ERS 1C Thought-Stopping Techniques

A New Sequence

To start recovery, it is necessary to interrupt the trigger–thought–craving–use sequence. Thought stopping provides a tool for disrupting the process.

This process is not automatic. You make a choice either to continue thinking about using (and start on the path toward relapse) or to stop those thoughts.

Thought-Stopping Techniques

Try the techniques described below, and use those that work best for you:

Visualization. Imagine a scene in which you deny the power of thoughts of use. For example, picture a switch or a lever in your mind. Imagine yourself actually moving it from ON to OFF to stop the using thoughts. Have another picture ready to think about in place of those thoughts.