Top 3 Signs You Have a Dangerous Compulsion

Anderson
Anderson


Many of the "Anderson" audience members shared their weird obsessions and compulsions on the "Has Your Obsession Gone Too Far" show. If you're collecting hundreds of ChapSticks or obsessively changing hairstyles, addiction expert Dr. Mike Dow deemed those habits harmless, however, this is not the case for all compulsions or obsessions.

Some compulsions can ruin people's lives, and Dr. Dow is here to help. Here, he points out the top 3 signs that you may have a dangerous compulsion.


Inability to Stop
Many people with a compulsion tell themselves, "I really ought to cut back on this habit." If you find that you've said this to yourself repeatedly, and yet you've been unable to stop, you could have a dangerous compulsion. This shows an addictive mentality toward your habit, and shows that you prioritize the habit over your well-being.

Lying
When you find yourself lying about your compulsive behavior, it shows that you realize what you are doing is unusual or wrong. Lying about your compulsion means you're willing to jeopardize your relationships and trust with others in order to feed the compulsion, and it is a huge red flag.

Feeling Guilty
If any feelings of guilt are associated with your obsessive behavior, that's your subconscious telling you that your behavior is wrong. Harmless behaviors, like collecting ChapStick, will usually make the person participating in the behavior feel good, and there will be no association with guilt. Feeling guilt means your compulsion could be dangerous.




MORE FROM ANDERSON:
Take Dr. Dow's Obsession Quiz!

After 'Obsessions': The Conversation Continues...

Win a Signed Copy of Dr. Dow's Book, 'Diet Rehab'

Photos! Unusual Obsessions

Dr. Mike Dow on How to Stop Compulsive Shopping

Has Your Obsession Gone Too Far? Shopaholic Mom Destroying Family