Cognitive Distortions
Other people have way bigger problems than I do. I shouldn't be sad.
Minimization, "should statements"
Other people have way bigger problems than I do. I shouldn't be sad.
I am allowed to be sad and feel emotions, not everything needs to be a comparison.
My mom is disappointed in me because I lied.
Following a 2007 near-fatal methadone overdose, the rapper got sober and found a new passion for exercise, particularly running, which he says helped him manage his mental health and sleep.
Eminem
I'm the worst and can't do anything right.
All or nothing thinking, Overgeneralizing
A mental trap often addressed in CBT, where a person thinks in extremes, such as "all or nothing".
What is black-and-white thinking?
I am so angry!
Can be rational. Could use check the facts around the situation to understand where the anger is coming from.
I'm so embarrassed, why did I do that?
Thought. What is the feeling behind this thought?
After being introduced to drugs by his father at age 6 and a tumultuous period in the 90s/early 2000s, he has been sober since July 2003, subsequently becoming one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors.
Robert Downey Jr.
They didn't say hi to me this morning, they must be mad at me.
Mind reading
Techniques to manage urges to use, including social support and refusal skills.
What are coping skills?
I completed my meal plan 2 days this week. Now, I am recovered.
Not rational. What does the bigger picture of recovery look like?
I feel like this person doesn't like me.
Thought. What feeling is behind this thought?
Entered rehab for the first time at age 13 for cocaine and alcohol addiction after a childhood in the spotlight, and has maintained her recovery while building a successful career as an actor, producer, and talk show host.
Drew Barymore
If I miss this class, I will fail the test, then I will flunk out of school, and then I will have no future prospects.
Catastrophizing
A key mental activity where a person examines their own automatic, self-destructive thoughts.
What is cognitive restructuring?
I acted on a behavior and now my recovery is ruined.
Irrational. Do the next right thing.
Often celebrates her sobriety anniversaries in July, frequently connecting with fans on social media about her journey.
Kat Von D
I feel like I'm a bad person, so I must be.
Emotional reasoning
Treating both addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders (like depression or anxiety) at the same time.
What is dual diagnosis treatment?
I am worthless.
Thought. What is the feeling behind this thought?
The Oscar-winning actor has been sober since 1975, stating that he "didn't want to die" after waking up in a hotel room in Arizona not knowing how he got there.
Anthony Hopkins