I think it's important to recognise that there is a difference between impulsivity and addiction. I believe that we can learn better impulse control through practise as Lulu suggests, but addiction is a lot harder to deal with and may require counseling and the kind of cognitive therapy Inanna mentions.

I have been aware for a long time that I have poor impulse control and an addictive personality. I have struggled over my life with various addictive behaviours. I avoid situations where I may be tempted to 'give in' to my impulses. I also sabotage myself ahead of time so that even if I can't prevent the behaviours mentally at the time I am exposed to the 'trigger', I am unable to act in a practical sense. Think of Lulu's granny knickers for the sex addict or leaving cash at home for the gambler or the compulsive shopper.

The difficult thing is that a true addict will convince themselves that they are in control and not their addiction. I am an expert at self justification. I tell myself I 'deserve' whatever it is I want because of A, B or C and I convince myself that I will only indulge in a small amount. 'Just one drink', 'just a small piece of cake'... whatever the addiction is for you. Of course, once I start I think 'well, I'm in this deep, I can't stop now'. IF I think at all! Sometimes an addiction is hypnotic and the addict just doesn't think at all - until the big comedown when you start to feel like absolute crap for whatever you have done. 'Where did all those bags come from?? And how will I pay the bills??!!'

I now have the maturity to recognise my own self destructive behaviours - but I do understand that controlling them can be a battle, even if you logically know that is what you need to do.