What Makes an
Addiction?
Addiction?
Physically addictive substances used daily can bring these uncomfortable physical symptoms
Withdrawal
The essential Inner drive, focus and desire, that brings about positive change and attainment of goals
Motivation
We make dozens if not hundreds of these a day with our mind and one of the best ways to improve our lives is to practice making good ones:
Decisions/Choices
A strong addictive urge that can pull you in a way you may not want to go if you are not careful
Craving
(2000’s) This artist was referred to as the King of Pop, died due to complications from prescription drugs in 2009
Michael Jackson
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
The ability to look inside yourself honestly and truthfully:
Self-Awareness or Insight
This describes overall the way we present and express ourselves. If we have a negative one we should want to change it to grateful and positive
Attitude
You may have went backwards a little bit but still you didn’t completely relapse
Setback
(1990’s) Singer of one of the most popular grunge bands in the 1990’s shot himself in the head in 1994 at the age of 27, addicted to heroin
Kurt Cobain
Failure to recognize the truth about a problem, particularly an addiction, is often referred to as this
Denial
Something just about everyone needs when overcoming a difficult challenge, because it is so difficult to do it alone
Support
This categorizes and includes all that is most important in your life and, what you care about the most, and what has the most worth to you
Values
Some people may try to deal with substance use issue by attempting use less, or change to a less harmful substance. If that isn’t working you may need to consider this more basic old option
Abstinence/Sobriety
(1980’s) John Belushi was a legendary actor and comedian who shocked the world when he overdosed and died from mixing cocaine and heroin in 1982 at the height of his fame. He was on the original lineup of what longstanding TV show (Still airs today)
Saturday Night Live
Every bad choice we make can mean we have to face these later. Addiction can cause people to foolishly ignore these repeatedly
Consequences
Building insight and motivation lead to this powerful experience defined by a strong sense of positive mental stimulation to try make things better
Inspiration
You can have ups and downs along the way but what matters most is that you keep moving forward. If that is true then you are steadily making this
Progress
With more severe addiction, particularly opioid, if the withdrawal or cravings are overwhelming it may be wise to consider seeing a doctor for this
Medication or Medication Assisted Treatment
(1970’s)This iconic musician is one of the top earning dead celebrities today, still earning over 50 million/year for his music despite dying from complications of prescription drug addiction back in 1977
Elvis Presley
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
If you find and discover this it can help you define your goals and add meaning and direction in your life
Purpose
This involves all the people, places and things that you surround yourself with and that you choose to be connected to
Associations
They say relapse doesn’t suddenly happen out of nowhere – It’s not an event, it is often much more of a gradual _____
Process
(1960’s) This world famous movie star shocked the world in 1962 from a barbiturate overdose which some say was accidental, some say was suicide and others say was murder
Marilyn Monroe