Thinking Errors

To some extent all people have thinking errors.  Thinking errors are learned and become entrenched and habitual with use.  Since childhood we have been conditioned by family, friends, the media, society, and our environment to interpret events in a certain way. 

Thinking errors can be difficult to correct because they are reflexive.  They weave unnoticed through our internal dialog.  Everyone has experienced one depressing thought triggering a chain of associated depressing thoughts.

Examples of thinking errors associated with alcohol or drug abuse: “I can’t,” “victim stance,” “zero state,” and “fragmented thinking.”  For the purposes of this program, we will look at these four more closely.  The clinical list of predominant thinking errors is long.  For a complete list of cognitive distortion types, click here.

“I can’t” – A person says this to express his or her refusal to act responsibly.  People say “I can’t” to escape accountability for what they do.  Namely, continued alcohol or drug use.

“Victim Stance” – When people are held accountable for their irresponsible actions they blame others and portray themselves as victims.  The world does not give them what they believe they are entitled to, therefore they view themselves as poorly treated.

“Zero State” – This is the periodic feeling of absolute worthlessness, helplessness, and futility.

“Fragmented Thinking” – This refers to radical shifts in a person’s mental state over relatively short periods.  These folks have a pattern of starting something, then changing their minds.

Heavy alcohol or drug use increasingly disables addicted individuals.  Conflicts with family and friends become more serious, sometimes ending in divorce, separation, or strained relationships.  The ability to function deteriorates and the addicted individual has trouble going to, or being productive in, their work.  Often, their addiction results in legal problems and, eventually, health problems as well.

Very few people do not develop changes in brain chemistry as a result of their alcohol or drug use.  They find they can cut back on their drinking or drugs in a controlled manner.  For most individuals who realize that addiction is a part of their life, this is simply not possible.  Individuals who doubt this might feel they can drink socially.  Your referral to this program is an indicator that addiction is part of your life, however small, and that moderation is not an option for you.