"A sudden bold and unexpected question doth many times surprise a man and lay him open."  -Francis Bacon

It is amazing how powerful a proper question can be.  If you find yourself in a situation where you are tempted, you can change the course of your life by asking and answering for yourself the following 10 questions. By asking yourself these questions you engage the part of the brain that is rational and logical. It is this part that has the ability to put the brakes on before acting on triggers. If you feel yourself heading down the path to addictive behaviors, stop and ask yourself these. When you are tempted you probably will not want to ask yourself these question but the commitment to do so can change the course of your life. Think about it.

The Ten Commandment Questions of Relapse Prevention

1) Will acting on this temptation bring me long-term satisfaction or instant gratification?

2) What will be the end result if I act on this temptation?

3) If I choose to act on this temptation will it make my life better or worse?

4) Do I take 100% responsibility for my own actions or do I blame others and make excuses?

5) Can anything force me to act out on this trigger against my will?

6) Is there a part of me that wants to walk away from this?

7) Can I choose to follow that part that wants to walk away?

8) Is there a feeling of peace that will come to me if I walk away?

9) Would I feel better about myself tomorrow if I didn't act out today?

10) Can the addicted part of my brain force me to act out against my will?