[Trivial Psychic]

This is a legitimate question, and an issue that as collectors we all have the potential to face, and I feel it makes for good discussion. Realistically, having a toy addiction is honestly no different than having an addiction to anything else. It can drain financially, emotionally, and physically in ways similar to having an addiction to alcohol or gambling...or anything else for that matter. It's very easy to lose sight and focus of our responsibilities, especially financially if one is not careful. It can be destructive to relationships as well. Toys for the most part are a depreciating investment, and like many comic book enthusiasts from the 90's are finding out, our little plastic superheros are not likely to fund our kid's college educations.

I've been guilty of this type of addiction myself on occasion. As a part of a single parent household when I was a kid and often placed into situations where we were forced to do without, I grew up with an appreciation for the value of a dollar. I took those childhood lessons into my adult life, and I have always worked hard for my money (as I'm sure many of us have) so the way I see it, if I worked hard for it, I'm entitled to spend it however I want to. It seems harmless sometimes, ten dollars here, 15 dollars there, but at the end of the month, I'll look back when it's time to pay the bills, and I'll be like "whoa...what the hell?" I can recall looking at some of the totals of my piles of loot at BBTS, and have been like, "oh my god...that's two car payments right there..." And there have been times that when I'm not able to get out to a toy store or retailer and hunt, I'll feel depressed and bored.

The key thing to remember is that no matter what happens, life will go on, with or without that extra stormtrooper that you are army building. It's okay to splurge a little for your own personal amusement and enjoyment, but never in the case when it comes at the expense of family, friends, financial and medical responsibilities, and your personal health. Escapism in this crazy world that we live in is healthy and normal, but real life is just that, real, and it's not worth putting yourself in a position where you will suffer in some form later. If you feel you have a problem, don't be afraid to talk to someone about it, seek professional help if you need it.