Cognitive Distortion Mechanisms for Addicts

• "Doing a line will make me feel really good." - This is Fortune Telling -  the addict is predicting something that may not be true.  It is possible that doing a line will just make him want another, or it may elicit depression or self-loathing. 
   

• "I really shouldn't have that beer" - "Shouldn't" is moralistic and often elicits a rebellious state, in which cravings are experienced as powerful and the addict's self-image promotes relapse.
   

• "I'll only have one" - Fortune Telling
   

• "Life is so boring, I deserve a little fun." - Emotional Reasoning - life is not boring, you are experiencing boredom [could it be due to your addictive lifestyle?]

Methods to Combat Distortions

• Identify the distortion- write down the thoughts and diagnose which distortion it is.
   

• Examine the evidence - Assume nothing!  Actually examine the evidence.  Use your rational processing system to consider the lessons of cause and effect your history has taught you.
   

• Double standard method - talk to yourself in the same compassionate way would talk to a friend in the same situation.
   

• Define Terms - what do the words in the belief that is motivating me actually mean?
   

• Survey Others - how do others feel about this issue?
   

• Experiment - test the validity of the belief.
   

• Thinking in Shades of Grey - don't beat yourself up with extreme thoughts.   Escaping addiction is hard, if you have a set back think of what you learned from the lapse; be aware of and encouraged by the battles you won.