Being Addicted to Buying Baseball Cards
For many people who collect baseball cards, there comes a point where the hobby transitions from a fun pastime into a full-blown addiction. When collecting starts to negatively impact one’s personal or professional life, that is usually a sign that an addiction to buying cards has developed. Like any addiction, it can be difficult to recognize in yourself, but seeing how it affects your behavior and relationships over time is telling. In this article, we will explore what addiction to buying baseball cards looks like, potential causes, and ways for people to address it if they feel they have a problem.
Some of the typical signs someone may be addicted to buying baseball cards include constantly thinking about their next purchase or trade, spending more money than planned or can afford each month, making cards the top priority over other responsibilities, and feeling anxious or irritable if they are unable to buy cards for a period. Their self-worth may become tied to the value or size of their collection. Relationships could suffer if the person would rather buy cards than spend time with family or friends. Lying or hiding purchases from a spouse may also occur.
The addictive behaviors stem from the dopamine release one feels from the hunt, acquisition, and anticipation of potentially finding a valuable card. This activates the brain’s reward system in similar ways as gambling. For some collectors, it provides a sense of control during the uncertainty of opening packs. A need for completionism by chasing rare parallels or numbered versions of players can fuel endless spending. Childhood nostalgia or using cards to self-soothe from stress or trauma may also play a role in developing an unhealthy dependence on the hobby. Genetics are thought to influence addictive tendencies, so those with a family history may be more susceptible.
Negative consequences often start small, like spending a little more than planned or feeling irritable if a new release is sold out. But over time, as more is spent to chase that dopamine rush without finding it, life begins to spiral out of control. Bills go unpaid, savings dwindle away, and relationships deteriorate due to choosing cards over other responsibilities. Extreme cases involve theft, bankruptcy, or loss of employment due to inability to stop buying. Health can also be impacted by the stress an addiction causes.
The first step to addressing an addiction to buying baseball cards is acknowledging there is a problem. Denial is very common, so an honest evaluation with a counselor’s help may be needed. They can provide an objective viewpoint. The next step is creating a plan, whether independently or with a support group, to set limits on spending and curb compulsive behaviors. This may involve selling parts of one’s collection to pay down debt. Counseling can help uncover root causes and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Support groups like Gamblers Anonymous use a 12-step approach that some collectors have found beneficial as well.
Reducing stress, developing alternative hobbies, and practicing mindfulness or meditation can help satisfy that dopamine need in healthier ways. Staying busy with other activities makes it easier to resist card-related triggers too. Setting a strict monthly budget and avoiding shows, breaks, and group breaks may be necessary for severe cases. Counseling can also address any codependency issues that enabled addictive behaviors. With time and effort, it is possible to have a fun collecting hobby again without it controlling your life. But like other addictions, relapse is always a risk that requires ongoing self-awareness and maintenance.
An addiction to buying baseball cards develops when the behavior starts negatively impacting important areas of one’s life such as relationships, finances, health, work or school. The dopamine rush of the hunt and acquisition can activate the brain’s reward system in compulsive ways for vulnerable individuals. Seeking help from a counselor and support groups is important to address any root causes, gain coping skills, and make lifestyle changes needed to curb addictive tendencies over the long term. With effort, collectors can regain a balanced relationship with their hobby without it spiraling out of control again.
