The concept of compulsion, in which addictive behavior is not a voluntary behavior, is central to the neurobiological theories that have become popular as disease theory of addiction are ubiquitous in modern definitions. The aims of this article are: (I) to describe various meanings of compulsion in the literature; (ii) to compare the part thought to be played by compulsion in addiction with its suggested role in obsessive-compulsive disorder; (iii) to critically examine the place of compulsion in influential neurobiological accounts of addiction; (iv) to summarize the empirical evidence bearing on the usefulness of the compulsion concept, evidence that seems at first sight incompatible with the notion of compulsion. This is followed by a discussion of which possible meanings of compulsion can survive an empirical test and what role they might play in understanding addiction, paying particular attention to a distinction between strong and weak senses of compulsion.
This course is based on the article,Is the concept of compulsion useful in the explanation or description of addictive behavior and experience? created by Nick Heather, PhD. in 2017.
Publication Date
May 18, 2017
Course Material Author
Nick Heather, PhD.
Dr. Heather is a clinical psychologist and Emeritus Professor of Alcohol & Other Drug Studies at Northumbria University. His research focused on brief intervention techniques to reduce alcohol misuse, and he has challenged the disease theory of alcoholism. He has over five hundred research publications and books.
Nick Heather, PhD. authored the material only, and was not involved in creating this CE course. They are identified here for your own evaluation of the relevancy of the material this course is based on.
L.A. Rankin is a social worker with experience in many different settings with a variety of clients. She has worked with dementia and Alzheimers patients, dual diagnosis MH/MR, in a battered women’s shelter, and a rape crisis center. She also has 11 years of experience as a child protective social worker, where she earned certificates in domestic abuse/family violence and substance abuse.
Recommended For
Counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers. This course is appropriate for all levels of knowledge.
Course Objectives:
After taking this course, you should be able to:
Acknowledge the various definitions researchers use for compulsion.
Identify the numerous studies and theories of addiction.
Realize compulsion is not universal, nor is it of the same type found in other disorders like OCD.
Availability
This course is available starting Jul 18th, 2019 and expires Jan 4th, 2037
Disclosure to Learners
Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships
CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited
Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity –
including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial
relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).
The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and
the reviewer:
Planners and Reviewers
The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.
Material Authors
Any relevant financial disclosures for course material authors can be found in the article.
Course Creator
L.A. Rankin – There are no relevant disclosures.
Commercial support
There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.
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NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)
Eligible
until
Sep 28th, 2026
This course has been approved by CE Learning Systems, service provider of CE-Credit.com, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #107243, CE Learning Systems is responsible for all aspects of their programming.
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