Summary
Hey, it’s Matt with The Addiction Newsletter.
Here’s what’s inside today
How addiction tricks your mind like an optical illusion.
A quick gratitude exercise to stay free.
Someone who passed their old liquor store without a craving.
Reply with your day count — I read every message.
Free treatment and detox options if you ever need them.
Let’s get started.
Day Counter/Accountability
If you want some extra accountability from me, feel free to reply this newsletter with how many days it has been.
I read every single reply and do my best to reply to them. I am always here for you.
(Example: “Hey Matt, it’s been 33 days since I have used X”)
Matt’s Daily Counter & Thoughts
Days Since Last Use: 331
Thoughts: I literally did not think about (substance) a single time in the past 24 hours (since last newsletter) except for writing it now. I believe myself to be completely free. I think this is true because I no longer have any positive or negative emotions when thinking about (substance). I feel a feeling of apathy and complete indifference towards it.
Illusions
(Note: This is directly copied from Allen Carr’s Easy Way Series of Books. It is so important I need to include it here)
Take a look at the two tables below, one square, one rectangular. Which table is longer?
If I were to tell you that the dimensions of each table are exactly the same, you’d be extremely skeptical, wouldn’t you? You’ve already accepted that it’s one square table and one rectangular one because that’s what I told you it is and it tallies with that you see.
However, the fact is they’re both identical. If you don’t believe me, take a ruler and measure them. Extraordinary, isn’t it? The reason I’m showing you this illusion is because I want to demonstrate how our minds can easily be tricked into accepting as true something that is false.
Your only frame of reference regarding (substance) is your addicted state of mind and body, so in that context, a shot of (substance) seems to deliver a boost. In reality, it’s dragging you down mentally and physically. The only reason you take (substance) is to try to get rid of the withdrawal – i.e. to feel like someone who doesn’t take it, since they never experience withdrawal – and to feel like you felt the whole of your life before you got addicted to it. The only thing stopping you from feeling that way for the rest of your life is the next shot.
Illusions are normally fun. We love watching movies even though we know they’re not reality. We all go through the masquerade of pretending we believe in Father Christmas because it’s fun for the kids. Most of us love to watch a magician even though we know we’re not actually watching real magic.
Illusions are great and it’s healthy and fun to engage with them when they make us happy. But this illusion is not making you happy. It’s destroying your quality of life, making you feel ill and costing you a fortune.
Daily: Re-Writing Our Thoughts
Today, if you feel the need to use or you feel any desire, I want you to immediately have a smile on your face, put your hands up in the air, and say “Isn’t it wonderful? I am so happy and grateful that I am finally free from (substance)!”
I want you to spend your time being grateful and cultivating the thought and mindset of being free. The more you think about it, the more free you become.
Reader Win Of The Day
Here is the win of the day for one of our readers. I will keep most of the information anonymous:
“Hey Matt, I don’t know if this counts as a big win, but I drove past the liquor store I used to stop at every day… and I didn’t even think about going in. I actually laughed when I realized it, because for years that place had a hold on me.
I’m starting to understand what you mean when you say we’re not giving anything up.”
(Note: If you have a win, no matter how large, or how small, reply to this email and I’ll include it in the future)
How I Can Help You
I refer thousands of people every month to detox and treatment centers across the United States. Depending on if you have insurance and what type, a lot of the time you can get treatment completely free. If not, it does cost money unfortunately.
If you’d like to use this free service, click below.
Disclaimer
This newsletter is for educational and motivational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a substitute for professional treatment. If you’re in crisis or need immediate help, please contact your local emergency services or the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)