Help for Negative Self-Talk
Tell the message to “STOP.” As simple as this sounds, your brain is powerful. Stop the message in its tracks and redirect your thoughts to something positive. The less time you spend on the negative, the less likely you are to head down a path of destructive thinking that hijacks your sobriety progress.
Stop thinking in absolutes & extremes. Rather than, “I always drink when I’m stressed,” adjust the verbiage to: “Sometimes I drink when I’m stressed, but I am learning to manage my stress in other ways.”
Challenge the assumption. Put it to the test. Ask yourself, “What evidence do I have that this is true?” “What information do I have to the contrary?”
Use relaxation techniques. Deep breathing, exercise and meditation help ease the tension that builds during negative self-talk. When you are in a more relaxed, mindful state, take time to challenge your assumptions and redirect your thoughts.
Journal. Write down your thoughts and begin to think critically about where they are coming from. It is easier to get a handle on negative thoughts when they are in front of you—in black and white—rather than bouncing around in your head.
Get Help for Negative Self-Talk & Addiction
