Addiction or Compulsion - George Wood
I have been in the addiction field for the past 10 years. I know the destruction that is caused by addiction. I also know that there is hope; freedom does exist for those bold enough to try to change, humble enough to allow others in to help, and courageous enough to face the truth. Addiction is a broad term, which is used to describe an entire process by which people become dependent on a particular substance or behavior in order to cope with life. This dependence becomes so important to the individual that he/she will persist in using the substance, or engaging in the behavior even when it is harmful to his or her self, family, and other important areas of life. In addiction the substance or action becomes more important than everything else, if an attempt to stop is made the person may actually have physical or psychological consequences (i.e. anger, anxiety, irritability, even the shakes). In contrast, compulsion is a quite narrow term used to describe the intense urge to do something. Compulsions are a small but important part of the addictive process. Another definition of Compulsion is a strong, usually irresistible impulse to perform an act, especially one that is irrational or contrary to one's will.
The differences may seem small in definition, in fact generally speaking both are harmful, devastating and even deadly, but if we want freedom the way we go about finding it does differ greatly.
A compulsion is an action that is in route to the addiction, and when in addiction it exists as one of the signs. A person suffering from compulsion can typically stop the behavior with proper guidance, accountability, protective barriers and a sincere desire to stop. In order to remain free, they would need to be diligent in keeping the safeguards but typically can find a high level of success with these measures.
Addiction on the other hand is compulsion fully grown and is no longer something that can be walked away from easily. In order to get through addiction a whole new thought process has to be implemented. It is one that takes courage, total honesty and heart to find freedom. Typically in addiction, it is necessary to identify with where the problem originates and rebuilding all of the behaviors that stem from that point.
If you are someone who has struggled with pornography or any other behaviors that you find yourself doing against your will then you likely have a compulsion or potentially an addiction.
Questions to ask your self to find out if you are addicted to porn:
Have you honestly tried to stop? Do you put up safeguards and then find yourself going around them? When you stop does your personality change, do you become difficult? When questioned about the behavior do you find yourself lying about it and then justifying the lies?
If you feel that you may fit into the addiction category please feel free to contact me. It will be confidential and hopefully I can answer your questions and begin the process of finding freedom.