For the past few years now I've been battling with several addictions, coffee, sugar, tobacco, teev, weed and cacti. The drugs are bad but I can give em up, I just gotta have a little self control.
The cacti on the other hand is life consuming. the cacti gods indoctrinate one through mesmerizing natural patterns and spines so dangerous and otherworldy they simply demand respect. If possible I'd mainline cactaceous species straight into my brain meats. If I go for more than a few weeks without purchasing myself a new specimen, I get terrible withdrawal symptoms. I can't eat, I can't sleep, i shake, every time i close my eyes all i can see is cactus, every thought, cactus. If I don't get that new plant I feel as though my head might explode.
Anyway. enough of my rambling. The point I'm trying to express is. How addictive is the cacti collecting game? How much of your hard earned cash goes straight into the garden (or a pot)? Is it possible to beat the addiction? or is it just not worth it?

Prier I can understand where you are coming from. The thing that has stopped me in my tracks was the loss of a few cacti in the last week or so. I have attended to them with loving care and followed advice on how to look after them but the call of the angels was stronger . So I am curtailing my purchasing habits until I can at least get my collection through one winter.

Don't worry Vicki, there is usually a couple of losses during the (evil, nasty, beastly) winter period, especially when cultivating new genera that we are a little unfimiliar with, try and see it as a learning experience rather then a negative aspect of the hobby - best damn hobby in the world!!

Even the most experienced growers will sometimes lose a plant or two, it does happen.

I know what you are on about prier, I think we suffer a similiar afflication - best damn affliction in the world currently I am trying to stand back and evaluate what I HAVE, what I NEED and what I WANT as well as trying to cut back on buying more. You think it's gonna work?

Oh and...once those cacti get their hooks into you, there is no turning back...EVER

Once a cactophile always a cactophile.