Are you concerned that you, or someone you care for, may be experiencing problems with gambling, love or sex addiction or another compulsive disorder? The checklists below describe some of the symptoms of both.

 

One or more of the following may be indicative of a problem that requires attention.

 

For assessment of other compulsive disorders please read the adjacent column.

• You gamble more than you can afford
• You chase losses, or gamble to pay back debts
• Your gambling causes you financial problems
• You borrow money, have committed illegal acts or have sold possessions to finance your gambling
• You have prioritised money for gambling over other important things
• You have prioritised gambling over more previously meaningful activities or relationships
• Your gambling impacts negatively on your relationships, work or emotional wellbeing
• You hide your gambling/losses from others
• You make promises that you don't fulfil
• Previous attempts at stopping or controlling haven't worked.

• You attempt to engage others sexually to boost your esteem, or to alter your mood
• You are compelled to engage in sexualised behaviours even if it means placing yourself at risk
• You engage in sexualised behaviour or think about it at inappropriate times, places or with inappropriate people
• You have had sex with people you didn't want to
•  You find periods of time alone without a lover or sexual partner uncomfortable
• Over time find you need to resort to more extreme behaviours to sustain the same high
• You find yourself in a relationship you can't leave or are repeatedly drawn to relationships that are bad for you
• You hide your behaviours, lie, or withhold information from others
• Your behaviours around sex or relationships have a negative impact on your life, relationships or esteem
• You make promises to yourself or others you don't fulfil
• You compromise on your values

 

If any of the above behaviours apply to you and you would like to discuss this further or book an appointment, please call 0845 474 4609.

 

Whilst compulsive disorders manifest themselves in different ways, they also share many features in common. Most tend to be normal human activities which bring about a positive shift in mood (ie sex, food, relationships, exercise, mood-altering substances, gambling, dieting or work) but, when used to excess, become a problem.

 

The majority of people can engage with these activities in a healthy, moderated way, and can take back control if they begin to cause problems. However for a small minority of people this ability to moderate their behaviour diminishes over time and they find themselves returning to it again and again, as they become increasingly reliant on this to manage stress, boredom, insecurity or other negative emotions.

 

This increase in engagement with the behaviour begins to impact negatively on activities or relationships that were previously meaningful, creating stress which further compounds the problem.

 

Some people may experience strong desires to act out on these behaviours, despite knowing there is likely to be a negative outcome. They may also find themselves thinking about these behaviours frequently or at inappropriate times, fantasising about how good these will make them feel.

 

As a consequence of others close them expressing concern or disapproval, they may hide, deny or minimise their relationship with the behaviour before eventually reluctantly accept there is a problem. They make promises to themselves or others that they don't follow through with, as attempts to stop, cut down or control only work provisionally and the problem continues to get worse. They are initially reluctant to ask for help, telling themselves they could stop by themselves if they really wanted to, but this doesn't happen, and the problem gets worse.

 

At Central Clinic we understand that in these cases willpower is not enough and support may be needed. With our expertise, and experience working with people with eating disorders, we have the tools to help you recover.

• Co-dependence/ compulsive caretaking
• Workaholism
• Internet, gaming addiction
• Compulsive spending
• Self harm