Ep 9. Can't Stop Cleaning / Love Rocks

Can't Stop Cleaning / Love Rocks is the ninth episode of the first season of My Strange Addiction, a documentary reality series that explores individuals with unusual compulsions and behaviors. In this episode, two people with unique addictions are featured.

The first story is about Lisa, a woman who is obsessed with cleaning her house. Lisa spends 8 to 10 hours a day scrubbing her floors, washing her windows, and dusting her furniture. She even refuses to allow visitors to enter her home for fear of creating new messes. Lisa's addiction has taken a toll on her personal life, causing her to distance herself from her husband and three children. Her family has grown tired of the constant cleaning, and their frustration has led to arguments and resentment.

Lisa seeks the help of a therapist, who explains that her addiction stems from a deep-seated fear of germs and contamination. The therapist recommends exposure therapy, gradually exposing Lisa to her fears and teaching her coping mechanisms to manage her anxiety. Lisa agrees to the therapy and begins to slowly ease up on her cleaning.

The second story is about Lori, a woman who is addicted to collecting rocks. Lori has amassed a collection of over 5,000 rocks, which she keeps in her home and displays on shelves and in cabinets. She spends hours every day searching for new rocks to add to her collection, often venturing into dangerous and forbidden areas to find the perfect specimens. Lori's obsession has strained her relationships with her family and friends, who find her hobby odd and time-consuming.

Lori seeks the help of a therapist, who explains that her addiction is rooted in a need for control and validation. The therapist works with Lori to find alternative ways to feel validated and helps her to develop a healthier relationship with her hobby. Lori realizes that her rock collection has become a substitute for human connections and begins to focus on building more meaningful relationships.

Overall, Can't Stop Cleaning / Love Rocks is a fascinating look into the lives of two people with unusual addictions. The show highlights the struggles and challenges people face when dealing with compulsions and the importance of seeking professional help to overcome them.