Mini Series 13 - Ways To Talk About Addiction

Busting Addiction and Its Myths

1. The right way to talk about addiction and/or alcoholism is in the context of: what it was like (how awful was it, really?), what happened (you got so desperate that you finally asked for help) and what it’s like now (you're in recovery and getting better, saner, healthier physically, mentally and for the first time, have gotten in touch with a power greater than your little self).
2. An unhelpful way to talk about addiction and/or alcoholism is to express how badly you might be craving a drink or a hit right now, how it would OK to “just have one”, how a relapse is not the end of the world, how you could always come back (the reality is that some never make it back), and to recall the “fun” times you had (that’s known as “euphoric recall)” omitting the consequences – burning money, getting arrested, sabotaging your relationships and your job, as examples of denial at work.
3. A helpful view is this: “I didn’t ask for this, but now that I have it, I am responsible for taking care of myself in the right way.” I’ll do the next right thing, one day at a time and I won’t listen to the voice that lies to me and says it’s OK to take a drink or abuse a substance.” That’s positive self-talk the recovering way.