Chapter 9: Winning the Mind Game

Описание: NOTICE: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Substance use disorders are medical conditions; always consult a qualified healthcare professional or addiction counsellor. In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Summary: The Mental Architecture of Recovery
This video explores the cognitive battleground of addiction recovery, focusing on identifying and challenging the internal dialogues that precede relapse.

Key Concepts
Cognitive Distortions ("Stinking Thinking"): Faulty thought patterns that make substance use appear like a logical solution to problems.

Apparently Irrelevant Decisions (AIDs): Seemingly harmless choices that lead to high-risk situations (e.g., taking a different route home that passes a liquor store).

The Power of Choice: Recognizing the "interval of choice" between a thought/feeling and the eventual action.

Core Strategies for Success
Monitor Thoughts: Actively identify when "stinking thinking" begins.

Counter-Statements: Prepare rational, written arguments against addictive thoughts before cravings strike.

Think Through the Substance: Instead of focusing on the first 30 minutes of "relief," visualize the full negative arc: the shame, the damage to health, and the loss of progress.

Time Delay: Postpone the decision to use for a set period (15–30 minutes) to allow the peak intensity of the craving to pass.