Ep 3. Eats Cleanser/Tanner

In season 1 episode 3 of My Strange Addiction, we meet two individuals with very peculiar habits. The first is Gloria, who reveals that she has been addicted to drinking household cleanser for the past five years. Despite the fact that the chemicals in the cleanser can be extremely harmful to her health, Gloria cannot stop herself from drinking it multiple times a day. Her addiction has strained her relationships with her friends and family, who are understandably worried about her safety.

The episode follows Gloria as she goes about her daily routine, which mainly consists of buying and consuming large quantities of cleanser. We see her browsing the cleaning product aisle at the grocery store, carefully examining various bottles and selecting the ones that appeal to her the most. She then goes back to her home, where she mixes the cleanser with water and drinks it as though it were a refreshing beverage. Gloria confesses that she enjoys the taste and texture of the cleanser, which she compares to soda or juice.

Throughout the episode, we also hear from Gloria's loved ones, who express their concern and frustration over her addiction. Her daughter tearfully explains how it feels to watch her mother harm herself, while her ex-husband expresses his bafflement and sorrow at seeing someone he cares about suffer in this way. While Gloria initially seems defensive and dismissive of their concerns, by the end of the episode she appears to be more open to seeking help for her addiction.

The second person featured in this episode is Lisa, who has an addiction to tanning. While many of us enjoy soaking up the sun or using tanning beds occasionally, Lisa takes her obsession to the extreme. She spends hours each day lying in tanning beds, until her skin is an unnatural shade of brown and she begins to develop blisters and sores. Lisa admits that she knows her tanning habit is dangerous and potentially deadly, but she feels unable to stop herself from seeking out that darker, more "perfect" shade of skin.

Throughout the episode, we see Lisa visiting tanning salons and tanning at home, obsessing over the right amount of time to spend in each bed and the right lotion to use. We also hear from her friends and family members, who are scared for her health and try to convince her to stop tanning so excessively. Lisa, however, seems resistant to their pleas, insisting that she has everything under control and that her tanning is just a harmless hobby.

As with Gloria, the show offers a balanced and sympathetic portrayal of Lisa's struggles and addiction. We see her wrestling with the fear of skin cancer and premature aging, as well as the societal pressure to conform to a certain beauty standard. At the same time, however, we also see the toll that her addiction takes on her relationships and her sense of self-worth.

Overall, My Strange Addiction season 1 episode 3 offers a fascinating look into the lives of two people with very unusual and dangerous habits. Despite the challenging subject matter, the show is not exploitative or sensationalistic; instead, it offers a nuanced and empathetic exploration of addiction and its impact on individuals and those around them.