Cognitive Distortions
This is when we blow things out of proportion. When we assumes that the worst will happen. Often, it involves believing that you're in a worse situation than you really are or exaggerating the difficulties you face.
What is catastrophizing?
This person puts everyone else before themselves. They aim to please everyone else and unconsciously enjoy being the martyr.
What is an enabler?
This is the area of the brain associated with cognitive functions including implementing new coping skills.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
A strong desire to obtain, ingest or experience the positive effect of drugs or alcohol. These are normal and an expected part of recovery. They lessen in frequency and intensity as recovery time increases.
What are cravings?
This actor, who is best known for his role as Iron Man, reports that he has been sober since 2003 attributes his recovery to the 12 steps, yoga, and meditation
Who is Robert Downey Jr.?
Characterized by thoughts such as, "If I am not perfect I have failed". or "Either I get it right or not at all".
What it Black and White or All or Nothing Thinking?
This person is often in trouble and hostile to authority figures. This person is the "truth teller" of the family and refuses to play the game.
What is the scapegoat?
This is one of the two hormones associated with stress.
What is adrenaline or cortisol?
Social, environmental or emotional situations that remind people in recovery of their past drug or alcohol use. These cues bring about urges (cravings) that may lead to a relapse.
What is a Trigger?
This rapper has been sober since 2009 and is open about his participation in NA. His birth name is Marshall Mathers.
Who is Eminem?
This is assuming that because we feel a certain way it must be true. Ex. "I feel embarrassed. I must be an idiot that nobody respects".
What is emotional reasoning?
What is the Hero/Golden Child?
This is a nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension, typically with compulsive behavior or panic attacks.
What is anxiety disorder?
This coping skill is used to get through a trigger and involves telling yourself- “If I use, this will happen, then this will happen, then this will happen...".
What is playing the tape through?
This singer, song writer, and three time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame suffered from heroin and alcohol addiction but has recently celebrated almost 30 years sober.
Hint: Inducted for his solo project, and as members of the Yardbirds and Cream.
Who is Eric Clapton?
This is when we assume we know what others are thinking. Usually it is negative things about us.
What is mindreading?
This person is the comic relief of the family. They are likeable but may be inappropriate at times.
What is the mascot/family clown?
This is the destructive and intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging. A false belief that something we’ve experienced, done, or failed to do makes us unworthy of connection.
What is shame?
This is characterized by psychological and mood symptoms including poor impulse control, increased cravings, inability to experience pleasure and low distress tolerance. It is important to remember this is temporary to avoid relapse.
What is PAWS or Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?
This lead singer of Coldplay says the band indulged in a lot of partying in their early days. The singer has since stopped drinking and has been completely sober.
Who is Chris Martin?
This is when you blame yourself for something that is not completely your fault or conversely blame other people for something that was your fault.
What is personalization?
The invisible member of the family that prefers books, video games, or other escapes and is traditionally shy, quiet, and solitary
What is the Lost Child?
These are the 4 parts of the non-violent communication model.
What are-
1. Observations
2. Feelings
3. Needs
4. Request ?
These are three coping skills I find work for me.
What are meditation, asking for help, distraction/ diversion (cleaning, cooking, hobbies, reading), play the tape through, grounding, mindfulness, 12 step groups, therapy
This actress has celebrated over 20 years sober after being addicted to pain pills from a cosmetic surgery. Her film debut was in the 1978 movie Halloween
Who is Jamie Lee Curtis?