In order to determine if you are addicted to the CB, you must first determine the criteria for such an addiction. While I am sure I have not seen "ChatterBox (CB) Addiction" in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), I think criteria could be determined by examining the criteria for other impulse-control and substance abuse disorders (such as pathological gambling, or several of the substance disorders). An example of some of the criteria (based on the above) might be:

• Persistant recurrant and maladaptive ChatterBox (hereafter referred to as "CB") behavior, characterized by several of the following:
  • is preoccupied with the CB (e.g., preoccupied with reliving past CB experiences, or planning the next venture into the CB, or thinking of ways to use the CB from other media)
  • needs to use the CB in increasing amounts in order to achieve the desired excitement
  • has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop using the CB
  • is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop using the CB
  • uses the CB as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)
  • lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the CB
  • has committed illegal acts in order to access, or during the use of, the CB
  • has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of CB use
  • relies on others to provide help to relieve a desperate chronological situation caused by CB use
• Behavior not better accounted for by another disorder.

While I would suggest professional help in the diagnosis and treatment planning should such a condition be suspected, I think a support group for such a thing (much as AA or GA) might be a good thing, as long as it does not become an excuse to feed the cycle with more use by scheduling the meetings thru or in the CB...

I applaud you in recognizing and seeking help for your problem, and in trying to help others who may also be affected by it.

Update: Fixed typos.

Update: Fixed typos. (Thanks for letting me know, allolex.)

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