It’s quite possibly the most delectable treat in the entire world. I would easily forego the typical dinner and a movie for a one-pound bar — or more — of this amazing substance that comes in so many different varieties.

No, I’m not talking about a drug. Rather, I’m talking about chocolate. Forget buying me a dozen roses for an anniversary, or taking me out for a nice dinner on Valentine’s Day. Give me some chocolate, and I will love you forever.

I am a self-diagnosed chocoholic, and yes, this must be a real disease if so many people crave it on a daily basis.

According to the trusty Dictionary.com, a chocoholic is, “a person who is excessively fond of chocolate.” Really, online dictionary, is that all you have?

The real definition should be, “A chocoholic is someone who craves chocolate every minute of every day; their life becomes encompassed by the very substance, and each time they eat the smallest portion, their entire body feels a sense of ecstasy as it melts in their mouth.”

The author of “Interesting Chocolate Statistics,” Criss White, writes, “The average American eats between 10 and 12 pounds of chocolate a year.” Well Criss, I probably ate 12 pounds last weekend.

OK, maybe not quite 12 pounds.

For those of you who need a little “get me up” in the morning, try a bowl of chocolate chips. One chocolate chip will give you enough energy to walk 150 feet, and they’re very low in carbohydrates.

Looking for some antioxidants? Well, look no further than chocolate of the dark variety. It is said that a mere two ounces per day can be beneficial to your health.

How does protection against heart disease and high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, boosting serotonin levels, and stimulating pleasure-inducing endorphins sound?

Granted, most doctors will probably tell you to eat this decadent substance in moderation, but why? Sure, it may still be considered a sweet, but if you eat more dark chocolate, won’t it better affect those health problems previously stated? It only makes sense.

For those of you who can honestly admit you do not like chocolate — or perhaps you despise the stuff — we chocolate addicts pity you, and we pity the taste buds you were born with.

Endorse this wonderful gift that is always readily available. Forget the fancy dinners or roses, and get your hubby a chocolate bar. They’ll work great for any occasion.

Boost your health and your energy — consume more dark chocolate. After all, the more you eat, the better your health just has to be. Right? And if not, it still tastes good.

Becoming a chocoholic was the best thing that ever happened to me. I certainly enjoy boosting my serotonin and reducing my risk for heart disease.

Let’s forget the days of grabbing a bowl of Cheerios in the morning for our energy boost. Instead, let’s fill our cereal bowls with the new generation of energy: chocolate chips. Perhaps someday we’ll see a world encompassed by chocolate, but until then I will be fully satisfied with my Hershey’s chocolate bar.

Justine Hain is a freshman in pre-journalism and mass communication and Spanish from Rochester, Minnesota