“Breaking Addiction: A 7-Step Handbook for Ending Any Addiction” by Lance M. Dodes, M.D. is a comprehensive guidebook that provides a structured approach to ending addictive behaviors. While the book is not specifically focused on shoplifting addiction, its practical and evidence-based approach can be helpful for individuals struggling with compulsive stealing behavior.
Chapter 1: Understanding Addiction This chapter provides an overview of addiction and the underlying psychological and neurobiological processes that contribute to addictive behaviors. It can help individuals struggling with shoplifting addiction understand the underlying factors that drive their behavior and begin to develop effective strategies for change.
Chapter 2: The Decision to Change In this chapter, the author emphasizes the importance of making a conscious decision to change addictive behaviors. For individuals struggling with shoplifting addiction, this may involve recognizing the negative consequences of their behavior and committing to ending it.
Chapter 3: Overcoming Resistance This chapter addresses common barriers and resistance that individuals may experience during the addiction recovery process. It can help individuals struggling with shoplifting addiction identify and overcome obstacles to behavior change, such as shame, guilt, and fear of punishment.
Chapter 4: Building a New Life This chapter emphasizes the importance of developing a new lifestyle and social network that supports recovery. For individuals struggling with shoplifting addiction, this may involve finding healthy hobbies and relationships that promote wellness and prevent relapse.
Chapter 5: Understanding Relapse In this chapter, the author provides an in-depth explanation of the relapse process and how to identify and address triggers and high-risk situations. It can help individuals struggling with shoplifting addiction develop a relapse prevention plan and build resilience to prevent relapse.
Chapter 6: Dealing with Other Mental Health Issues This chapter emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying mental health issues that may contribute to addictive behaviors. For individuals struggling with shoplifting addiction, this may involve addressing underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
Chapter 7: Maintaining Recovery This chapter provides guidance on how to maintain long-term recovery and prevent relapse. It can help individuals struggling with shoplifting addiction develop ongoing self-care, support, and accountability to prevent relapse and maintain long-term recovery.
Overall, “Breaking Addiction” offers a structured and evidence-based approach to ending addictive behaviors, which can be helpful for individuals struggling with shoplifting addiction. It provides practical guidance on understanding addiction, making the decision to change, building a new life, and maintaining recovery. Additionally, the book addresses common barriers and challenges to recovery, such as resistance and relapse, which can be particularly relevant for individuals struggling with shoplifting addiction.