Impulse/Compulsion/Obsession and Addiction

You go into the kitchen, and there is a plate of cookies on the counter.

When you see the cookies you want one.  That is an impulse.

Although it may require some effort and it may be uncomfortable to do so, you, on your own, can choose to quell the impulse.

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You go into the kitchen, and there is a plate of cookies on the counter.

You eat all the cookies without thinking.  That is a compulsion.

You will likely need help to deal with your compulsion, but "human aide" through either behavioral or cognitive therapy, possibly in conjunction with a medication, can eventually help you see a plate of cookies and choose whether or not to have some.

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You go into the kitchen, and there is a plate of cookies on the counter.

You eat all the cookies whether they are yours or not,  and then you drive all over town looking for bakeries and 24 hour supermarkets.  When life prevents you from continuing your cookie search you spend a good amount of time thinking about cookies, justifying and/or hiding your behavior, and planning when and how you can get more cookies.

That is an obsession of the mind, and it is a key component of addiction.

Based on the works of Dr. William D. Silkworth, Dr. Carl Jung and the alcoholic members of a Christian organization called the Oxford Group, the early members of Alcoholics Anonymous concluded that, while a certain amount of personal will (made a decision) and both cognitive and behavioral work (attending AA meetings and steps 4 through 10 of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous) can be of assistance in dealing with an obsession, only a spiritual experience can free an individual from such a condition

That is why just attending meetings is not enough.  Attending meetings alone cannot create a spiritual experience.

That is why just doing fellowship with other sober alcoholics is not enough.  Hanging out with other people in AA cannot create a spiritual experience, (though the feelings of camaraderie and warmth can sustain people for a while).

That is why admitting you have an obsession (addiction) alone is not enough.  Knowing what is wrong with you is not enough to create a spiritual experience (though it can help you feel better about yourself to have a label with which to identify your problem).

Working all 12 Steps is a proven recipe for creating a spiritual experience, and if done completely and without reservation, an individual can heal themselves from obsession and addiction.

At least, that's been my experience.

Comments

[Dave]

You WOULD choose chocolate chip cookies. Damn.

[Man Alive]

terrific post. happy 24 hours.

Man Alive

[Syd]

Thanks for a clear explanation.

[St Kilda Chris]

mmm cookie