Although urgency-like traits are not included in diagnostic criteria for most addictive behaviors, we believe the urgency traits can play an important role in such behaviors. Binge eating behavior characteristic of bulimia nervosa, heavy alcohol and drug use, and pathological gambling behaviors have all been shown to occur during periods of intense emotion for many individuals (Agras & Telch, 1998; Bandura, 1969; Colder & Chassin, 1997; Fischer et al., 2004; Fischer, Smith, & Anderson, 2003; Heatherton & Baumeister, 1991; Smyth et al., 2007; Swendson et al., 2000). Addictive behaviors have been described as reinforcing due to their self-medicating properties (particularly for alcohol and drug use: Bandura, 1969) and because they can distract one from a source of distress (Heatherton & Baumeister, 1991). Positive and negative urgency concurrently and prospectively predict problem drinking and illegal drug use, and positive urgency prospectively predicts risky sexual behavior (Cyders et al., 2007b; Zapolski et al., 2007). Negative urgency uniquely identifies eating disordered women who also have alcohol use disorders (Fischer et al., 2007).
