Lies You Tell Yourself To Protect Your Addiction
I'll quit tomorrow..
Avoidance
Using actually makes me feel better...
My problems are not that bad!
Minimization
Once you stop using drugs and alcohol, life will be perfect
Wrong, it is only the start of your recovery journey
I'm not really addicted. I can quit anytime I want, I just don't want to.
Minimization
I can go a whole week without using
Just because you can go for a period of time without using, does not mean that you are not addicted to a substance.
Yeah I do drugs, but at least I'm not as bad as that person!
Comparison
If I stop talking/thinking about the cravings they will just disappear...
Wrong. This can/will lead you on an inevitable slide towards relapse.
I need to use because of (insert problem here)...
Rationalization
Other people showing their concern is challenging your denial of the fact you may have a problem.
I'll just do what I need to in order to get you off my back (out of the program).
Compliance
What has worked for other people will work for me too
Wrong. Terminal uniqueness means the individual refuses to consider that what works for other people in recovery will work for them.
I'll never be able to get clean and sober...
Life is so boring without drugs and alcohol
Drugs and alcohol lower your levels of dopamine production which then make life feel more flat and less exciting.
Intellectualization
If I stay sober long enough, I will be able to go back to using drugs/alcohol safely again
People who are addicted can NEVER safely return to using drugs/alcohol. The onset/rate/progression will pick back up where you left off pretty quickly.