I had a discussion with a AA friend about a subject similar to this. Impulsive spending, eating, sex, etc
the general theme we took from our talk was
at this stage, step 4, we fall victim to our own desires to fill the void.
We can use material things, food, sex, etc to try to fill the void. It is a flash of insanity when I spend money on impulse. It shows my disconnect with HP.
After completing the process (steps), it can happen again on occasion. When it does I ought to go back to my HP and check myself, a good question would be (for me to ask myself)
How am I doing on steps 10-12?
My sponsor tells me when I know to do something ( good or right) and I don`t, it shows a lack of power, which is my dilemma.
the solution is what Sugarbear says, finish the steps
it got better slowly in my case, but I am satisfied with progress today