Weaponry Fascination Normal or Unhealthy?
Some people, men and women alike, take a very strong liking to various forms of weaponry. The weaponry may range from machetes to torture devices to ancient weapons to machine guns, but knives and guns tend to be the focus of many weapon enthusiast’s fascinations, typically because they are the most accessible. It is not uncommon for a person to become so interested in these forms of weaponry that they begin their own collection, subscribe to relevant magazines and have hobbies that include using their weapons recreationally, either for hunting or some other sport. But what happens when interest turns into weaponry obsession? Is the hobby still harmless?
When a person transitions from taking a harmless interest in weaponry to obsessing over it, things can turn sketchy. First of all, to be obsessed with or addicted to anything in life is to be mentally unhealthy. The key to good mental health is balance and balance cannot be achieved in the midst of addiction. A person who obsesses over their weaponry collection to the extent of only wanting to spend their time talking about it or playing with it is likely doing so at the cost of their personal relationships, life obligations and reputation. It is one thing to have a hobby but it is quite another to have a treatable addiction.
Some people take their fanatacism to another level. They begin to guard their personal weaponry collection and become paranoid about all the ways they may have to use it. Many weapons collectors are also conspiracy theorists and believers in imminent apocalyptic events. It can be dangerous for people of this mindset to possess as many weapons as they do. It is not uncommon for this type of person to resort to use of their weapons in any stressful situation, regardless of whether it is appropriate or not. There is nothing wrong with being an avid collector of weapons, but it is a hobby that requires levelheadedness and scope.
Are You Addicted to Weaponry?
Weaponry holds a particular fascination for certain people, particularly men. Where as an addiction to shoes is found more commonly among women, an addiction to different types of weaponry is more commonly found among men, and is likely associated with testosterone. A fascination with weaponry usually begins forming at an early age and is frequently passed down from parents or other close family members. When someone is addicted to weaponry, they usually have large collections of guns, knives, swords, crossbows and other instruments of defense. Taking an interest in these items is fine, but when interest becomes obsession, problems can arise.
Guns have been a topic of much heated debate recently in North America. There is no weapon available to the public that does more damage than a gun. Whether it is a rifle, shotgun, handgun or other variety of gun, it is by far the most lethal weapon a person can legally possess. Many people are fighting to change this, of course, but for the owners of large gun collections, a right to bare arms is something willing to fight for. Those who are legitimately addicted to guns, who invest excessive amounts of time, energy and money on guns, are particularly adamant about their right to bare arms.
People can become equally addicted to their collection of knives, swords and other sharp weapons. These addictions also demonstrate a level of devotion to weapons that goes far beyond what is normal or healthy. When those who live with the addict complain about the pervasiveness of the collection, when the addict is unable to manage their finances due to excessive weaponry purchases or when responsibilities in the addict’s personal life are neglected due to focus on weaponry, it may be time to seek intervention.
If you or someone you care about is overly involved with their weaponry collection to the point of dysfunction, reach out for the help of a professional addiction counselor or interventionist. Any type of addiction, no matter how obscure, can be destructive to the addict’s life. To assist people with addictions of any form, you should check out christian rehabilitation centers for professional support.