Impulse control is the ability to control your actions. It sounds simple, but it’s not. It’s part of the reason why addiction is so widespread. People who have a substance use disorder tend to have a lack of control over their actions, and this means that “one drink” can turn into several. Impulse control is not exclusive to addiction; it can be found in kleptomaniacs who steal without any real reason, those who lie consistently without remorse, and more.
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Understanding Impulse Control
There was a study performed once that involved children who were given the choice between eating a piece of chocolate immediately or waiting for a second piece of chocolate to be presented (given they did not eat the first piece of chocolate and waited 10 minutes for the second one). This is an example of impulse control. The children who immediately took the chocolate could have waited but were unable to because they lacked patience. There are many studies about this topic, and neurologists suspect it has to do with low serotonin levels.
Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that, among other things, controls patience. When serotonin is in high supply, it is easier for the person to control their impulses, which is about as far as modern research goes. There is also a part of the human brain called the “frontal cortex.” This is the most developed part of the brain, and if damaged, whether by injury or by drugs, impulse control can be impossible to maintain. At the end of the day, impulsivity is a lack of controlling your urges or your behaviors. This can be hard to control without outside help. Mind you, the brain’s reward system is linked to impulse control.
The Link Between Impulse Control and Addiction
According to the National Library Of Medicine, we tend to repeat a behavior when it rewards us. This is because a neurotransmitter called dopamine provides a satisfying response to certain actions, and in the case of survival, it tells us to repeat the behavior to feel pleasure. This is the case with addiction, as drugs mimic things like food or sex that promote survival, and this is why it is so hard for some with an addiction to control their impulses. The brain’s reward system is a sensitive area that is meant to keep us alive. However, it can lead to addiction.
Signs of Impulse Control Problems
The signs and symptoms of impulse control disorder come with both behavioral and physical symptoms. These include engaging in risky behaviors, lying, pulling hair, defiance, intrusive thoughts, obsessions, uncontrollable urges, an inability to concentrate, increased irritability, and aggression, among many others. It’s also important to take into consideration that one of the primary factors is uncontrollable urges. Addiction typically comes with cravings for the substance of your choice. With this urge, you are going to want to continue feeling the pleasure of the drug by repeating its use. This is how addiction starts: it begins with one drink or one “hit,” and that leads to pleasure.
Our brains then think we need to repeat the behavior. Watching for the signs of a lack of impulse control can be difficult. Still, if you are an addict, chances are you are already experiencing the warning signs firsthand, in which case it is wise to reach out to Muse Treatment for assistance in dealing with these problems.
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Common Impulse Control Disorders
Other impulse control disorders include ADHD and OCD. ADHD is an inability to concentrate or focus. OCD is a disorder where obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (acting on those thoughts) exist. Both are considered impulse control disorders, and medication is often prescribed. Adderall, as an example, is a stimulant used to treat ADHD, but it has a high rate of abuse. OCD may be treated with sedatives called benzodiazepines, such as Xanax or Klonopin, which can be equally addictive. The disorders are marked by impulse control issues, and it is like dumping gasoline on top of an already burning fire.
The Role of Genetics and the Environment
Several studies, including one found in The Oxford Handbook of Impulsive Control Disorders, have a lot to say about genes and impulse control disorders. Impulse control and its role in addiction can be passed on from generation to generation. In a study with twins, 45 percent were shown to behave in the same impulsive ways as the other.
There is also evidence that, as discussed previously, certain chemicals and hormones, including a lack of serotonin, can play a large role in impulse control disorder. This then leads to addiction if an impulsive individual picks up a substance. Environmental factors are also possible. This can include growing up in the homes of hoarders, being around others with an impulse control disorder, or coming from a family that does not teach self-control at an early age.
Impulse Control and Substance Abuse
Certain substances can affect impulse control, especially those that work with the brain’s reward system. This includes drugs like cocaine, methamphetamines, and alcohol. Though substances do not actually create impulse control disorders, they go hand-in-hand with it. This means that those who have a substance use disorder will repeat the same behaviors that provide pleasure. This can then lead to the development of impulse control issues, as the addict’s mind continues to try and engage in the same behaviors as before. It is a vicious cycle that never stops until you seek help.
Treatment Strategies for Improving Impulse Control
There are many therapeutic approaches to help cease impulse control. One is cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, which allows for an open discussion about the issues at hand. This can help because you can talk yourself through the problem, and oftentimes, the root causes behind impulse control can reveal themselves. Another approach is dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, which allows the individual to think about things differently. These approaches, combined with medication such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), can help with impulse control issues and can effectively manage symptoms.
Building Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Some healthy coping mechanisms for impulse control issues are mindfulness, self-monitoring, and practicing delayed gratification. With mindfulness, the person who is struggling can learn to shut out intrusive thoughts with a calm mind. Self-monitoring is a lot like biofeedback, where you focus on your activities. If you feel the urge to engage in an impulse, you can recognize that it is just that: an impulse and this may allow you to fight through it. Lastly, practicing delayed gratification can especially help addicts by not giving in to those impulses that bring pleasure or relief. This is a practice that, over time, can bring positive changes in your cycle of addiction.
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The Importance of Support Systems
There are several support groups dedicated to mental health. This includes the International OCD Foundation, which specializes in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, which specializes in ADHD, and others. Having a supportive system that surrounds you daily is critical to realizing that you are not alone. Many of us struggle with mental health issues, including impulse control disorder, and having friends, family, and peer groups to speak to can assist in getting things off of your chest. Your family and friends can act as moderators who ensure you do not fall off the path. If you do not have a supportive system around you, find one here.
Muse Treatment’s Approach to Impulse Control and Addiction
Muse Treatment specializes in both addiction and mental health. The thing about addiction is it works hand-in-hand with mental health, and this is why we provide supportive mental health services. The staff can work with you on a more personalized level with tailored plans for you. We provide individualized treatment plans meant to assist you on a unique level, if you feel you need help with addiction or mental health, reach out to us at (800) 426-1818.
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source https://musetreatment.com/blog/impulse-control/
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