AVRT Definition of Terms - reposted from a 2011 thread post
 

Hi everyone, I was looking around in a 2011 thread and found this, so I am re-posting it. Oops ~ I didn't take note of who originally wrote it out, I hope that's OK:

"Since some terminology is different in the AVRT paradigm, I probably should have defined some terms so everyone is on the same footing.

Addiction:

Addiction is chemical use or dependence that exists against one's own better judgment, and persists in spite of efforts to control or eliminate the use of the substance. Addiction exists only in a state of ambivalence, in which one strongly wants to continue drinking alcohol or using other drugs, but also wants to quit or at least reduce the painful consequences.

Addictive Voice:

Any thinking, mental image, or feeling that supports, or even suggests, your future use of alcohol or drugs.
An expression of the appetite for pleasure induced by alcohol or drugs, or the Beast.

Beast:

The desire to get high, to drink or use drugs.
Addictive desire. Often used synonymously with "Addictive Voice," but more accurately, the appetite or desire for substance-induced pleasure.The Addictive Voice is to the Beast what a bark is to a dog.

Big Plan:
A transcending personal commitment to unconditional, permanent abstinence. The reasons for making a Big Plan can vary between individuals.

Recovery:

Secure, permanent abstinence. Nothing else."

So I thought this was worth a re-post.

I'm doing well, and you know what, this forum is helping me envision the way things are, very well.

The way things are ~ well, I'm winning at the 100% default confidence ~ and a big plan is starting to bubble toward the surface. A bigger plan than my down to earth and skeptical nature has ever allowed to rumble, as yet.

I hope you are all having a great January.


(We need a yoghurt eating emoticon, hey!)

Great post, Kuebiko! This thread is one of my favourites here, and it represents the best discussion of AVRT anywhere in my estimation.

I am linking to the original post so that others can follow it too.
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...iscussion.html

Another reason I am linking is to provide authorship - a past member who called himself Terminally Unique, who was the primary proponent of AVRT here at SR for years. Thank you TU. I owe you.

It is truly a gift, Kuebiko, the ability to see things as they are, and move towards an acceptance and understanding. This is one task where an unshakable confidence in self is essential. Fortunately, once you have made your big plan, everything that might affect this confidence is outside of you, leaving you unaffected and resolute in your choice. Make that Big Plan, keep that confidence in self pegged at the limit, and you will be just fine. Well done!