Today's substance abuse, whether alcohol or drugs, continues to be a major social problem.
patterns occur in all forms of substance abuse. While some types of substance abuse problems are slightly .
different in terms of causes and cures, experts agree that there are some do's and don'ts which relate to .
kicking the abuse habit. If you or a loved one have a substance abuse problem, this article can give you .
sound advice on understanding what substance abuse is, and what to do about it.
In this article, we will refer to alcohol, although the word drug may be used synonymously in place of .
alcohol.
What is Alcoholism? Alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and .
environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and .
fatal. It is characterized by continuous or periodic: impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the .
drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial. .
The rational for continued use of alcohol is centered on,.
Common addiction distortions.
MENTAL FILTER: Magnify the negative details and eliminate the positive. E.g. - using .
alcohol is so incredible. It is the most pleasurable thing I know. (filter out the negative effects).
POLARIZED THINKING: .
Things are black and white, good or bad. You are perfect or a complete failure. E.g. - My life .
would be void of pleasure with out alcohol.
OVERGENERALIZATION To come to a general conclusion based on a single incident or piece of .
evidence. E.g. - Alcohol has made for some great times with friends. I must have alcohol in order to .
capitalize on the potential for fun. .
MIND READING You think you are able to define how people are thinking about you. E.g. - .
People will not like me if I give up alcohol. There is a side that come out that is very attractive. .
CATASTROPHIC EXAGGERATION You expect disaster, and disaster means the end of the world.
