Doctors say Botox can be as addictive as crack cocaine

If you’ve ever had a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills marathon, one thing is certain: those ladies love Botox. In fact, some of them even claim to be addicted. Apparently, they are not the only ones who can’t stay away from botox. A new book claims that Botox can be as addictive as crack, so that’s something worth considering before you start (if you ever do). Since its inception in 2002, Botox has become a household name even for young(er) women. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the number of women ages 19-34 receiving injections has soared 41 percent since 2011. That’s a lot of injectables.

In a new book written by Dana Berkowitz, PhD, she wonders if doctors are enabling lifelong Botox addicts by starting women on the injectables as early as possible. In Botox Nation: Changing the Face of America, Berkwoitz writes  that it makes perfect sense that Botox is so addictive. According to Berkowitz, “The problem is that Botox only lasts for between four and six months, so once you start seeing those lines form again you go back.” While writing her book, she found that this constant need to re-up on injectables created an obsession with Botox. “Women I interviewed talked about it in terms of it being addictive,” Berkowitz explained. “One said she was ‘crack-like’ about it.”

Botox definitely works; just look at most of Andy’s favorite Bravo-lebrities. But the issue is not just the cost of such a long-term beauty fad or even the fact that you’re injecting something into your face. Rather, the Botox phenomenon (and the growing obsession with fillers) shows that we are profiting more than ever off of women’s insecurities.

Botox has other uses besides vanity, of course. It has been linked to easing symptoms of depression as well as aiding the treatment of overactive sweat glands. In physical therapy, Botox shots can help patients regain muscle use. It’s not all bad. And at the end of the day, it’s not our place to say what you should or shouldn’t be doing with your bodies. But just beware: Botox is addictive, expensive, and makes it hard to execute the perfect Resting Bitch Face. And then where would you be?