Categories
Accidentally or Other People
Does your addicted brain ever try to convince you that you have no choice or that an unexpected situation caught you off-guard? Have you ever said to yourself?
It was offered to me. What could I do?
An old friend called, and we decided to get together.
I was cleaning my house and found some drugs that I had forgotten about.
I had friends come for dinner and they brought wine.
I was in a bar and someone offered me a beer.
What can you catch, but not throw?
A cold
True or False:
Relapse justifications are a normal part of the change process and are not present because you don’t have enough willpower or desire to change
True
Catastrophic Events
Is there one unlikely major event that is the only reason you would use? What might such an event be for you? How would using drugs or alcohol improve the situation
-My spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend left me. There was no reason to stay clean.
-I just got injured. It ruined all my plans. I might as well use.
-I just lost my job. Why not?
-My family is falling apart. Why not?
How many letters are there in the English alphabet?
There are 18: 3 in the, 7 in English, and 8 in alphabet
WHAT MIGHT YOU DO WHEN YOUR ADDICTED BRAIN SUGGESTS EXCUSES TO USE?
Each member of the team must share an answer
For a Specific Purpose
Has your addicted brain ever suggested that using a certain drug or alcohol is the only way to accomplish anything?
-I’m gaining weight and need stimulants to control my weight.
-I’m out of energy. I’ll function better.
-I need drugs or alcohol to meet people more easily.
-I can’t enjoy _____ without using.
There’s a one-story house in which everything is yellow. Yellow walls, yellow doors, yellow furniture. What color are the stairs?
There aren’t any—it’s a one-story house
Testing Yourself
Would your brain like to prove you could be stronger than drugs or alcohol? It’s very easy to forget that being smart, not being strong, is the key to staying sober. Have you ever thought?
-I’m strong enough to be around it now.
-I want to see if I can say “no” to drinking and using.
-I want to see if I can be around my old friends.
-I want to see how this feels not that I’ve stopped.
Depression, Anger, Loneliness, and Fear
Does feeling depressed, angry, lonely, or afraid make using seem like the answer? Is it really? I’m depressed. What difference does it make if I use or not?
-When I get mad enough, I can’t control what I do.
-I’m scared. I know how to make this feeling go away.
-If he/she thinks I’ve used, I might as well use.
What goes up but never comes down?
Your age
Celebrating
Give an example of how you might justify a relapse when celebrating.
Addiction is Cured
Does your addicted brain ever try to convince you that you can use just once or just a little?
-I’m back in control. I’ll be able to stop when I want to.
-I’ve learned. I’ll only use small amounts and only on occasion.
-This drug (or alcohol) was not my problem – the other one was. So I can use this and not relapse.
What can’t talk but will reply when spoken to?
An echo
What is Relapse Justification?
Justification is the effort to prove that our behaviors are valid or reasonable, and it is human nature to do so.