Thinking errors for addicts

WHAT

100

Making up things that are simply not true. 

Lying

200

Explaining the reason for things. 

For example, "It was my birthday, of course I was going to party" 

Justification 

300

Occurs when addicts present themselves as being helpless, incapable and in need of others.

Helpless

400

A clear and intention ed action to avoid being pinned down. 

For example: failing assignments, not being open minded and "stumbling innocently" in therapy.

Vagueness 

500

Believing or thinking that you are so powerful.. you know how others think and feel.

Assuming

IS

100

Common technique used by addicts to allow them to believe that what they have done is not really important.

Minimizing 

200

Used to manipulate and control others. 

For example, tantrums, aggression and outrage. 

Anger

300

Avoiding looking at the reality of the situation

For example, the addict may talk about the importance of confidentiality and use that issue to prevent himself/herself from establishing an honest relationship in therapy

Secretiveness

400

"Keeping track"

For example, if the addict is criticized, the addict will avoid looking at the criticism and instead, will attempt to keep track of the criticisms other addicts are receiving.

Keeping score

500

Turning little things into IMPORTANT things. 

aka "setting brush fires" 

Grandiosity

THE

100

Used to manipulate and control others. 

This type of mentality blames other people or refuses responsibility for his/her actions. 

Victim Stance

200

Being confused about the reality of the situation

*If the addict can remain confused.. the addict will not have to follow the rules and will actually control others as they put forth hours and hours of effort to help the addict understand. 

Puzzlement 

300

When the addict pretends or projects himself/herself as being cooperative but in fact, a great deal of manipulation is taking place.

Phoniness

400

Arranging the facts for his/her benefit.

Fact: "The babysitter asked for more money." Additional facts omitted by the addict. The addict gave the babysitter money only if she/he would give sexual favors.

Fact stacking

500

"Keeping everyone else waiting, hoping, and wondering.."

Making fools of

THINKING

100

The addict does not feel as though they were wrong. They will feel better, IF they get others to feel sorry for them. 

Pity pot

200

Finding an excuse to not solve a problem. 

For example, "I was born into this family.. (addiction) was bound to happen.." 

Blaming

300

Being very selfish and only thinking of his/her needs. 

Pet me

400

Allowing the addict to make himself/herself different from all of the other addicts.

For example, "I am better than the other addicts and, therefore, the rules do not apply in the same manner to me." 

Uniqueness

500

Manipulating and controlling others into becoming aggressive and hostile toward each other

Let's Fight

ERROR

100

Using the technique of being extremely positive in order to avoid looking at reality of the crime that has been committed.

*Working hard at being cooperative. 

You're OK, I'm OK

200

Not wanting to be under the control or power of someone else

For example, having things done on THEIR terms and THEIR conditions. 

My Way

300

Diverting the conversation to something more comfortable.

For example, Q: "Why didn't you go to a meeting?"
A: "I went to church" 

Hop Over

400

Shifting the focus of an issue to avoid solving the problem.

For example, Q: "Why didn't you do your 12-step work for this week?"

 A: "I've done my work for the last three weeks."

Redefining 

500

Having a reason for everything and anything.

For example:

"I had a bad childhood."
"My mother/father was an alcoholic."
"My family is/was poor."

Excuses