Any Ideas How To Combat Persistent, Overwhelming and Compulsive Urges?

[FriendlyDude]

When I feel an urge, I try to counter it with good things, but it’s just so persistent sometimes. After trying hard for a good while I get tired of fighting it. If the urges persist at that point (which is often the case), I lack the strength to resist, so I dreadfully give in to some little thing that makes it so much more compelling, and then it just becomes overwhelming to the ‘point of no return’... and I end up back at my addiction. AGAIN.

That’s what happened today.... I feel awful 😞

Does anyone have a method/strategy for combating urges like that? How can I reduce the persistency of compulsive urges?

It’s getting late where I’m at, so I might not see replies until tomorrow, but I’d really appreciate some advice.

Thanks

[UkyoCoanccy]

Well, I do not have the advice you are looking for, but I understand that feeling. I just want you to know that you are not alone. The advice will come. Big hugs for you.

[Hidden]

I can help but I might need more detail. For instance urge from cravings? Urge from repetitive actions you feel you need to do?

[FriendlyDude in reply to Hidden]

It’s urges related to my addiction, so yes, cravings and repetitive actions. I don’t wanna get more specific than that, and part of that is because by being broad, others who may read this can apply advice here to their specific urges, and not feel discouraged because it may not be the same as my urges. I hope that’s enough of an explanation, and if not please just give what advice you have for the kind of urges you know. Urges by nature have shared properties regardless of what the urge is for, so advice for any kind of urge or urges in general would be great. Thanks for replying

[Hidden in reply to FriendlyDude]

I respect that and I definitely would not want you to post any more detail if you don't feel the need to, however, I asked because I would go about an addiction and "compulsive urges" differently. For instance, smoking, buproprion is great for the combating the urges for that. For compulsive urges such as participating in things that aren't necesarily addictions such as constantly cleaning, would need a different approach rather than fighting an addiction. does that make sense? :/

[FriendlyDude in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for understanding and responding. And different approaches to different things makes sense.

[Hidden in reply to FriendlyDude]

I've alway thought of "repetitive actions" as the body having more control than the mind because the body has been conditioned to feel pleasure from this repetive action. However, once you quit doing these repetitive actions by choice ovetime it gets easier because the mind will be more powerful than what the body wants. This isn't something I learned in nursing school, this is just my opinion of repetive actions and therapy may be needed to assist with extremely strong urges.

[FriendlyDude in reply to Hidden]

I am looking into professional help, I have some forms to fill out before I can schedule the first meeting, but I’m closer than ever before.

[teen_anxiety]

some of the things I have learned in trying to combat my addictions is to keep busy and the urges will not be as strong because you are too busy to give in. Weird as it sounds it can help slow the urges. Other than that I need the advice just like you.

[FriendlyDude in reply to teen_anxiety]

That works, yeah, but to an extent. Yesterday I did that for most of the day, but I can’t keep busy 24/7. Anyone who keeps busy for too long is bound to get exhausted. Whenever they burn out, they’re also likely to be too tired to fight anything. So it has its goods and bads, I think it mostly depends on how we go about keeping busy. Moderation/balance is key. If you can keep busy and simultaneously maintain balance, then it’d be a very effective method. Being honest, I could do better with that.

Only question is this: how does one maintain balance while keeping busy in order to maximize duration and results (and ultimately not burn out)? I think that’ll partly depend on the individual, but there are probably answers that are applicable to most cases. All I can think of is to include breaks, food, water, and communication with people. Any other ideas?

[teen_anxiety in reply to FriendlyDude]

like I said it slows them and it only works for so long. Also, I still need more tips also because it only works so well.