Cognitive Behavioral Theory/Addiction Why Me

In the process of using drugs and continuing on until they become an Addiction, behavior has to change to keep the drug supply, and to support the resulting LifeStyle, and ultimately to satisfy the insatiable Drug Cravings that develop. The Drug is illegal and generally, at some point, supporting continued use requires illegal Activities

beyond that of possession of the drug. Gradually, one thing leads to another, and then one permission after another becomes pure Anti-Social behavior. In this process the cost of Drug Use becomes greater and greater, now requiring Rationalization, Justification, and Denial. At some point the Addict comes to believe his own lies that are necessary to live with the mounting consequences. Even Jail and Prison terms become an acceptable price to pay! The Addict is no longer part of Society! The return journey or the Recovery to a normal life as a productive member of society is complicated by distorted thinking and behaviors that must be changed or restructured. Intense therapy, a controlled environment, or preferably a combination of the two has become the current course of action for Rehabilitation. Having a rigid set of rules regarding behavior, combined with a course of positive reinforcement and education produce favorable results. Change the behavior and the thinking will follow. Change the thinking and the behavior will follow. Identification of right and wrong, good and bad, positive and negative, thinking and behavior, produces self-realization, that change is needed to have a decent life. Group participation with peers results in support and pressure to admit and accept the reality that continuing to live in Addiction will never work out to be a good life. Exercises in thinking things through, weighing costs and benefits and deciding what if preferred, brings out common human desires. It is proven that both behavior and thinking can change Brain chemistry just as drugs do. It takes somewhat of a reverse procedure to be able to produce improved character and personality. The behaviors must be rigidly controlled and the positive reinforcement requires patience and acceptance that repetition is a necessity. Caregivers must be aware of the stress produced in acceptance of the need for change by the Addict. Guilt, shame and inadequacy must be worked through patiently. Yet, they must be honest, concrete, and trustworthy! Empathy and Sympathy have their place and must be proper in proportion.

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