Think I might actually be full on addicted to music

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Music has always been a huge huge part of my life. I think it is definitely my main special interest. I'm not exactly worried that I feel I'm completely addicted to it because it's truly one of the only things that gives me any joy, but I wanted to see if this was normal by "autistic standards".
Basically I start every day by sitting and listening to songs on spotify\youtube for about 2-3 hours. I won't do anything other than listen to the music. So that means by the time I actually start my day I end up eating my breakfast very late and showering and stuff at unusual times.
If I'm not at uni or with friend at other times of the day there is no doubt you will find my listening to music. Some days I literally listen to music non-stop all day. I also literally cannot walk anywhere without my ipod. Without my earphone in I actually feel like the world has become too quiet because I'm so used to walking round with music blasting.

Like literally my passion for music is unbelievably intense. I think if somehow I was unable to listen to music for a few days I would actually completely crack up.

Is it normal to have special interests this intense? Does anybody have any special interests that they feel they are literally addicted to and couldn't live without?

I am the same.

I mean, when I listen to music, I listen to music. By listening to music I mean several hours every day with the headphones on and spacing out totally. I sometimes am able to do something creative while listening to music, but mostly I am so drawn into music that I can’t do nothing but listen, stim and float in the sensation.

And only now I am starting to understand that just listening to music every day for the most of the time you spend at home might not be considered normal. But hey, that’s why we’re here.

Intensity- yes, I think many others would say their own interests and rituals were equally vital to life, as you described.

I'm not sure if "addiction" is the best word to describe it, due to the association of the word addiction with something bad for you or that dammages your ability to live in balance.

Whatever is comforting to you, what provides a safety net of pleasure and well being, what inspires you to get out of bed each morning and feel connected to your human experience of life's ups and downs, I think that is something different than addiction. May I offer the word "appreciation"? It doesn't have the strong association with something that is self harming. Maybe appreciation is too weak a word. Music lover. Music fanatic. Enthusiast.

I'm just trying to say that, I wouldn't personally label your connection with music as an healthy or abnormal experience. There is even a book about it called "Your Playlist can Change Your Life" about the experience of music moving you through your day to reach your goals, with the help of the effect that music has on your brain.

Hope that helps!

That sounds so familiar. I actually become irritable when I haven't listened to music, especially first thing in the morning.

I'm also addicted to music. I have to have my music playing for most of the day, or else I'll go crazy.

OMG I think I have found my music twinkies!! Hii! =) SO happy!
We should create playlists of some of our favorites together!

Everybody must get stoned!

I have a similar "addiction" to music, except for me it is with playing it, rather than listening to it. I often bring my J-Bass (in my avatar) around with me, if not some other instrument. My life is pretty much dedicated to playing music. Music is my only source of income (granted it is not a large source of income, but it gives me some financial independence).

I'll often be in my room all day playing music, and all night.

I might be addicted to music.

My alarm clock goes off on the music setting.

When I turn my computer on, my Pandora radio widget goes on.

when I drive anywhere the radio is on

if I work in the basement I have the speakers on (rigged up a long wire from my computer)

and sometimes I'll listen to music on headphones in bed

Yes, that's pretty normal for an Aspie obsession. If your responsibilities are suffering because of the intensity of your obsession, you might want to try to tone it down (get help from an OT or counselor if you can't do it alone); but you're on the spectrum and that's how your mind works, so you shouldn't be surprised or distressed by the intensity of your attachment to music. In the most intense phases of my obsessions, I tend to spend about 16-17 hours a day on whatever it is; the rest is spent sleeping.

I too am addicted to music. I can't face life without it. Listening to it is the first thing I do after I wake up. And I go on listening to music literally all day long. I cannot study or work if I do not have any music on. And I also spend many hours just listening and doing nothing else.

I routinely get obsessed with certain artists and bands.

I get intense emotions while listening to music. It also helps with my creativity. When I get high, what I like doing most is to listen to music and enjoy the altered perception - I probably wouldn't even be interested in taking drugs if I couldn't listen to music while under the influence...

_________________
Probably 75% Aspie, 25% NT... and 100% ADHD

Aspie-quiz results:
Aspie score: 138 of 200 / NT score: 78 of 200 => Very likely an Aspie.

Music is amazing. I insist on listening to music almost all the time that I can. I lose focus if I can't.

Right now I'm pretty much listening to one guy at the moment. Pretty sad, huh? But I actually have more diverse tastes. It's just you know, sometimes you get one band and you GOTTA listen to them all the time.