People that have addictions of any type have a particular
mindset when it comes to thinking about their behavior. This locked in type of
thinking is very dramatically polarized and results in only two options in
assessing any experience. Thought processes become distorted and thinking
outside of the box simply is not an option. One of the ways that this comes
across in the life of an addict is discussed in my book “The Law of
Sobriety”.  In essence I talk about
the fact that alcoholics and addicts tend to think in absolutes with everything
seen as one way or the other and no middle ground. I mention that this black
and white thinking translates into the very words the people use. They talk
about “always” or “never”, with no options for change. In
fact this middle ground is the location in which altering thought processes can
have incredibly positive effects on lives, addictions, and recovery.

The Law of Attraction speaks to this very dynamic in ways
that can create simple yet very powerful options for change. Change not only in
thinking but in the way that our response to the environment around us is
interpreted. For example, if I believe that everyone thinks I am bad then every
interaction I experience will be seen through that negative lens. My interpretation
is only going to reinforce my original thought. Stop and think for a moment
how, with just in internal shift in my thinking, I could look towards the
incident and see a learning experience or an option to improve. My internal
shift is from “I am bad” to “I have options to do this
differently and I need to focus my efforts on this in the future”. This is
such a motivational change that before long you will find yourself thinking
more positively about everything that you do. In turn you will interpret events
through a positive lens, eliminating those negative thoughts and self-beliefs
and freeing you to live a life without addiction.

Sherry Gaba, LCSW, is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Life Coach and Author of The Law of Sobriety: Attracting Positive Energy for a Powerful Recovery.  Sherry can be seen on VH1’s Celebrity Rehab and hosts A Moment of Change on CBS Sky Radio.  She is a well renowned speaker, facilitates workshops, and teleseminars and can be reached at sherry@sgabatherapy.com or www.sgabatherapy.com or www.thelawofsobriety.com.