Chapter 1: The Existence of Real Vampires

When most people think of vampires, they picture mythical creatures from folklore or the silver screen. However, the reality is that there are individuals who genuinely consume human blood. Researchers estimate that approximately 5,000 individuals in the United States identify as vampires. Surprisingly, these people believe they have a health condition that necessitates their blood-drinking habits. A notable community called Sanguinarius serves as a haven for these individuals.

John Edgar Browning, a scholar from Louisiana State University, is investigating the "true vampire" community in New Orleans. He explores whether their blood-drinking behavior is driven by religious beliefs or personal fetishes. Initially, the vampires he studied felt that the public was conflating reality with fiction due to an overindulgence in vampire literature. However, as Browning delved deeper, his perspective shifted. Most of these individuals do not subscribe to supernatural beliefs, idolize Dracula, or suffer from mental health issues. Instead, they contend that they are afflicted by a unique health disorder characterized by fatigue, headaches, and severe abdominal pain, which they believe can only be alleviated through the consumption of blood.

“There are thousands of people in the US alone who do this, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence or a fad,” Browning asserts.

In contemporary society, these individuals often face skepticism. Yet, historical records reveal that human blood was once viewed as a remedy. For instance, during the 8th century, Pope Innocentius VIII was said to have been treated with the blood of three young men, who were bled to death in hopes of curing him. Blood was also previously utilized in the treatment of epilepsy but fell out of favor during the Enlightenment.

Chapter 2: Personal Accounts from Modern Vampires

Among those interviewed is Krystian, a vampire from England who was diagnosed with a genetic mutation two years ago. This mutation disrupts the structure of his hemoglobin and affects protein production. Krystian claims that drinking blood alleviates his symptoms, including depression, forgetfulness, nausea, and insomnia. He consumes roughly 125 ml of blood daily, which is akin to the volume of a can of soda.

While some assert they could quit drinking blood if necessary, their healthcare providers have not offered alternative treatments to address their discomfort. Many believe their digestive systems are inadequate at extracting nutrients from conventional foods, while they find the nutrients in blood readily accessible. Some also contend that their desire for blood is purely psychological. Even if they don't feel physically dependent, they report feeling mentally at ease and tranquil after consuming blood. These individuals are often categorized under Renfield Syndrome, a psychological condition linked to a fixation on blood consumption.

Chapter 3: The Vampire Community and Their Lifestyle

Various networks exist that connect blood donors with those who identify as vampires. Some of these individuals consume blood from partners, while others rely on volunteers. Platforms like Vampdonorhub facilitate these connections, although some resort to animal blood when human sources are unavailable. However, many prefer human blood, often finding animal blood too heavy and typically mix it with wine, coffee, or home-cooked meals to improve the taste.

It’s also important to note that many self-identified vampires dislike the portrayal of their kind in the media. They reject the stereotype of violent, nocturnal creatures lurking in the shadows, asserting that they are ordinary individuals with a unique need for blood. In reality, vampires do exist among us, albeit not in the way popular culture depicts them. Given the diversity of human experiences, it’s not as strange as it may initially seem.