What it is Euphoric Recall and How to Deal With it

1. 12/09/2022, 11:41 WhatitisEuphoricRecallandHowtoDealWithit BLOG EUPHORICRECALL:WHATITIS&HOWTO DEAL WITHIT When recovering from sex addiction, it’s important to address the euphoric recall that can potentiallytriggerarelapse.Whileonlyrememberingthepositivefeelingsassociatedwithyour past behaviors, these recollections don’t remind you of any negative physical or emotional consequencesofyouractions. WhatisEuphoricRecall? Euphoric recall is an addictive thinking that brings to light how great the event was while minimizingorevencompletelyblockingoutanytroublesyoumayhaveexperiencedbecauseof thisbehavior. When recalling events in your memory, the same areas of the brain are activated that were in useduringyourpleasurableencounter.Infact,thesememoriescreateabiochemicalresponse https://beginagaininstitute.com/blog/what-is-euphoric-recall-and-how-to-deal-with-it/

2. 12/09/2022, 11:41 WhatitisEuphoricRecallandHowtoDealWithit thatmayevenfeelbetterthantheactualevent.Thisallowsyoutojustifyyourbehaviorsand minimizecostsandconsequences.Withalltypesofaddiction,thebraintendstofocuson positiveoutcomesthatcantriggerarelapse. Duetothisenhancedmemoryofpleasure,youmayexperiencesomeotherdifcultiesasa resultofthiswarpedviewonreality. PositiveExpectancy As the brain’s biochemistry is altered as a result of the addiction, you may begin to expect only positive outcomes from engaging in the undesired behavior since your brain is blocking out or minimizingthenegativeimpact.Theseexpectationsmayleadyoutobelievethatyouareonthe rightpathforagood lifeandcanleadtodistortionsinjudgmentandyourabilitytocontrolyour impulses. Anhedonia Previewinnewtab(opensinanewtab) When the pleasure center in the brain is constantly kept stimulated with excess chemicals enhanced by recalling euphoric events, this can lead to what is known as anhedonia. Anhedonia is a state where you cannot gain pleasure from regular activities. In addiction, this typically leadstoengagingintheunwantedbehaviormorefrequentlyjustsothatyoucanfeelsomething. DoCravingsEqualEuphoricRecall? Cravings are not the same thing as this twisted recollection of events. However, only rememberingthepositivefeelingsassociatedwithyourpastbehaviors–andfailingtorecallthe bad that could occur as a result – can lead to craving the activity even more. Once this occurs, you must overcome these cravings to prevent a relapse. Relapse, or recovery maintenance, is a criticalpartoftheprocess. SignsYou’reExperiencingEuphoricRecall Perhaps the most obvious sign that you are experiencing euphoric recall is that you either cannotrememberbadconsequencestogivingintoyouraddictionoryoundwaystojustifyor minimize engaging in that behavior. There are some other signs that may show you are experiencingthisdetrimentalwayofthinking: Obsessingoverthebehavior Feelingdepressed Sufferingfrommoodswings https://beginagaininstitute.com/blog/what-is-euphoric-recall-and-how-to-deal-with-it/

3. 12/09/2022, 11:41 WhatitisEuphoricRecallandHowtoDealWithit HowtoCopewithEuphoricRecall Althoughyoumaynotalwaysbeabletopreventmemoriesfromcomingtomind,therearesome ways that you can look more realistically at past events to prevent these recollections from triggeringarelapse. NegativeRecall Ratherthanfocusingonthepositiveaspectsofgivingintoyouraddiction,youshouldtakethe time to emphasize your thoughts on the negative consequences you will face if you engage in sexualactivities.Wheneveryourecalltheeuphoriathatcomeswiththeactions,replacethose thoughts with how bad you will feel if you give in until the euphoria passes. Use a journal or makealistofallofthecostsifyoundthishelpful. Grounding Iftheenjoymentofpasteventscomestomind,youcanfocusonthehereandnowbyengaging in an activity that uses yourve senses. The physical sensations of groundingcan make you moreawareofthemomenttotakeyourmindoffofunwantedrecollections.Herearejustafew ideastogetyoustarted: Suckonasourorstronglyflavoredpieceofcandy Singasongorreciteapoem Usearomatherapywithessentialoil:bylightingacandleorbyspritzingsomeair fresheneraroundtheroom Holdanicecubeandfocusonthesensationasitmeltsinyourhand https://beginagaininstitute.com/blog/what-is-euphoric-recall-and-how-to-deal-with-it/

4. 12/09/2022, 11:41 WhatitisEuphoricRecallandHowtoDealWithit Engageinstrenuousexercisesuchasjumpingjacksorrunningaroundtheblock Gooutsidetofocusonthesoundsorturnonapodcasttolistento Rub lotion on your hands or feet Drinkherbalteaandsavortheflavor Createsomethingthroughcrafting,drawing,painting,sculpting,woodworking, takingpictures,orsomeotherartisticendeavor Usethe54321methodtopointoutfiveobjects,listenforfourdifferentsounds,feel items with three different textures, identify two scents, and enjoy one flavor for taste. Meditation Manypeoplendguidedmeditationtobehelpfulinmovingthemindfromunwantedtomore desirable thoughts. Not only will you change your thinking, but you will also be more relaxed and in touch with your mind, body, and the present. You cannd guided meditation sessions easilyforfreeonYouTube. RegulatedBreathing Whetheryouchoosedeepbreathingormoreregulatedformsofbreathing,youmustfocusyour attention on the technique, which will get your mind onto the present while providing some relaxation and relief from stress. Some methods of regulated breathinginclude belly breathing and4-7-8breathing. OtherMethods If it is continually hard to distract yourself from continuing recall episodes, you may need to takeadditionalmeasures.Acupuncturecausesareleaseofendorphinsthatcanbepleasurable tothebrain,potentiallyreducingtheneedtoseekpleasurethroughaddiction. Take the time to talk to your sponsor or a trusted friend. This person can help to get you groundedordrawyourfocusawayfromtheeuphoricrecollections.Althoughitisimportantto addresstheissuewiththisindividual,itcanhelpifyoucontinuetoengageinsmalltalkforabit tobringyourattentiontoreal-lifematters. Sometimes, a familiar environment can produce memories more frequently. When no other optionsprovideyouwithrelieffromrelivingyourpastencounters,itmightbetimetomovetoa new location. However, if you choose this option, make sure you will have the support for your recoveryinplacebeforeyounalizeyourmove. https://beginagaininstitute.com/blog/what-is-euphoric-recall-and-how-to-deal-with-it/

5. 12/09/2022, 11:41 WhatitisEuphoricRecallandHowtoDealWithit TheImportanceofContinuedCare Recoveryisacontinuingprocess,soitisimportanttomaintainyourcaretopreventarelapse. In fact, researchhas shown that those who keep up with aftercare are less likely to return to theiraddictiveactionsthanthosewhostop.Whetheryouattendgrouporindividualsessions, meetings, or other types of continuing care, you will be better able to handle any episodes of euphoricrecallandresisttheurgetorelapseintooldbehaviors. In addition to our treatment programs, Begin Again Institute is committed to ensuring you maintainyourrecovery.ThroughourContinuingCareProgram,youhavetheopportunityto connectwithabroadcommunityofsupportpersons. Category:SexAddiction ByBeginAgainInstitute October22,2020 https://beginagaininstitute.com/blog/what-is-euphoric-recall-and-how-to-deal-with-it/