Addictions and Compulsions
We all have habits, some healthy and of course some that we know probably aren’t the best for us. Habits themselves are not necessarily a bad thing. However, sometimes what starts as a simple and probably harmless habit can become an addiction or a compulsion. The line between a habitual behavior and an addiction and/or compulsion is thin and difficult to identify; what is clear, however, is that addictive and/or compulsive behaviors are extremely difficult to stop and often require professional intervention with the help of a trained and licensed therapist.
First, we should start with a few definitions:
Addiction: the persistent desire to commit a specific act or consume a substance.
Compulsion: an overwhelming, irresistible, and uncontrollable urge to act.
The exact distinction between addiction and compulsion can be difficult to identify; in general, however, compulsion is usually preceded and accompanied by obsessive, intrusive thought patterns about needing to commit a specific action. Examples of compulsive behaviors include:
Substance abuse
Chronic gambling
Sexual addiction
Uncontrolled shopping and/or spending
Excessive exercising
Internet gaming
Hoarding
Eating issues
Of course, in reality nearly any type of activity can become an addiction and/or a compulsive behavior when we are no longer able to control our thoughts and actions relating to the behavior, and it begins to interfere with our ability to lead a normal life.
Signs and Symptoms of Addiction and/or Compulsion
So, how do we know if we are coping with an addiction or someone we love is suffering from compulsive behavior and requires help and intervention? As noted above, the first hint of an issue is when a specific behavior begins to prevent your loved one from participating in normal social, personal, and/or professional activities due to their need to perform a specific activity and/or it becomes clear that they cannot stop the behavior even when they know it is undermining their overall well-being.
Other signs or symptoms of addictive and/or compulsive behavior include:
Feelings of guilt, shame, and/or distress when talking about or doing the specific behavior
Attempts to hide or conceal the behavior
Denial that the behavior is a problem
Inability to stop the behavior
Fear and anxiety about the consequences of discontinuing the behavior
The behavior involves cycles of alternating feelings of anxiety, confusion, shame, and elation
Withdrawal from other normal activities
Isolation from normal social networks, or development of new social networks only involving other individuals engaged in the same behavior
Increasing problems with personal and/or professional relationships
Getting Help: Therapy Options for Addiction and Compulsion
In many, although not all, cases, addiction or compulsions are rooted in an underlying psychological issue, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disease, and even PTSD. Compulsive, repetitive behaviors offer a sense of control and can temporarily relieve stress or anxiety. In fact, engaging in a compulsive behavior can even stimulate the brain in the same way an addictive drug does, with a similar reward feedback loop, supporting the compulsive cycle.
Thus, therapy for addiction and compulsion must focus on the underlying psychological issues as much as the behavior itself, in order to break out of the feedback loop causing the compulsive behavior. A therapist will help the individual identify and understand why they feel the need to gain power, confidence, validation, and even euphoria from a destructive behavior, and help them explore positive ways to achieve these same feelings. While individual therapy is often critical, it can be helpful to simultaneously engage in support groups and 12-step programs with others who are coping with similar addictions and compulsions.
No one should have to deal with addiction or compulsive behaviors on their own. If you feel that you may have an addiction or cannot stop engaging in compulsive behaviors that are creating problems in your life, help is available. A licensed therapist or counselor can help stop the cycle of negative thinking and destructive behaviors in order to help you get your life back on track!
NEED HELP?
Collaborative Therapeutic Services (CTS) wants to help. We offer a variety of counselling and therapy services, hours, and service providers with diverse specializations. We offer evening & weekend appointments. Have questions? Contact Us Here or Call 813-951-7346. Located in Tampa, Florida.
Ask us about our new NEUROLEASE™ TREATMENT THERAPY - A cutting edge treatment for releasing toxic emotions.