Core Distortions
Viewing situations in absolute categories (e.g., “I relapsed, so I’ve completely failed”).
All-or-Nothing Thinking (Black-and-White Thinking)
Refusing to acknowledge the severity of substance use
Denial
“I am unlovable,” “I am a failure.”
Low Self-Worth/Core Belief Distortions
Attributing one’s own thoughts/feelings onto others.
Projection
Belief of total responsibility for everything.
Control Fallacy (Internal)
Drawing broad conclusions from a single event (e.g., “I messed up once, I always will”).
Overgeneralization
“It’s not that bad compared to others.”
Minimizing Use
Belief that success is undeserved or temporary.
Imposter Syndrome Thinking
Expecting abandonment or criticism without evidence.
Assumed Rejection
Belief of having no control at all.
Control Fallacy (External)
Focusing only on the negative details while ignoring positives.
Mental Filter
Creating logical-sounding reasons to continue using.
Justification/Rationalization
Unrealistically high standards with harsh self-criticism.
Perfectionism
Overreliance on others’ validation.
Approval-Seeking
Expecting sacrifice to automatically lead to reward.
Heaven’s Reward Fallacy
Rejecting positive experiences as insignificant or undeserved.
Disqualifying the Positive
“I deserve to use after what I’ve been through.”
Entitlement Thinking
Overidentifying with diagnosis (e.g., “This is just who I am”).
Identity Fusion with Illness
Assuming others agree with maladaptive beliefs.
False Consensus Effect
Belief that thoughts alone can influence outcomes.
Magical Thinking
Believing feelings are facts (e.g., “I feel hopeless, so things are hopeless”).
Emotional Reasoning
Belief that one can control use despite evidence otherwise.
Control Fallacy
Belief that change is not possible.
Fixed Mindset Thinking
Interpreting neutral actions as Adversarial
Hostile Attribution Bias
Expecting life to be equitable and reacting strongly when it isn’t.
Fairness Fallacy