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Tip 14 Understanding Emotions
Many addicts tend to see internal cues - and by extension, the outside world - in primary colors rather than in many shades of possibility. In fact, some research has suggested that we tend to use the same few words over and over again to describe our states. This practically guarantees that we will stay in a rut and react badly. Addicts need to get out of this rut during their recovery. If in our vocabulary we have no way of saying uncomfortable but we say angry all the time, we are not only not acknowledging what our internal cues are - we are actually changing them. Say I am angry enough times, and the small twinge of annoyance you feel really will start to feel like something bigger.
Addicts need to take advantage of all the recovery assistance that they can. This means:
Going to 12-Step programs
Attending support groups and lectures
Educate themselves about addictions |
