RadioBanter - Radioism... The Disease

Radioism is a chronic illness characterized by the habitual listening of
shortwave radio. This is done to the degree that it interferes with physical
or mental health, or with normal social or work behavior. It produces both
physical and psychological addiction. Signs of radioism include anxiety,
inhibition, and feelings of guilt. In high doses, it can cause loss of
consciousness and even death. Chronic radioism damages the brain, hearing,
and eyesight. Carpal Tunnel syndrome can also result.

Spotting the signs and symptoms of radioism is not always easy. While
radio-related arrests or job loss can be signs of radioism, they tend to
happen late in the disease. Many signs occur earlier, yet are harder to
detect. These signs include:
* An increasing tolerance to the effects static. This is not seen as a sign
that this person will not have problems with radio. In fact, this may be an
early sign of the disease.
* A growing preoccupation or interest in listening to radios, or dreaming
about radios. Sometimes those with radioism go as far as buying illicit
radio magazines, radio parafinalia, radio internet chat rooms, and worst of
all...radio newsgroups. It may seem as though one simply enjoys radio
listening. We now know that these signs are the first symptoms of radioism.
* A person will dispute there is a problem. This symptom, called denial, is
almost always present in radioism.

Later, difficulties in relationships, on the job, or with the law often
occur. Other signs and symptoms are of the disease a
* hiding radios or sneaking around listening to radios when no one is
around,
* Obsessive Radio collecting also known as RCOCB (Radio Collecting Obsessive
Compulsive Behavior)
* using headphones so no one can hear what you're doing,
* wanting to listen more, or longer, than the rest of the crowd,
* losing control of radio listening, leading to attempts to control it
("going on the wagon.")

It is very important to seek help early in the disease. As the disease
progresses, severe health problems and injuries occur in almost every body
system.

If you want to learn more about the signs of radioism, consult your
healthcare provider or look in the yellow pages for "radioism" or "radioism
treatment". You may also wish to contact the National Council on Radioism at
(800) RADO-ISM for more information. Many cities and towns have Radioism
Anonymous (RA) meetings. These are meetings for people who have a family
member with radio listening problems. If you go, you'll learn more about how
radioism affects families and what you can do. The most important thing...
GET HELP NOW!