wish you success in what must be for you a diffficult process.
    pic of before and after addiction to chapstick;

  • Sharonhiebing

    Ha-ha, Al! Despite an extensive search, I can not seem to find a C.A. chapter anywhere in Cayo. Maybe I’ll start my own. Thanks for the moral support :)

  • Sandy A.

    I only use Chapstick when my lips are super dry. I never use it in Belize because the humidity is so high my skin and my lips stay soft all the time. HOwever, people do get addicted to nasal spray. When they start to use it, if they use it a lot their sinuses quit working on their own so when they quit using the spray they are miserable for a while. The other thing is that nasal spray has (or used to have, don’t know if it does now) pseudoephedrine in it which is highly addictive. I dont think they put pseudo in nasal spray in the States any more because the meth cooks use it to make meth. Another thing that people get addicted to is laxatives. It’s the same deal–using laxatives takes away your body’s natural ability to do that, so when you quit using it you can’t “go”. That is a very serious addiction and can lead to colon cancer. 

  • Dr Al

    Well nasal sprays are quite habituating thats true. Laxatives are common with eating disorders and do upset the natural rythym. But actually colon cancer is more likely with constipation as is diverticultis. Good reason to keep up fibre. Too bad bacon tastes better:) Plus dry lips are more common in dry climates like in the Arctic where they were cracked all the time  and nose bleeds too. So I dont know what to make of Sharon but you know she is from California.

  • Sharonhiebing

    Well maybe my lips have lost their natural ability to moisturize? I don’t know why, but in the States, I had oily skin – never had dry skin issues. Here, I’m suffering with all sorts of dry skin, chapped lips, rashes, etc. The humidity doesn’t affect me the way you and others say it does. This acclimation stuff sure is strange and unpredictable.

  • Bigwillforbes

    Glad you are of them. They are made from petroleum. Might as well put used mogor oil on your lips. Your liver will thank you for the break of toxins.

  • Bigwillforbes

    Sorry about typos. Posting from phone and I can’t see what I typed. Good mental exercise for e erybody to figure out what I mean..

  • Sharonhiebing

    That’s ok – I understood what you mean. I wish Belize had more options for non-toxic beauty products. I think most everything we use has some sort of toxin. Paying to get stuff shipped here is cost prohibitive, but I really shouldn’t be using half the stuff I do now given my candida. Such a challenge! Thanks, Will!

  • Sandy A.

    HOnestly, I saw a show on sex addicts, and it was really no laughing matter, even though some people think it is something to giggle about. The addicts looked upon every person (in some cases, both sexes) they met as a potential lover and they also were unable to form long-lasting meaningful relationships. Many were also unable to hold a steady job etc. It’s like their psychological addiction leaked into every portion of their life. Sad.