If you are struggling with a shoplifting addiction, understanding the concept of “dragons” from Daniel Amen’s book “The Brain is Always Listening” can help you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors. The dragons represent different negative thought patterns that can contribute to addiction and other harmful behaviors.
To overcome a shoplifting addiction, it’s important to recognize and work to overcome each dragon. The 13 dragons include:
- ANXIOUS DRAGONS: These dragons represent excessive worry or anxiety that can contribute to a need for relief through shoplifting. To overcome anxious dragons, you could practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.
- FLEE DRAGONS: Flee dragons represent the urge to escape or avoid difficult emotions or situations, which can lead to negative behaviors such as shoplifting. To overcome flee dragons, you could practice facing difficult emotions and situations with mindfulness and self-compassion.
- FIGHT DRAGONS: Fight dragons represent a combative attitude towards life and others, which can lead to negative behaviors such as shoplifting as a way to “win” or gain power. To overcome fight dragons, you could practice empathy and conflict resolution skills.
- FREEZE DRAGONS: Freeze dragons represent a state of being “stuck” or unable to take action, which can lead to negative behaviors such as shoplifting as a way to feel a sense of control or power. To overcome freeze dragons, you could practice taking small steps towards goals and seeking support from others.
- ADDICTED DRAGONS: Addicted dragons represent the craving for pleasure or relief from pain, which can lead to negative behaviors such as shoplifting as a way to satisfy the craving. To overcome addicted dragons, you could seek professional help for addiction and learn healthy coping mechanisms such as self-care and positive self-talk.
- IMPATIENT DRAGONS: Impatient dragons represent the desire for instant gratification, which can lead to negative behaviors such as shoplifting as a way to obtain material possessions. To overcome inpatient dragons, you could practice delaying gratification and focusing on long-term goals.
- UNORGANIZED DRAGONS: Unorganized dragons represent chaos and disorganization in one’s life, which can contribute to negative behaviors such as shoplifting as a way to gain a sense of control. To overcome unorganized dragons, you could practice time management and organizational skills.
- PERFECTIONIST DRAGONS: Perfectionist dragons represent the need for everything to be “perfect,” which can lead to negative behaviors such as shoplifting as a way to satisfy the desire for perfection. To overcome perfectionist dragons, you could practice self-compassion and accepting mistakes as part of the learning process.
- INSECURE DRAGONS: Insecure dragons represent a lack of self-worth and self-esteem, and seeking validation from others, which can contribute to negative behaviors such as shoplifting as a way to feel a sense of worth. To overcome insecure dragons, you could practice self-affirmations and seek validation from within.
- IMPULSIVE DRAGONS: Impulsive dragons represent the urge to act without thinking, which can lead to negative behaviors such as shoplifting. To overcome impulsive dragons, you could practice impulse control techniques such as mindfulness or cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- ENVY DRAGONS: Envy dragons represent the desire for what others have, which can lead to negative behaviors such as shoplifting as a way to obtain material possessions. To overcome envy dragons, you could focus on gratitude and appreciation for what you have, and practice mindfulness to stay present and content in the moment.
- ANXIOUS DRAGONS: Anxious dragons represent a tendency towards anxiety and fear, which can lead to impulsive behaviors such as shoplifting as a way to cope with stress. To overcome anxious dragons, you could practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing, and seek therapy to learn coping skills and address underlying anxiety issues. Developing healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise or talking to a trusted friend or family member, can also be helpful in managing anxiety and reducing the urge to shoplift.
- AGGRESSIVE DRAGONS: Aggressive dragons represent a tendency towards anger and aggression, which can lead to negative behaviors such as shoplifting as a way to “get back” at others. To overcome aggressive dragons, you could practice anger management techniques such as deep breathing and seeking therapy to address underlying issues.
By recognizing and addressing each dragon, you can take important steps toward overcoming a shoplifting addiction. Remember to be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process, and seek professional help if needed.