A.P.s: Is Adoption Addictive?

it is for angeline jolie

I think any emotionally positive experience (including but not limited to adopting a child) can be addictive in the sense that a person wants to repeat the experience because it made them feel good, and led to other good things. I mean heck, most people who have children by birth don't do so just once if they have the option. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, in either adoptive or biological parenting.

However, I DO think it would be possible for someone to take the repeat adoption (or for that matter repeat child-bearing) to an extreme where they can no longer provide for their whole family, whether in material or emotional needs, and at that point it does become a problem. I think that's more of a personality issue and/or a psychological attempt at replacing something else missing in the person's life, than directly adoption-related... but I do think sometimes when people use adoption to try to fill a hole, it can become an addiction of sorts.

Personally, I wouldn't see adoption as becoming addictive for myself because it's so emotionally difficult. Yes, it's an awesome and wonderful experience too-- but kids who are adopted, especially at an older age, need lots of love and care and nurture. I'm self-aware enough to know I can't provide that to a limitless number of children. So life has a built in reality-check for me about it.

I think it might be for some people. I have had the occasional desire to parent another child but it would be fine with me if I became pregnant and had the child that way. (I adopted my first and only child five years ago.) The process of adoption certainly isn't addictive! It's difficult and takes a lot of time and can be very frustrating. I can't imagine anyone enjoying it. (I realize it's necessary; that's just not what we're discussing here.)

I can see where it might be addictive for some people to be pregnant. All the attention, the showers, the questions, the excitement! And the attempts to GET pregnant can certainly be fun too! ;) I sometimes think about adopting another child but have never looked into it because I am now a single parent and I want to give as much of myself to my son as I can. I don't know if I have enough for two kids. But that's just me.

Hmm, well coming to YA is, but is the act of adoption addicting? I would say I love parenting and am dedicated as my role as mother, but I am not addicted to adoption. What I can admit was to being OBSESSIVE before the adoption and my journey, but I am in a wonderful family and could not ask for more.

If it is addictive to others, I guess anything can be addictive, but I can't see the direct link here to addiction.

ETA: I was thinking about it this weekend. We should form AA: Adoption Anonymous

Hello. My name is Opedial (not real name)and I am an adoptive parent

It has been 10 months since my last adoption

When I did my last adoption, it was a binge, I adopted three children. I just can't stop at one.

In the past ten months I have struggled each and every day with wanting more adoptive children.

I see mothers on the street and resist the urge to ask them for their child.

I watch Juno over and over again hoping I too can find a young female to give me her child.

I yearn to go through the process of 100 questions asking from everything from my weight to my sex life.

I yearn to watch a child process his/her loss of their first parents.

I just can't stop. But with your help, and my hope, I can break free from my addiction. i will always be an parent of adoption, but I may not always be an adoptive parent. (think about it)

May the Creator bless you with humour, and hope this was not offensive, just had to get it out of my system.

For us, no it's not addictive. While we planned on adopting again, life through us a curve ball and our daughter remains an only child.

Parenting and mentoring are addictive though. Our home is a crash site for several teenagers and young adults who need a safe place to talk and escape from their troubles. Being a positive influence is addicting for me.

Uh... I don't think so...

I think, just like any other couple, Aparents decide about how many children they want in their family, and some chose to build that family through adoption.

I don't think it's any more addictive than having babies. They both want a family. The only difference is the Aparents go looking for children who need a famiily, and build theirs that way.

OH not for us..... this is it for us. No more children for unless something pressed on our heart and we just couldn't ignore it. I'm not opposed to doing foster care, but we don't intend to adopt or give birth again.

The only people I know who have adopted, have adopted 3 or less children.

well my parents have adopted 8 kids and my mom says its addictive. Once you start helping these children you don't want to stop. you just want to share everything you have been blessed with, with these children that haven't been as fortunate.

lol at Roe's answer.

I know for my a p's it was a time of huge emotional turmoil filled with ups and downs. I dont think it was an addiction for them, but I am sure there are some people who may have a "savior complex", like Brangie.

No. It is extremely emotionally and financially hard.

Take a look at Angelina Jolie...yes, of course...