What Makes an Addiction?
Uncomfortable physical symptoms after using addictive substances daily
Withdrawal
Important sensations in the mind, heart, and gut that we need to manage
Feelings/Emotions
We make many of these a day and we can improve our lives by making good ones
Decisions/Choices
Inner drive, focus, and desire that brings positive change and accomplished goals
Motivation
A strong addictive urge that can pull you in if you're not careful
Craving
Is built after using a larger amount of a substance to get the same effect
Tolerance
Mental experience involving worry and stress, also a mental disorder
Anxiety
Describes the way we present/express ourselves; we often have negatives ones that need to be worked on
Attitude
The ability to look inwards honestly, Self-awareness
Insight
Moving backwards but not totally relapsing, happens in recovery and is not something to be ashamed of
Setback
Inability to recognize the truth about a problem
Denial
Changing states of mind involving highs, lows, and everything in between that we need to learn to regulate
Moods
Includes all that is most important to one's life, what one cares about the most, and what has the most worth
Values
System that everyone needs when overcoming a difficult challenge that is hard to face alone
Support
What one enters when freeing themselves of all substances, is celebrated by those in recovery
Sobriety
What has to be faced after poor choices, addiction can cause people to ignore these
Consequences
Negative emotion that comes from holding on to anger and grudges
Resentment
Can have ups and downs but what matters most is that one keeps moving forward to better themselves
Progress
Being mentally stimulated to do/feel something, usually when talking about something creative
Inspiration
A tricky subject that must be discussed thoroughly with a doctor, many people need this for chemical imbalances leading to mental health struggles
Medication
What someone loses after spending too much, using too much, etc and life problems start piling up
Control
Sometimes addiction and mental health can be related to these deeply disturbing/distressing experiences that need to be worked through
Trauma
Involves all people, places, and things one surrounds themselves with and that they choose to be connected to, starts with A
Associations
Helps define goals and adds meaning and direction to life; many people struggle to find this in their own lives
Purpose
What many have to do with their emotions/feelings in order to move forward, but can be difficult to do
Process