The Most Self-Destructive Habits Of Each Of The Zodiac Signs
Each zodiac sign is susceptible to different addictions. Which one makes you lose control?
When we think about addictions and addictive behavior, alcohol and drugs usually come to mind first.
These aren’t the only things that people get hooked on, though. Any substance or activity that provides pleasure (however fleeting) will stimulate the brain’s production of dopamine, a chemical that tells us that we’re happy by lighting up the reward centers in the frontal lobe. (It’s a lot more complicated than that, of course, but I’m no neurologist so I’m not even going to try to get into the details.)
Having an “addictive personality” doesn’t mean that someone is definitely going to develop an addiction, only that they’re more likely to do so, and should take extra care to monitor their behavior and find healthy ways of creating pleasure in their lives.
Some of the danger signals of addictive personalities include high sensitivity to stress and anxiety, self-esteem issues, or difficulty feeling connected to anyone. It's not something your horoscope can aid in, either.
Addiction is hereditary, too; it often runs in the family. Other mental health issues will also increase the risk of addiction, as untreated victims try to self-medicate or develop other negative coping mechanisms.
If you think that you have a problem with substance abuse or any other addiction that’s turning your life into miserable chaos, you need to get on top of that sooner rather than later. Some people can stop on their own, but many more cannot. You don’t have to tackle this alone. Please go talk to someone who can help you get back in control!
Here are the most self-destructive zodiac signs and the common addictive behaviors associated with them.
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Aries is an adrenaline junkie. They’d rather put themselves (and sometimes others) in danger than sit around being bored.
Sometimes their quest for new thrills can manifest in experimenting with drugs, but even without that factor, Aries’ inability to control their impulses just keeps getting them in trouble with the authorities.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Hedonistic Taurus craves luxury and abundance. They’re susceptible to over-eating when they have ready access to fine cuisine, and while Taurus is keenly aware of the value of money, their desire to be surrounded by the finest things in life can lead to shopping sprees that will eventually destroy their savings.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
Gemini’s need to be connected and communicating with people at all times makes it hard for them to handle being alone. Their quick minds are constantly searching for new sources of stimulation, too.
It’s very easy for Gemini to become addicted to the Internet, especially social media. They just can’t put the phone down.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
This is the sign of motherhood and families. Privacy-loving Cancer doesn’t open up to very many people, but when they do let someone in, their emotional attachment can become unnerving.
Cancer’s need to care for others, and be cared for in turn, makes them prime candidates for co-dependent relationships.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
We all know how much Leo loves to be loved. Sometimes, though, their need for attention will compel them to go to extreme lengths to make sure all eyes are on them.
Leo’s downfall is the tendency to spend way too much money on shiny, superficial clothes, accessories, cars and other status symbols.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Virgo is a talented organizer — everything has a place, and needs to be arranged just so. When it gets out of control, Virgo gets caught in an obsessive behavior loop: always arranging and planning, never taking action or making progress.
Virgo’s natural desire to help people also causes problems. They’ll stay in a rocky relationship, always thinking that if they just say the right thing, they’ll be able to “fix” someone.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
As trite as it may seem, Libra gets addicted to love. That’s not nearly as romantic and cute as it sounds. Always keenly aware of balance and imbalance, Libra seeks other people who have traits that will make up for their own shortcomings.
Since they’re natural people-pleasers, Libra tends to go overboard and give too much. Libra can easily lose herself in her relationships with other people.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
You probably won’t be surprised to learn that Scorpio’s main addiction-danger is sex and porn. This sign is always associated with sexuality and passion, so of course it’s possible that they could lose control and allow it to become an obsession.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Of all the signs in the zodiac, Sagittarius is one of the most addiction-prone. Their planet is giant Jupiter, who rules over abundance, expansiveness, and exaggeration.
It’s hard for Sagittarius to do anything in moderation. Booze, drugs and gambling are common temptations for Sagittarius, but really, when they develop a fondness for anything at all, it’s hard for them to pass it up or put it down.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorn is known for their practicality and self-discipline. They value their reputation, too, so this sign isn’t likely to allow themselves to be controlled by addictive habits.
If anything, Capricorn is addicted to productivity — dedication to achieving their goals can become all-consuming, turning them into true workaholics.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarius is a thrill-seeker and has probably done their share of experimenting with drugs, alcohol, and sex. Despite their quirky personality, though, they actually have a good sense of self-control.
One thing that Aquarius can’t resist, though, is new ideas, especially cutting-edge technology. Aquarius is prone to spend way too much, way too often, on the latest gadgets and games and then ignore the rest of the world for days while they play with their toys.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces relates to the rest of the world through feelings. As natural empaths, they pick up on these signals from other people too, and it can be very hard to shut them off.
When it all becomes too much, Pisces will reach for booze, drugs, TV, escapist entertainment — whatever is at hand that can turn off the emotions.
Trudi Mentior grew up in Great Falls, Montana, where she spent her formative years wondering just what might be beyond those vast plains, on the other side of those distant mountains. She now lives in Vancouver, Washington, with her husband, three cats, and a loudmouthed hyacinth macaw (who loves to scare the cats).