Defense Mechanisms
You drove me to drink. It’s my job stress
What is blaming?
Precontemplation
What is the stage of change when there is unawareness or indifference?
Stress sensitivity
- Deep Breathing
- Meditation
- Learn what your triggers are so you can manage them
You may have feelings of emptiness, despair, yearning, or deep loneliness. You may also cry a lot or feel emotionally unstable.
What is sadness?
Trigger
What is any situation or event that stimulates your urge to use?
This isn’t serious. Life is a joke.
What is Humor?
Contemplation
What is the stage of change where basic acknowledgement there is a problem --exact nature or seriousness of problem is not clearly identified?
Physical coordination problems
- Exercise
- Improve your nutrition
- Be mindful of your physical movements
You may regret things you did or didn’t say or do
What is guilt?
Self-Respect
What is the value we give ourselves?
I got it made. These other folks are losers
What is cockiness?
Preparation
What is the stage of change when the person is ready and committed to act, but reluctant to step out and take action?
Sleep Problems
- Get up and go to bed at the same time every day
- Stay away from caffeine and nicotine at least 4-6 hours before bed
- Develop sleep rituals
- Sleep only when sleepy
Even if the loss was no one’s fault, you may feel resentful. You may feel the need to blame someone for the injustice done to you.
What is angry?
Habit-Self
What is the part of you ruled by habits -- the part of yourself that reacts without any thinking?
You always manipulate to get what you want.
What is projecting?
Action
What is the stage of change where we see the efforts to change behavior and the surroundings that might affect behavior?
Unable to Think Clearly
- Journaling
- Practice meditation
- Pick up a good book
- Improve your nutrition
- Exercise
Fatigue, nausea, lowered immunity, weight loss or weight gain, aches and pains, and insomnia.
What are physical symptoms?
Respect
What is something other people truly value something about us?
If you had a partner like mine, you would drink/use too
What is justifying?
Maintenance
What is the stage of change where constant work is needed to prevent relapses into old patterns of behavior?
Periods of Moodiness (Overreaction or Numbness)
- Fix the thought, fix the emotion
- Choose the right time and place to express your emotion
- Increase your awareness of your thoughts – are they rational or irrational?
- Recognize that you have the right, but also the responsibility, to have whatever feelings and emotions you want
You may feel numb, have trouble believing the loss happened, deny the truth. If someone you love has died, you may keep expecting them to show up, even though you know they’re gone.
What is shock and/or disbelief?
Hunger Memory
What is strong desire for getting high stimulated by past situations or events; strong craving?