What are you addicted to? It's Capsicum for me!

Would you go rummaging around in every cupboard in the house just to find any amount -- no matter how small?

Would you get up in the middle of the night and start scouring the neighborhood for any supplier that might be available.

Are you really thinking about your friends when you tell them "it's great...try it?"

Usually they try a little and turn away in disgust the first time. But slowly, yes ever so slowly, they catch themselves doing just what they thought they would never do.

My wife was sick for over a day. Yes, my wife. What was I thinking? A drop or two today. Two or three tomorrow. Then in such a short time you just can't get enough.

Your addiction is ubiquitous. Everywhere you turn; New Orleans, Dallas and Memphis.

I have even heard that Charlotte, North Carolina is becoming a hotspot for this disturbing activity.

I heard than an ever-increasing number of people are experimenting; and, many are succumbing to this insidious addiction. Insidious!

Do you think ketchup is baby food?

Do you know that a "Scotch Bonnet" is not an item of clothing?

Do you laugh when someone puts anything but Fire House 5000 on their eggs and potatoes in the morning? Do you salivate when Paul Prudhomme, the famous New Orleans chef, keeps on shaking that little bottle over the gumbo?

Would you consider a trip to the Holy Land to be a trip to the McIlhenny headquarters on Avery Island just outside of New Orleans? Anyone who calls him or herself a pepper head knows that is where Tabasco was born. It is only a few steps from there to Nirvana. No, it is Nirvana!

Yes, I am hooked. I just counted thirteen different kinds of hot sauce and peppers that sit on a lazy Susan that is on one end of our kitchen table.

I don't ever have to worry about running out in the middle of the night. I could make it for several weeks, if not months, without having to restock my larder.

Do you know what capsicum does to you?

Take a look at this.

It creates a natural high.

Capsicum triggers the release of endorphins. Endorphins are natural painkillers whose effects are very similar to morphine.

Capsicum lowers triglycerides in the blood.

It increases metabolism, causing you to burn calories at a higher rate.

Some other health benefits attributed to capsicum: it reduces high blood pressure, protects against some types of cancer and is useful in the treatment of chronic rhinitis (runny nose).

Loaded with vitamins A, C and beta-carotene; peppers are naturally low in fat, calories and cholesterol.

The FDA has approved capsicum cream as a topical ointment that you rub on your skin to alleviate the pain of shingles and arthritis. Just don't rub it in your eyes; and, be sure to wash your hands before you go to the bathroom.

Taken by mouth, capsicum actually improves digestion by increasing stomach secretions.

Capsicum has been used in folk remedies to treat everything from impotence to liver disease.

Your great grandmother knew that capsicum was a great laxative. Those who have experienced its positive effects in higher doses can give testimonial after testimonial about how effective it is. In other words, don't leave the house!

So what are you waiting for? Apply this liqueur of South Texas freely on all of your meals, thus realizing it's healthful and emotional benefits.

I've included pictures of some of my favorites. They are all my favorites.

Do you know what? I don't care what the medicinal effects and benefits are.

Don't even think about getting between me and my last bottle of hot sauce!

PS. This could be you.

"Hi, my name is __________. I'm an addict. I don't ever remember going more than one or two days without it!..."

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