Introduction to addiction and case #1: Mother of two reveals very 'Strange Addiction': Drinking paint

WHAT IS ADDICTION ?

People with an addiction do not have control over what they are doing, taking or using. Their addiction may reach a point at which it is harmful. Addictions do not only include physical things we consume, such as drugs or alcohol, but may include virtually anything, such abstract things as gambling to seemingly harmless products, such as chocolate - in other words, addiction may refer to a substance dependence (e.g. drug addiction) or behavioural addiction (e.g. gambling addiction).

When a person is addicted to something they cannot control how they use it, and become dependent on it to cope with daily life.

SOME TERMS ON ADDICTION 

• Addictive personality                                                                         A concept that was formerly used to explain addiction as the result of pre-existing character defects in individuals.
• Process addiction                                                                         Addiction to certain mood-altering behaviours, such as eating disorders, gambling, sexual activity, overwork, and shopping.
• Tolerance                                                                                          A condition in which an addict needs higher doses of a substance to achieve the same effect previously achieved with a lower dose.
• Withdrawal                                                                                      The unpleasant, sometimes life-threatening physiological changes that occur, due to the discontinuation of use of some drugs after prolonged, regular use.

Alabama, US. Heather Beal, a mother of two, admits that she has guzzled close to three gallons since she first started the practice three years ago. 

'As it's going down your throat it feels very nice and warm, almost like a thicker version of warm milk,' she says. "But obviously, it's got that very strong chemical taste, which is perfect to me."

Ms Beal says that she prefers paint in marker form, and goes to the hardware store to feed her habit. Every day she pries the cap off one paint marker and drinks the contents.



'I drink paint from markers because I have looked for other paints, both in quart or gallon form, and haven't found any that satisfy my desire,' she explains.

Heather Beal showing how she consumes her deadly beverage

She says that her bizarre habit began after her mother died, and that until now no one has seen her drink paint - especially not her children. 

Constant cravings:
She says that she is addicted to paint in all forms , from gallons to markers.

Ms Beal demonstrates how she is able to eat the residue on the surface of the paint marker.

Later in the episode Ms Beal seems to get a wake-up call 

after she visits a doctor and learns that sh/e has done damage to her kidneys.

After someone asked her what she would feel like if one of her kids drank paint, she vowed to kick the habit - and in a recent interview with TLC she claimed she has stayed clean.

Other noticeable signs in people using inhalants include nosebleeds, runny nose,  reddened eyes - and sudden violent behaviour may result because of the effect inhalants have on the brain. Most inhalants depress the central nervous system in a similar way to alcohol, but inhalant abuse can also  cause relaxation, euphoria, slurred speech, hallucinations, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, users of inhalants may lose the ability to walk, talk or think