Chapter 58

When dealing with the philosophical foundations of the psychology of addiction (which is a hobby of mine as a layman), it is important to set forth what my viewpoint of philosophy is: It is merely a reflective re-evaluation of our thoughts, impressions, theories, procedures, and concepts which raises issues that cannot be settled by arbitrary fiat or by appeal to authority. That being said, I would now like to examine a few other philosophical issues that relate to the psychology of addiction.

In psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the notion that it is inappropriate thought that is the cause of all problems. Sometimes it is not our environment that is causing us the trouble, but rather it is the way we look at our environment and how we react to it that matters. This is a key initiative for us in recovery. Can you identify which ideas in your head qualify as false beliefs in the areas of how you react to environmental stimuli? (It is important to point out here that defective thinking is only one of the many problems an addict has, and this is not the primary motivator in the sustenance of addictive use –that would be an area governed by the disease of addiction which is very real, though self-imposed, and deadly if left untreated.)

A cognitive behavioral therapist would tell you: If you have irrational or inappropriate thoughts, you want to turn it around and think in a different way. The therapist acts more in a directive way, and will help you change your thoughts by telling you what to think and do on the conscious level. Since you do have the ability to control your own thoughts to some degree, you just need directions on how to manage yourself. You can make progress by noticing your bodily reactions to anxiety and nervousness, for example, by focusing dependence on the independent variable of what you can do differently this time instead of robotically reacting on autopilot. Since we all know the definition of insanity (doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result), perhaps we can and should try something new.

People respond to incentives, although not necessarily in ways that are predictable or obvious; and consequently, the most powerful anticipatory reality in that corner of the universe is the law of unintended consequences. A good quasi-therapeutic technique to assist someone with directive questions that are designed to lead them toward the answers they need is this: Use motivators, incentives, influences, and invigorating reassurances. As I have stated before, people need to see change as a way of gaining advantage. In other words, help people to focus not on what they are giving up, but on what they are gaining. I will explain a little more on the topic of unintended consequences in a later chapter, so stay tuned.