What Makes an Addiction?
Physically addictive substances used daily can bring these uncomfortable physical symptoms
Withdrawals
This substance is thought to be an aphrodisiacs (increase sexual arousal) but can decrease ability to become aroused and perform.
Alcohol
A powerful desire to use substances
Craving
Advice or guidance, especially as solicited from a knowledgeable person
Therapy/counseling
Thinking in absolutes such as "always," "never," or "every." "I never do a good enough job"
Black and white thinking/all-or-nothing thinking
It takes more and more of a substance to get the same effect which often fuels the desire and need for using larger amounts.
Tolerance
Gaps in memory for events that happened while drinking alcohol without losing consciousness
Blackouts
The physical symptoms experienced after detoxification that relate to the "bodily healing" from substance abuse
Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms or (PAWS)
The practice of taking an active role in regularly doing things that improve your well-being and happiness
Self-care
Brushing off the good things that have happened or that you have done for some reason or another. "That doesn't count."
What is Disqualifying/Ignoring the Positive?
Not admitting it's a difficult situation, try not to face the facts of a problem, downplay possible consequences of the issue, doesn't think there is a problem, etc.
Denial
Drug with the highest overdose death rate.
Fentanyl
Using another hobby, substance, or activity to replace or substitute feelings/results that you used to get from using
Cross-addiction
A mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique
Mindfulness
Thoughts that run through our head, may be true/untrue or helpful/unhelpful
Automatic thoughts
When you spend too much, use too much, or too often and life problems are steadily piling up, it is a good sign you have lost this...
Control
A drug that is very common but people forget that it is addictive.
Feelings, individuals, or situations that cause your brain to crave substances
Triggers
A guide/mentor, fellow who is in recovery who volunteers time to help others in early recovery.
Sponsor
Seeing only the worst possible outcomes of a situation.
Catastrophizing
Every bad choice we make can mean we have to face these later. Addiction can cause people to ignore these repeatedly.
Consequences
This drug makes it difficult to sleep, eat and makes the user feel like there are bugs under their skin. It is very addictive in just the first use.
Methamphetamines
A list of warning signs, social supports, and coping skills to avoid relapse you create
Relapse Prevention Plan
Phrases you can say to yourself to help you get through distressing situations
Affirmations or positive self-talk
Assuming that emotions reflect the way things really are. "I feel like a bad person, so I must be."
Emotional reasoning/thinking/mind