The distinction between a compulsion and an addiction can be difficult to determine because there is a fine line between the two and even the medical profession’s perception of each changes as new research becomes available.
While addiction and compulsion both have biological, genetic and psychological components, there are some key differences.
A compulsion is a repetitive, ritualistic behavior a person performs without rational motivation. Actions offer a temporary relief from anxiety and it’s the need to reduce this anxiety that drives the compulsive behavior. It can often be described as an intense urge to do something which can sometimes lead to a behavior, but not always. Compulsions are a small but important part of the addictive process and are also a major part of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Similarly to a compulsion, addiction can offer relief from stress, anxiety and physical or psychological pain but is characterized primarily by an inability to discontinue a harmful behavior despite its negative consequences. Addiction occurs when someone becomes dependent on a particular substance or behavior in order to cope with life.
Someone who suffered childhood trauma for example may go on to develop a sex addiction as they use sexual behaviors as a coping mechanism for the extreme psychological stress they’re trying to cope with.
What’s the difference between compulsion, addiction and bad habits?
From that chocolate bar we always have with lunch and the glass of wine we reach for as soon as we get home after work to sitting in front of the television every evening, the vast majority of us exhibit habitual behavior. For most however, our habits, even the ones that aren’t so great, are pretty harmless.
Compulsions and addictions on the other hand refer to instances where behaviors disrupt an individual’s ability to function. They can be debilitating or become destructive if left untreated. Anyone dealing with compulsion or addiction should seek sex addiction treatment from a medical or mental health professional who can recommend behavioral therapy, medication and/or group-run recovery programs.
What are the main differences between addiction and compulsion?
A compulsion doesn’t tend to relate to pleasure, whereas an addiction does. While people who have addictions suffer all manner of discomforts, the desire to use a substance or engage in a particular behavior is based on the expectation that it will be pleasurable.
In contrast, someone who experiences a compulsion, may not get any pleasure from the behavior they’re engaging in. Often, it is a way of dealing with the obsessive part of the disorder, resulting in a feeling of relief.
Another major distinction between an addiction and a compulsion has to do with the individual’s awareness of reality. When people have an obsessive-compulsive disorder for example, they’re usually aware that their obsession is not real. They are often disturbed by feeling the need to carry out a behavior that defies logic, yet they do it anyway to relieve their anxiety.
Someone with an addiction however will more than likely be detached from the senselessness of their actions. Something you will learn in sex addiction recovery is that this is part of denial because naturally, you don’t want to admit that your behavior is a problem.
Sadly, in most cases, people don’t seek sex addiction counselling until a major consequence occurs such as their spouse leaves, they get arrested or lose their job. It’s only then that people are forced to deal with the reality of their addiction.
If you would like more information about sex addiction in Toronto, please feel free to contact us in the strictest of confidence and we will be more than happy to help.
