Take heed of the messages you send yourself. Justification comes in many forms. Common justifications include:
- Denial: “It’s not a problem.”
- Minimization: “I have already cut down.”
- Comparisons: “Pollution is more dangerous.” “Uncle Ted drinks far more than I do.”
- Defiance: “I would rather live a shorter life and be happy than quit and be miserable.”
- Rationalization: “I’ve never stolen to finance my habit.” “I am way more sociable when I’ve had a drink.”
- Lesser of two evils: “Better I do it than be impossible to live with.”
- Misinformation: “It has medicinal uses, so it’s OK.” “Chocolate is the only cure for PMS.”
- Taking behavior out of context: “In some cultures, polygamy is acceptable.”
- Glorification: “Queen Victoria used to…” “Patriarchs in the Old Testament had many wives.” “Jesus drank wine.”
Monitor your trend of physical attributes and performance for signs of addiction:
- Sleep patterns
- Weight
- Measures of endurance and strength
- Energy levels
Monitor for mental or psychological signs or triggers of addiction:
- Lack of focus
- Higher levels of anxiety
- Persistent boredom
- Social isolation
- Increasingly strained relationships
- Difficulty or inconsistency in meeting commitments
Monitor personal stress levels:
- Work
- Family
- Financial