Number

Symptom

Description

1

Depression  

Unreasonable and, perhaps, unaccountable despair may occur in cycles and should be dealt with - talked about. You are probably aware that your feelings of depression and substance abuse are related. Monitor your feelings if you have the urge to use

2

Exhaustion 
 

Allowing yourself to become overly tired or in poor health. Some alcohol and drug abusers are also prone to work addictions. Good health and enough rest are important. If you feel good, you are more apt to think well. Feel poor and your thinking is apt to deteriorate. If you feel bad enough, you might begin thinking that getting high couldn't make it any worse

3

Dishonesty

This begins with a pattern of unnecessary lies and deceits with fellow workers, friends, and family. Then came the important lies to yourself. This is called rationalizing - making excuses for not doing what you do not want to do, or for doing what you know you should not do

4

Impatience

Things are not happening fast enough, or others are not doing what they should or what you want them to do

5

Argumentativeness

Arguing small and ridiculous points of view indicates a need to always be right. "Why don't you be reasonable and agree with me?" Looking for an excuse to use drugs

6

Frustration

Getting frustrated at people and also because things may not be going your way. Remember - everything is not going to be just the way you want it, when you want it

7

Self -Pity

"Why do these things happen to me?" "Why must I be an addict?" "Nobody appreciates what I am doing" - (for them?)

8

Cockiness

Got it made - no longer fear the possibility of relapse - going into situations where others are using drugs to prove to others and yourself you have no problem. Do this often enough and it can wear down your defenses

9

Complacency

"Using drugs was the farthest thing from my mind." Not using was no longer a conscious thought, either. It is dangerous to let up on disciplines because everything is going well. A little fear can be a good thing. More relapses occur when things are going well then otherwise

10

Expecting to Much From Others

"I've changed, why hasn't everyone else?" It's a plus if they do - but it is still your problem if they do not. They may not trust you yet, may still be looking for further proof. You cannot expect others to change their life-styles just because you have

11

Letting Up on Disciplines

Slacking off on prayer, meditation, actively working on recovery, NA attendance. This can stem either from complacency or boredom. You cannot afford to be bored with your program. The cost of relapse is too great

12

Wanting to Much

Do not set goals you cannot reach with normal effort. Do not expect to much. It's always great when good things you were not expecting happen. Your best effort is more likely to get you what you want, but it may take some time. Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have

13

Forgetting Gratitude

You may be looking negatively on your life, concentrating on problems that are still not totally corrected. Nobody wants to be a Pollyanna - but it is good to remember where you started from - and how much better life is now

14

It Can't Happen to Me

This is dangerous thinking. Almost anything can happen to you - and is more likely to if you get careless

15

Omnipotence

This is a feeling that results from a combination of many of the above. You may believe you now have all the answers for yourself and others. No on can tell you anything. You ignore suggestions or advice from others. Relapse is probably imminent unless drastic change takes place

--Steve Levy Ph.D.