SECTION III: ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR Therapists Overview

ALTERNATIVES TO ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR

GOALS OF THE EXERCISE

1. 2. 3. Develop a program of recovery that is free of addiction and the negative influences of antisocial behavior. Learn how antisocial behavior and addiction are self-defeating. Learn to participate in enjoyable activities as constructive and healthy alternatives to addictive behaviors.

ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS FOR WHICH THIS EXERCISE MAY BE USEFUL

Chronic Pain Eating Disorders Gambling Substance Abuse/Dependence

SUGGESTIONS FOR PROCESSING THIS EXERCISE WITH CLIENT

The Alternatives to Addictive Behavior activity is useful for clients with a generalized pattern of self-medicating uncomfortable feelings with activities that offer instant gratification or mood alteration, who are at risk for switching from one addictive behavior to another and may benefit from insight into their selfmedication and awareness of more benign options. The exercise includes a cost/benefit analysis of addictive behavior, examination of underlying needs, and brainstorming other ways to meet those needs. Follow-up may include assignments to investigate groups dedicated to alternative activities (e.g., a hiking club) and a report to the therapist and/or a treatment group on positive experiences.

EXERCISE III.A

ALTERNATIVES TO ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR

For many addicted people, most things they do for fun or relaxation involve drinking, using other drugs, or other addictive behaviors, with destructive consequences. Fun is a vital and necessary part of life. Learning to have a good time and get your needs met in nonaddictive ways is a key part of recovery and is largely a matter of re-education. This exercise will help you identify positive ways to get your personal needs met and find enjoyment. 1. List the major benefits which you got from drinking, other drug use, or other addictive behaviors. Physical Social Mental or Emotional

2.

Now list the main drawbacks connected with these behaviors. Physical Social Mental or Emotional

EXERCISE III.A

3.

List the benefits you can think of connected with abstinence from addictive behaviors. Physical Social Mental or Emotional

4.

List the drawbacks you see connected with abstinence from these behavior patterns. Physical Social Mental or Emotional

5.

List as many alternative ways as you can think of to get the benefits you listed for drinking, other drug use, or other addictive behaviors, but without such negative consequences. Physical Social Mental or Emotional

EXERCISE III.A

6.

How will you respond to yearnings for the thrill or rush that you got from substance use or other addictive behaviors?

7.

List three activities that: a. You enjoy: b. You think you would enjoy, but havent tried: c. Youve heard others talk about and are interested in: d. You could enjoy doing alone: e. You could enjoy doing with others:

8.

Describe a plan to take action within the next week to start practicing an alternative activity.

Be sure to bring this handout back to your next session with your therapist, and be prepared to talk about your thoughts and feelings about the exercise.