Sports Card Addiction: Is it Real? Common? Treatable?

Sports cards first surfaced in the 19th century. They were originally intended for marketing purposes for candy and tobacco companies. Baseball cards were the most common then. Over time, sports cards expanded to include other sports, such as basketball, football, hockey, and soccer.

The hobby of sports card collection exploded in popularity. Many collectors seek to find rare cards that contain a lot of value. Because of this, collecting sports cards is seen as an enjoyable hobby. Some collectors enjoy the social aspect. Meanwhile, others might get a thrill from the potential investment and appreciation of value.

The COVID-19 pandemic was responsible for the boom in sports card collecting. Many individuals turned to collecting to pass the time during the lockdown. This interest increased card prices and caused some individuals to struggle with sports card addiction.

Sports card collectors have been buzzing over the release of Topps' 2024 Chrome Update Series. They want to get their hands on the one-of-a-kind Paul Skenes autographed rookie card, which features a patch from his MLB debut.

This rare card resembles the golden tickets from Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Thousands of collectors are desperate to strike gold, hoping to get their hands on this highly coveted card. The Pirates even offered to trade the Paul Skenes card.

Can someone become addicted to sports cards?

In March 2023, Sports Collectors Daily addressed the sports card addiction. It hasn't been mentioned until recently. Just like with most behavioral addictions, it's possible to be addicted to sports cards. Addiction develops when it alters the brain's chemistry.

Any activity or behavior that increases dopamine levels and contributes to feelings of euphoria or joy. Social media has also been responsible for the rise of sports card addiction. Users feel the need to purchase expensive sports cards. This hobby can quickly become an obsession that causes financial and personal fallout.

Can sports card addiction be diagnosed?

Sports card addiction is similar to sports betting addiction and gambling addiction. However, it's not recognized by the DSM-5. The book only lists gambling disorder, which doesn’t include sports card trading. There has been growing research on behavioral addictions.

Pleasurable activities can generate certain feelings in people. If you notice that it impacts your daily life and psychological outlook, you could have an addiction. The best way to find out is to undergo an assessment and get a diagnosis from a doctor or mental health professional.

Signs of sports card addiction: The line between hobby and compulsion

Sports card collecting is a harmless hobby for some individuals. But it can develop into a serious addiction when the collector is at risk of losing everything. This compulsive behavior motivates the individual to keep collecting more despite the financial and personal outcomes.

Compulsive behavior: Spend a moderate amount of time and money on collecting or trading sports cards
Emotional distress: Becoming agitated, frustrated, or restless when not collecting or trading sports cards
Financial impact: Increasing amounts of money on expensive sports cards to get back the joy
Neglected responsibilities: Borrowing money, stealing money, maxing out credit cards, or ignoring bills to spend money on sports cards
Chasing thrills: Trading more to recover the money lost
Masking: Lying or hiding sports card addiction
Social fallout: Family and friends ask you to cut back or stop trading altogether
Mental health: Feeling guilt, shame, or hopelessness from sports card addiction
Escapism: Relying on sports card trading to deal with the stress and pressures of daily life

Sports card addiction treatment

Sports card collecting has become a popular hobby. However, it's essential to be aware of the downsides. Compulsive collecting and excessive spending can lead to an addiction. Treatment for sports card addiction is the same as for gambling addiction.

This comprehensive form of treatment includes a combination of holistic and scientific-based therapies. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals identify their negative behaviors, thoughts, and patterns.

Psychotherapy offers a safe space where individuals can uncover the root causes or issues related to their addiction. Medication might be prescribed to treat anxiety or depression. Self-help support groups can offer accountability and peer support. Birches Health offers this comprehensive treatment in a virtual setting.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a sports card addiction, Birches Health offers the following ways to get started:

To get started on the path to recovery, you can also contact Birches Health directly by calling 833-483-3838 or emailing hello@bircheshealth.com.

Sports and baseball card addiction statistics

Sports card trading is a booming industry. In 2020, eBay sales of sports trading cards rose to 142%, up from over four million in the previous year.

Baseball cards are the most popular rare and vintage cards to collect. However, basketball and football are becoming increasingly popular.

Both are on the rise due to the increased popularity of the sports and the boom of sports betting addiction. Some sports fans enjoy placing bets and trading cards, especially when there’s money involved.

Sources:

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