The Difference Between Basic Needs And Compulsive Needs —

A compulsion is rooted in an emotional desire to feel better, to cope with an uncomfortable feeling, or to escape from one’s feelings or current situation. For example, if you feel the need to be loved or accepted, that need is never going to be satisfied by eating, drinking, or sex. But how do you distinguish between what could be called a “basic need” such as hunger, or thirst, or sexual desire and when such needs are a compulsion or “compulsive need”?

One distinction is that giving in to a “compulsive need” offers temporary comfort, but typically leaves a residue of shame. Therefore, if you satisfy a hunger and you feel fine afterwards, you most likely are not exercising a compulsion. However, if you feel guilt or shame, you most likely have given in to a compulsion.

Can You Live Without a Compulsive Need?

The simple answer is “Yes.” But how do you do it? How do you live without the compulsion? You’ve had it with you so long that it’s like a loyal friend or, well, a not so loyal friend. It’s a “friend” who acts as if he’s helping you but is really stabbing you in the back.

So why do you give in to the compulsion? Perhaps because your “friend” the addict talks to you in ways that have you believe you need to act on your sexual compulsion. But do you really? Can you live without the compulsion? Everyone has needs. There’s no shame in having a need. However, as described above, at times a compulsive need masquerades as a basic need that you believe must be fulfilled. That’s what spells trouble.

It’s as if the compulsion – which has great negative impacts on your life – has put on a smiley face mask and is presenting itself as a loyal friend who is only here to innocently help you feel better. It’s a “friend” you may turn to when you’re uncomfortable in any way. However, the truth is that your compulsion is not the type of basic need, such as hunger or thirst, that must be fulfilled.

Knowing When a Need is Rooted in Compulsion

In the book Breaking the Cycle: Free Yourself from Porn Addiction, Sex Obsession, and Shame, George Collins explains how you always have a choice. Because you always have a choice, you can use discernment or choice to determine if the urge you are experiencing is a basic need or a need rooted in your compulsion.

Here are a few questions to get you started:

• Do you have the compulsion to act out sexually when you’re feeling stressed?
• Do you have the compulsion to act out sexually when you’re bored, anxious, angry, etc.?
• Do you reward yourself with sexual compulsivity?
• Do you engage in sexually compulsive behaviors regularly?
• Are there times when you start sexually compulsive behaviors and it’s difficult to stop?
• Do you feel powerless or out of control when engaging in your sexually compulsive behaviors?
• After engaging in sexually compulsive behaviors, do you experience shame or guilt?

Your Addict Voice May Lie to You

Remember, your addict voice may tell you that your compulsion is a behavior you can’t live without, that it’s very important, and as necessary as a basic need such as thirst. However, the truth is that the compulsion is masquerading as a more basic need such as hunger or thirst.

Unlike taking action to satisfy basic needs such as hunger or thirst, behavior based on needs rooted in compulsion has negative consequences. Compulsive needs are needs that you can live without. The choice is always there.