Thinking Errors
This term describes distorted thinking used to justify harmful or illegal behavior.
What are criminal thinking errors?
This shared trait involves saying “It’s not that bad” or minimizing substance use.
What is denial and justification?
These thinking patterns create mental “loopholes” that keep addiction going.
What is criminal thinking (or distorted thinking)?
This tool helps counter Cutoff by identifying and processing emotions.
What is journaling / emotion naming?
This term describes a strong urge or desire to use substances.
What is a craving?
This thinking error involves justifying behavior like “at least I’m not using something worse.”
What is mollification?
This trait involves blaming others, like saying substance use is due to trauma or a job.
What is victim mentality?
This consequence involves being unable to learn from past relapses.
What is failure to learn from relapse?
This practice helps combat Entitlement by building humility.
What is gratitude (or gratitude & humility)?
This recovery concept means avoiding people, places, and things linked to using.
What is avoidance of triggers (or people/places/things)?
This error is when someone shuts off guilt and says “I don’t care anymore.”
What is cutoff?
This trait involves acting without thinking, often tied to emotional relief
What is impulsivity / poor judgment?
This outcome includes lying to yourself and others.
What is dishonesty?
This strategy helps with Cognitive Indolence by adding activities throughout the day to stay busy.
What is daily structure?
This stage of change involves recognizing a problem but not yet taking action.
What is contemplation (stage of change)?
This thinking error involves believing the rules don’t apply to you.
What is entitlement?
This overlap trait involves doing whatever it takes to get high. You might use others to get what you want.
What is manipulation?
What trait are you using when you say, "I just needed to feel better." or "I didn’t think about it." ?
What is increased impulsivity / risk-taking?
This approach replaces Mollification by encouraging truthfulness.
What is full honesty?
This support system often includes meetings, sponsors, and peer accountability.
What is a recovery support system (or meetings/sponsorship)?
This error describes wanting recovery but continuing to use anyway.
What is discontinuity?
This trait centers on dominance over others.
What is power & control (power orientation)?
What issue makes you avoid difficult feelings (shut down, numb out, or use substances).
What is blocked emotional growth?
This method helps correct Discontinuity following your own beliefs.
What is values clarification?
This relapse warning sign involves returning to old thinking patterns before using again.
What is mental relapse?