With thanks to one of the greatest Psychologists of our time, Albert Ellis, here are 10 specific thoughts that must be recognised, evaluated, challenged and changed by the alcoholic. It is rigid and thoughtless adherence to these specific ideas that cause the alcoholic problems, not life itself. My thoughts for the past 20 years have encompassed everything that Albert Ellis reports in years of researching our reactions to life. I believe that stress is our point of view about the way the world ought to be versus the way it actually is and the gap between those two thoughts is our stress. If we can accept the way the world is, just for today, our stress is greatly reduced. Alcoholics and people with addictive personalities carry around irrational thoughts. Are you one of these people who think you are right and everyone else is wrong?  Take a look at reality: Irrational Idea 1 - It is a dire necessity for an adult to be loved or approved by almost everyone for virtually everything he or she does. Irrational Idea 2 - One should be thoroughly competent, adequate, and achieving in all possible respects. Irrational Idea 3 - Certain people are bad, wicked, or villainous and they should be severely blamed and punished for their sins. Irrational Idea 4 - It is terrible, horrible, and catastrophic when things are not going the way one would like them to go. Irrational Idea 5 - Human happiness is externally caused and people have little or no ability to control their sorrows or rid themselves of their negative feelings. Irrational Idea 6 - If something is or may be dangerous or fearsome, one should be terribly occupied with it and upset about it. Irrational Idea 7 - It is easier to avoid facing many life difficulties and self-responsibilities than to undertake more rewarding forms of self-discipline. Irrational Idea 8 - The past is all-important and because something once strongly affected one’s life, it should indefinitely do so. Irrational Idea 9 - People and things should be different from the way that they are, and it is catastrophic if perfect to the grim realities of life are not immediately found. Irrational Idea 10 - Maximum human happiness can be achieved by inertia and inaction or by passively "enjoying oneself."

Rational versus Irrational and the three key questions to ask yourself about your beliefs.

1.    Does my belief help me or hinder me in the long term? Rational thinking is defined as thoughts that are helpful to you over the long run. Irrational thinking is defined as thoughts that hinder you over the long run. Follow-up question: If my belief hinders me, what rational belief would be more likely to help me reach my goals and to feel better? 2.    Is my belief consistent with known facts and reality? In other words:  are your thoughts fact or fiction?   Rational thinking is defined as thoughts that are consistent with known facts. Irrational thinking is thoughts that are inconsistent with or unsupported by known facts. Follow-up question: If my belief is inconsistent with reality, then what rational belief would be more consistent with reality? 3.    Is my belief logical? Logical means thinking that makes sense. For example, if you said you would very much like to succeed at something, does it logically follow that therefore you must succeed? No, the necessity for success does not follow logically from the fact that success would be beneficial. Or does it make sense to think: “because something is bad, I can’t stand it”? Follow-up question:  If my belief is illogical, what rational belief would make more sense logically?   Much irrationally results from simple laziness. “Jumping to a conclusion” without taking the time to think things through.  I’ve been guilty of this myself on many occasions. On the other hand, we all know people who analyse to excess. A human can hold only a small number of ideas in his mind at one time. When faced with a complex decision, a decision maker must use at least elementary principles of decision theory, if he is to arrive at an optimal result.  Dysfunction thoughts produce dysfunctional feelings (emotions) produce dysfunctional behaviours. Even the simple method outlined by Benjamin Franklin – writing down pros and cons in two columns on a sheet of paper – can greatly increase the probability of reaching a rational decision. Before I start counselling a new alcoholic patient, I need to assess their ability to absorb and retain what I am going to say to them. When it comes to feeling mentally and emotionally switched on, we have to have the correct brain chemistry – get it wrong and you will never achieve the feeling of wellbeing that you crave. Tyrosine Mood Food is necessary for the manufacture of dopamine and noradrenaline, which are required for concentration, alertness, memory and a happy stable mood.  Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for the sense of satisfaction – why do we drink? To feel satisfied.  It is also the reward neurotransmitter – why do we drink?  It rewards us and makes us feel better about life. To help the alcoholic relax I recommend Magnesium Complete as it will assist in the reduction of stress, nervous tension, anxiety and sleeplessness. I take Magnesium Ultra Potent because it suits me to use the powder format and to help prevent muscle cramps at night. L-Glutamine helps to remove ammonia from the bloodstream to lower levels of toxic ammonia that build up when liver dysfunction is present. A practicing alcoholic has a very inflamed liver and needs to detox and heal, if the body is to recover from alcoholism. L-Glutamine is the most amazing amino acid in the body! It is vital for healthy intestinal function and may help with inflammation of the intestinal tract. It is also vital for muscle growth and healthy muscle function. It also assists muscle recovery after exercise. I always put my patients on an exercise program to help heal their mind, body and spirit. L-Glutamine also supports efficient brain function. Glutamine can be found in our Ultimate Gut Health Powder. Livatone Plus is a powerful formula that can support liver function when there are more chronic liver problems. It is beneficial for a sluggish bile flow and gallbladder problems or if you have lost your gallbladder. It is beneficial in reducing abdominal bloating, burping and flatulence and provides extra antioxidant protection for the liver when required. Allergies are related to poor liver function which reduces the liver’s efficiency in cleansing the blood of toxins (such as antibodies and chemicals like alcohol.) Such toxins over stimulate the immune system causing it to pour out inflammatory chemicals. Read Dr. Cabot’s book The Liver Cleansing Diet.   The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.