Addictions & Compulsive Behaviours

A compulsion is an urge to do something. An addiction is the need to do something to experience pleasure or remove discomfort.

The main difference between addiction and compulsion is the motivation behind the behavior: 

• Addiction

  A chronic condition in which a person feels a need to engage in a behavior or consume a substance to experience pleasure or relieve discomfort.

• Compulsion

  An uncontrollable urge to do something, often as a way to relieve distress from an obsession. Compulsions are not motivated by the desire for pleasure.

Some other differences between addiction and compulsion include:

• Control

  People with addiction may lose control of their behavior, and eventually lose pleasure from their vice. 

• Causes

  Addiction can be caused by genetics, trauma, environmental factors, and underlying mental health disorders. Compulsions are learned behaviors that become habitual when they are associated with relief from anxiety. 

• Treatment

  Addiction treatment often combines medication and talking therapies. Compulsion treatment can include exposure and response prevention (ERP), which involves confronting the anxiety leading to the behaviour. 

At The Soke, we offer outpatient treatment programmes for people with both compulsive and addictive behaviours. We also offer support for loved ones of those with compulsive and addictive issues. You can contact our Client Services team to tell them more about what you or your loved on is going through and they will guide you towards the best solution to suit your needs. You can also reach them via phone on 020 7139 5051.