Chapter 2. Analysing reasons for use.
In this chapter, we will explore the different situations that can cause the urge to use alcohol, drugs or gamble, and the reasons why you might give in to these temptations. By gaining a deeper understanding of what happens before you engage in these behaviors, you can develop strategies to control the urge to use or gamble.
To help you understand these situations, we have included an exercise called the 'Risk Guide'
This guide provides a comprehensive list of different situations, thoughts, feelings and behaviors that may increase your risk of using or gambling. Although we have tried to make the list as complete as possible, not everything may apply to your situation. Therefore, it is important to think of times when you are at risk of using or gambling.
The "Risk Guide" is divided into several categories, such as situations, thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Examples of these topics are included to give you a clear idea of the types of risk factors that can lead to substance use or gambling. Using this list, you can assess how susceptible you are to these behaviors and how often you exhibit them.
At the end of this chapter, we will compare the pros and cons of using or gambling. By weighing the benefits against the negative consequences, you can begin to assess the impact of these behaviors on your life. This information can help you make informed decisions about whether to continue these behaviors or seek help to overcome them.
In general, understanding the situations that trigger the urge to use or gamble is an essential step in controlling these behaviors. By developing a deeper understanding of the underlying factors that contribute to these behaviors, you can regain control of your life and work toward a healthier, more fulfilling future.
Riskguide
How much of an urge do you feel? (1 to 3)
Where 1 is very strong and 3 is not or very little.
And do you use? (1 to 3)
Where 1 is a lot and 3 is not or very little.
Situations
When I am psychotic.
1/1
When im schizophrenic.
1/1
When im at a party
2/2
When im in pain
2/1
When I am busy
3/3
When I am cooking
3/3
When I have been working out
3/3
When I am offered drugs or alcohol
2 /1
When I am criticised
2/3
During holidays
1/1
When I am busy with something and it does not work out
3/3
When I think about the past
1/1
When I see others using.
1/2
When I am alone
1/1
When I am on a terrace, in a café or restaurant
2/1
When I am arguing with my partner
2/1
When it is cosy
2/1
When I am with a group of friends
2/1
When in contact with someone I find attractive
2/1
When the mood is tense
1/1
When I have problems at work
1/1
When I have nothing to do
1/1
When there are no drugs or alcohol in the house
1/1
When I have problems with my family
1/1
When something I have planned does not happen
1/1
When its dinnertime
3/3
When I have shaking hands
3/3
When I have days off (weekend, holiday)
1/1
When I am successful
1/1
When I am treated unfairly
1/1
When I go shopping
3/3
When I have made a mistake
3/3
When I am sick
1/1
Thoughts
One time can never hurt
2/2
I can use it socially
2/2
I see no future for myself
2/3
If I do nothing, I can do nothing wrong
2/3
With a romantic night comes wine
2/3
Leave them alone, I just want to use or drink
1/1
I hate it when people say that
1/1
If I cannot use or gamble, things do not matter anymore
2/1
Does it bother anyone?
1/1
No one loves me
3/3
I worked so hard today, I deserve to relax
1/1
It does not matter
2/1
I can't get anything done, maybe I'll just use or gamble
3/3
I will stop tomorrow
1/1
I have no control over what happens
2/1
I need to be sure of everything
3/3
Everyone has to like me
3/3
I could do anything to make sure nothing goes wrong
3/3
I must not make any mistakes or I am worthless
3/3
I cannot handle things if they go wrong
1/1
I can never feel bad, I cannot handle it
1/1
Feelings
Good mood
1/1
Pain
1/3
Tense
1/1
Angry
1/1
Restless
1/1
Insecure
3 /1
Sad
3/3
Disappointed
3/3
Lonely
1/1
Nervous
3/1
Feeling good about myself
1/1
Feel sad about myself
3/3
Feeling tired
3/1
Unhappy
1/1
Guilty
1/1
Panic
3/1
Elated
3/1
Terrified
1/1
Happy
3/3
Moody
1/1
Mad
1/1
Behaviour
Worrying, for example about things from the past
1/1
To do nothing
1/1
Passing by a place where I can buy something
1/1
Offering drugs to my friends or family
1/1
Having a fight with my partner
1/1
Staying at home
1/1
Staying with friends
1/1
The function of using or gambling.
Benefits and Downsides
If you use your substance for its benefits, then the substance or gambling has a function. You have learned for yourself that using or gambling has benefits. The most important benefits are listed in the top three. If you use or gamble for the benefits, you run the risk of becoming dependent on the substance or gambling. Perhaps you already feel that you are becoming dependent on the effects?
If you want to use or gamble less, or stop using or gambling, you will need to find a new way of dealing with certain feelings, thoughts, behaviours and situations. You can do this without using or gambling.
Most of the benefits of using or gambling in the short term become disadvantages in the long term.
For example: If you use or gamble for relaxation, relaxation is a short-term benefit. In the long term, you become more tense when you use or gamble.
So in the long term it is a disadvantage. What seemed to be an advantage becomes a disadvantage in the long term?
- My short-term benefits:
Enjoy more
Less bored
Feel less lonely
I am more creative
- My disadvantages in the long term:
I become indifferent
I get out of the house less
I lose friends and family
Nothing appeals to me
The everyday examples from this chapter, given in the first half of the article, will be used in the next chapter.