Stop the Chaos Workbook : How to Get Control of Your Life by Beating Alcohol and Drugs

Start Here ix Introduction Am I an Addict or Alcottolic? 1(10) Can I take it or leave it? Not all ``drunks'' are alcoholics Crossing the line into addiction Common traits of addiction Not every alcoholic is a falling-down drunk What Is Chemical Addiction? 11(8) Dispelling old myths How did I get addicted? The brain chemistry of addiction Am I Ready for Recovery? 19(8) What does recovery mean? Stopping chemical use Admitting we're powerless over our addiction Understanding we have a chronic illness Making the necessary changes Asking others for help Being patient How do I know if I'm ready to recover? Understanding the Recovery Process 27(10) Abstinence and attitude How Accepting the severity of our addiction Creating a stable lifestyle as a foundation Identifying high-risk situations Coping with using urges Coping with emotions Avoiding issues Spiritual development Integration into recovery Building a Stable Foundation for Recovery 37(16) Stable living situation Stable recovery support system Stable job or daily activities Stable relationships Identifying High-Risk Situations 53(6) Defining high-risk situations Looking for solutions Coping with Using Urges 59(6) How could I talk myself into using again? Challenging euphoric recall and magical thinking Using dreams Exploring Emotions 65(12) Identifying feelings Owning our feelings Challenging irrational beliefs Acknowledging feelings based on rational beliefs Dealing with Emotions 77(20) Use coping skills Communicate with others Make changes Anger and resentments Fear and worry Shame versus guilt Grief and the grieving process Daily journaling Compulsive Behavior and Isolation 97(8) What's wrong with compulsive behavior? Some common reasons for compulsive behavior What are some common compulsive behaviors? Isolation and withdrawal Undermining our foundation Spirituality and Recovery 105(10) What is a spiritual awakening? Relying on a Higher Power How do I become more spiritual? Just for today: a weekly program of building serenity What Do I Tell Others about my Dependency? 115(8) Avoiding addiction evangelism What about family? What about friends? What do we say to employers or at a job interview? Co-workers Becoming the expert Relationships and Sex in Recovery 123(14) A family disease When reconciliation seems impossible Parenting New relationships Sex in recovery Self-Defeating Beliefs and Behaviors 137(10) The role of self-defeating behaviors Common self-defeating beliefs Avoiding a Relapse to Chemical Use 147(14) Susceptibility in early recovery Recovery is not the first priority; it's the only priority The role of stress in relapse What if I'm exhibiting signs of attitude and behavior change? What do I do if I relapse to chemical use? Personal emergency relapse plan Prescription and Nonprescription Drugs 161(8) If the doctor prescribed it, it must be safe ...? When there are no alternatives When family or friends are on medication What if we need hospitalization? Constructing a simple plan Antidepressants and other long-term medications Over-the-counter products The Importance of Self-Care 169(10) Physical examinations Dental exam Eye exam Visiting a mental health professional How do I find the right health care professional? Halt The need to exercise Recovery is an ongoing process To the Family 179(8) How do we stop the chaos? Being forsaken for chemicals, being forsaken for recovery Should we have alcohol or other drugs around the house? What we can do What we can't do A New Way to Live 187 Living in reality