Changing the Way You Think (COD Lesson)

Co-Occurring Lesson

Changing the Way You Think

The lesson “Changing the Way You Think” focuses on helping individuals recognize and challenge negative thoughts that influence their feelings, behaviors, and substance use. Negative and distorted thoughts can drive addiction by reinforcing harmful beliefs and lowering self-esteem. This lesson provides practical steps to identify Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) and replace them with positive, reality-based alternatives. By following the 5Rs-Recognize, Refute, Replace, Rehearse, and Repeat-you can begin to challenge irrational thoughts and foster healthier thinking patterns, which are crucial for maintaining long-term recovery.

Unlock With All-Access
Category:
Subscriber access required

Unlock For $10 Per Month All Access Plan

Already a subscriber? log in

Already a member? Log in

Written by Hal Baumchen, PsyD, LP, LADC, this e-lesson introduces the concept of Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) and explains how distorted, deeply held beliefs drive addiction by warping perception, lowering self-esteem, minimizing consequences, and keeping people resistant to change. The lesson walks through a clear progression showing how situations trigger thoughts, which generate feelings, which drive actions – and how breaking that cycle begins with recognizing distorted thinking. A checklist of common addiction-related ANTs helps readers identify the specific negative thoughts they have carried, from “I can control this” to “nobody cares.” The heart of the lesson presents the 5Rs of changed thinking: recognize negative thoughts, refute them, replace them with positive alternatives, rehearse those substitutions until they become habit, and repeat the process as needed. A final exercise asks readers to name their own irrational thoughts and write a personal positive challenge for each one. Grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy, the lesson equips individuals with a practical, repeatable method for interrupting destructive thought patterns and building the mental foundation for lasting recovery.

Related Resources