How I Self-Discipline, Change Habits Using Al-Anon Slogans

Self-discipline is something I've never had trouble with. I've got a nasty case of low self-esteem. Auto-flagellation my modus operandi. But rigid self-control isn't healthy. It doesn't work either. Here's a simple self-help plan I created, based on Al Anon principles, to modify behavior and change habits. How I Self-Discipline, Change Habits Using Al-Anon Slogans 

Al Anon--What the Stinking Thinking of Addiction Looks Like

One mistake we make in health care is to separate emotional/mental health issues from physical health issues. Last time I checked my mind and spirit were housed in my body. Physical health affects mental health and vice versa. And behavior is an outward manifestation of inward processes (aka thoughts and feelings). To be truly healthy, we've got to get our thoughts, actions and feelings working together on the same page.

Addictive behavior is driven by distorted emotions stemming from unhealthy thoughts. In his recovery manual "Addictive Thinking: Understanding Self-Deception," Abraham J. Twerski says these thoughts are sometimes called "stinking thinking" (coined in Alcoholics Anonymous). Stinking thinking doesn't always go away just because an addict quits. Alanon says real recovery means identifying dysfunctional thoughts and replacing them with healthier ones. Here are some examples of sick things addicts tell themselves.
 What the Stinking Thinking of Addiction Looks Like