Core Beliefs
Below is a list of common negative core beliefs, tick the ones you can identify with.
Addict’s beliefs
- I can’t live without it — Getting high is my most important need
- I am weak — I must avoid pain at all costs
- I need it — It helps me — There’s something wrong with me
- I don’t have any choice — I can’t say no
- I will never get better – Addiction is a chronic disease
Security
- I can’t trust anyone – People are untrustworthy
- I have to be alert for danger at all times — The world is an unsafe place
- I am afraid — I should not be afraid
- Bad things I have done are unforgivable — People don’t trust me
- No one will protect me — Others will always let me down
Helpless
- I am Helpless – My unhappiness is caused by things outside my control
- I need to be in control — My life is out of control
- I am a victim – no one cares about me — life isn’t fair
- I can’t change – I am trapped
- I can’t cope — Life is full of stress and overload
Low self esteem
- I am disrespected
- I have nothing to offer – others won’t like me
- I am inadequate, ineffective, and incompetent
Belonging
- I am unwanted
- I don’t fit in
- I am all alone – No one cares about me
Not good enough
- I am unlovable, and worthless – I don’t like myself
- I am stupid – I must never get anything wrong
- I am guilty, it’s always my fault —
- I’m unimportant………. if I don’t get my way
- I’m weak or a loser………. If I don’t defend myself
Identity
- I am a fraud — If you really knew me you wouldn’t like me
- I am confused – I don’t know who I really am
- I am lost – There is something wrong with me/the world
- I am a loser
- I am unattractive – I don’t like how I look
- Past events have ruined my chance to be happy
People pleasing
- I must please people in order for them to like me
- Arguing is wrong — People should always get along
- I’ll never live up to my parents expectations – I must have their approval
Thoughts of entitlement
- Things must be the way I want them – Life should be fair
- I should always get what I want — The world owes me a living
- I should be able to release all my anger
Generalizations and distortions
- My needs are not going to be met if I have to depend on others
- People are evil, greedy, out to get me
- I won’t succeed so why bother trying
Perfectionism
- I must be perfect – If things don’t go perfectly it’s a disaster
- I have to have all the answers – Things are either right or wrong
- I’m better than others — My way is the best
- Every problem should have an ideal solution
Dylan Kerr Addiction Therapy 