[b]Junkie Thinking[/b]
Thought I�d put together some stuff I�ve been doing on this � hopefully it will prove useful. I�m very big into the whole psychology of smoking and had a few ideas. Junkie thinking � a definition:
[center]�Whenever you try to convince yourself of something that you know not to be true�[/center]
Junkie thinking can sometimes spring up out of nowhere when you least expect it, and suddenly your mind is trying to rationalize why smoking would be an alright thing to do. That is addiction talking to you, and the voices can get pretty urgent at times, demanding your attention.
The first step to defeating your enemy is recognising him for what he is - lies. JT by definition is just lies�that�s it � you can dress em� up anyway you like but they are lies you are selling yourself to make your cravings go away.
The second step is taking a step back from the situation, giving yourself a few minutes breathing space and asking yourself the question � Do I want to smoke again?
The third step is actively choosing to name the lie as it is �Junkie Thinking� and say that you�re not going to fall for it anymore.
[b]Common lies are:[/b]
JT: I only want one
Reality: I have never wanted only one. In fact, I want 20-30 a day every day. I want them all.
JT: I'm doing so well, one won't hurt me now.
Reality: The only reason I'm doing so well is because I haven't taken the first one. Yet once I do, I won't be doing well anymore. I'll be smoking again.
JT: I'll just stop again.
Reality: Sounds easy, but who am I trying to kid? Look how long it too me to stop this time. And once I start, how long will it take before I get sick enough to face withdrawal again? In fact, when I'm back in the grip of compulsion, what guarantee do I have that I'll ever be able to stop again?"
JT: I need one to get me through this withdrawal.
Reality: Smoking will not get me through the discomfort of not smoking. It will only get me back to smoking. One puff stops the process of withdrawal and I'll have to go through it all over again.
JT: I really need to smoke now, I'm so upset.
Reality: Smoking is not going to fix anything. I'll still be upset, I'll just be an upset smoker. I never have to have a cigarette. Smoking is not a need, it's a want.