'Naughty but nice!’ that’s how some people describe the urge to do things that get them into far more trouble than the occasional chocolate binge, shopping trip, cigarette or drink etc. In fact, for most people who suffer from lack of impulse control the sense of enjoyment or relief that follows an action very fleeting; then comes the remorse, guilt, shame, despair and even the lies.

Do you notice that you:

	cannot stop yourself.
	carry on even though it is causing problems at home or work.
	feel mounting tension just before carrying out the behaviour.
	put yourself or others at risk.
	experience pleasure or relief immediately after the behaviour.
	need to do the behaviour more and more to reach excitement.
	have tried to stop or control your behaviour several times.
	are out of sorts when you try to stop.
	use your habit to feel better or escape from problems.
	lie to yourself and/or others about the extent of your behaviour.
	borrow money or you are in debt to finance your behaviour.
	are suffering ill health as a result of this habit.

If some of the above is true and you’re finding it hard to live life effectively, you are possibly suffering from addictive or compulsive behaviour.

If you cannot control your urge, maybe it’s time to enlist some help. Maybe you are not yet a criminal, obese, have health problems or in serious debt you could be in the very near future.  You may already feel ashamed of having an uncontrollable addiction or compulsive behaviour and this can contribute to low self esteem and affect every area of your life.  All the secrecy and embarrassment can be causing you great anxiety too. You deserve to have help in controlling this.

What causes Addiction or Compulsion?

The reasons behind addictive and compulsive behaviour are many and varied, the reasons can include; genetics, social influences, low self-esteem, early parenting, chaotic lifestyle, having lived with or living with violent distressing experiences, injury or PTSD.

Help with Addiction or Compulsion: What can I do?

	Understand your behaviour. Write a journal with the history of your addiction or compulsion. List as many past experiences, situations, hurt, sadness, helplessness etc that led to an episode of behaviour, make a chart and rate your episode from 1-10, with 10 being the most strongly you have needed to succumb to your compulsion. What are you really trying to express rather than using words? Write down the feelings that accompanied and followed each episode.
	Write a list of consequences to you and a list of consequences to others (include feelings of guilt, disgust, disappointment, destruction, legal, social, vocational or relational).
	Compliment yourself when you have actively stopped yourself from succumbing to your addiction or compulsion.
	Don’t allow your guilt and need for secrecy to stop you from seeking treatment. You deserve to be happier, less stressed and to be free. Contact me on 0161 710 2468 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and make an appointment as soon as you feel ready to be free of your addictive or compulsive behaviour.