Negative Thought Patterns
This cognitive distortion involves seeing situations in black and white, with no gray area.
What is all-or-nothing thinking?
When persistent negative self-talk reinforces feelings of worthlessness, it can lead to this behavior that individuals struggle to control.
What is substance abuse?
This distortion involves taking one negative experience and generalizing it to all aspects of life.
What is overgeneralization?
"Negative thinking can impair judgment; this part of the brain is chiefly responsible for decision-making."
**Answer:** "What is the prefrontal cortex?"
"A widely used approach that helps patients identify and challenge negative thoughts is abbreviated as this."
**Answer:** "What is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)?"
This pattern of thought filters out any positive details, leaving only the negatives in focus.
What is mental filtering?
This painful emotion—often characterized by deep guilt and regret—is known to be a powerful trigger for relapse.
What is shame?
Discounting any evidence of success or positivity—even when it exists—is referred to by this name.
What is discounting the positive?
"The cycle of substance abuse and negative thought is closely linked to this brain’s reward circuit."
**Answer:** "What is the mesolimbic dopamine system?"
"This mindfulness practice trains individuals to observe their thoughts without immediate reaction, creating space for healthier responses."
**Answer:** "What is mindfulness meditation?"
This form of negative thinking involves expecting or exaggerating the worst-case scenario in any situation.
What is catastrophizing?
Identifying these emotional responses is essential for understanding how feelings can precipitate substance use.
What are emotional triggers?
Exaggerating minor setbacks into major failures is a key example of this distortion.
What is magnification?
Note: Magnification often occurs alongside catastrophizing.
"Difficulties in assessing risks and rewards in individuals with addiction often reflect deficits in this mental function."
**Answer:** "What is impaired executive function?"
"The practice of writing down thoughts and feelings to process emotional triggers is known as this."
**Answer:** "What is journaling?"
Assigning personal blame for events (often unfairly) is known as this type of cognitive distortion
What is personalization?
This positive mindset—sometimes diminished by negative thinking—helps counteract cravings and supports recovery.
What is optimism?
Assigning a fixed negative label based on one mistake is known as this type of distortion.
What is self-labeling?
"Low levels of this crucial neurotransmitter, involved in mood regulation, can exacerbate negative thinking."
**Answer:** "What is serotonin?"
"Developing this type of network, which involves sharing and support, is essential during the recovery process."
**Answer:** "What is building social support?"
Central to many therapeutic approaches, this technique teaches individuals to identify and challenge automatic negative thoughts.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Managing stress by challenging negative thoughts and reframing one’s perspective is a core component of this therapeutic process.
What is cognitive restructuring?
"Persistently mulling over perceived failures or negative events without resolution is a process called this."
**Answer:** "What is rumination?"
"Recovery therapies often aim to restore balance by enhancing activity in this brain circuit that supports self-control."
**Answer:** "What is the fronto-limbic circuit?"
"A grounding technique is used in recovery to help individuals focus on the present moment rather than ruminating on past mistakes. Name one."
**Answer:** "What is grounding?"