Dealing with Compulsive Behaviors  

Guest:  Craig Kato 

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

A compulsive behavior is an action that a person feels “compelled” or driven to do over and over again. While these compulsive actions may appear to be irrational or pointless, and may even result in negative consequences, the individual experiencing the compulsion feels unable to stop him or herself

In today’s episode, Craig Kato speaks to triggers for acting out on compulsive behaviors and three safeguards to help move forward. 

Triggers that happen before your compulsive behavior: 

1. Loneliness – when home alone or when traveling alone.   
2. Boredom – it is what I do when I have nothing else to do.   
3. Satan convinces men that porn is better than sex outside of marriage for single men or better than an affair for married men.  
4. Alcohol – reduces our ability to control urges.  
5. Stress – porn, and masturbation can reset the brain temporarily and reduce the feeling of stress, however, for a Christian man guilt and shame follow.  
6. Not controlling sexual thoughts.  Testosterone is a powerful hormone.  It is a short trip from thoughts to behavior resulting in habits. 

Way Forward: 

1. Set Boundaries – establish clear guidelines while you are not being tempted.  
2. Establish Hedges – these are barriers to actually going over the edge and stepping into a compulsive behavior.  
3. Create consequences – these are self-imposed consequences should you blow past your barriers and your hedges.  What happens to you when you give in to compulsive behavior?  This is not what happens when you get caught, but what happens when you step over the line.  

Three Questions to ask yourself: 

1. What compulsive behavior is in my life that impacts me negatively?  
2. What boundaries, hedges, and consequences do I need to put in place to get victory today?  
3. Who is in my life who can provide the accountability I need to move forward?  

To reach Craig Cato: [email protected]

Just a reminder these podcasts are leased on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts go to:  www.mensministrycatalyst.org