Published July 01, 2025 | By Alyx E, Founder of Collectors MD

The idea of “the chase” has been baked into the hobby since the beginning. Whether you were ripping a few packs at your LCS or at home—trying to complete a set, land your favorite player, or find that one elusive rookie—there’s always been a sense of pursuit. That thrill of almost pulling the card you’ve been hunting. That hope in one more pack. That mystery sealed in wax.

And yes, in some ways, addiction has always been part of that equation. The definition of “chasing” or “gambling” is subjective. Some see it as a fun, harmless risk. Others recognize the emotional triggers and compulsions underneath. But whatever language you use, the common denominator remains the same: ripping to scratch an itch, chase a feeling, or fill a void.

The difference today? It’s exponentially more dangerous.

What used to be casual and contained now feels constant and all-consuming. Breaking and live-stream platforms turned marijuana into heroin—a mellow buzz into a chemical dependency. One rip becomes ten. One loss becomes a mission. One hit becomes a new baseline.

But when did it shift?

For many, the turning point came with the rise of breaking culture and marketplace apps—then got supercharged during the pandemic. What used to be an occasional dopamine hit is now a 24/7, unregulated slot machine. The breaks don’t stop. The hype floods your social feeds. The product drops are relentless. And all of it happens under a spotlight, with a live chat cheering you on or watching you spiral.

The chase used to be something you controlled. Now, it feels like something that controls you.

At Collectors MD, we’re not here to shame the thrill—we get it. We’ve lived it. But we are here to say: if your hobby has started to hurt more than it heals, it might be time to pause and reflect. The chase isn’t going anywhere. But how you choose to engage with it? That part is up to you.

Collect with intention. Heal with support.

#CollectorsMD
The chase is only fun until it starts chasing you.

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