Amen Clinics Creating A Brain Healthy Addiction Treatment

Help Your Patients Recover By Building Better Brains and Better Lives

Amen Clinics

Creating A Brain Healthy

Addiction Treatment Program

10 Steps to Breaking the

Addictions That Steal Your Life

PROFESSIONAL VERSION

Daniel G. Amen, MD

Co-Author of Unchain Your Brain and Author of

Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

Other Programs by Dr. Amen

THE AMEN SOLUTION, Crown Archetype, 2011

END EMOTIONAL OVEREATING NOW with Larry Momaya, MD, MindWorks Press, 2011

UNCHAIN YOUR BRAIN, with David E. Smith, MD, MindWorks Press, 2010

WIRED FOR SUCCESS, MindWorks Press, 2010

CHANGE YOUR BRAIN, CHANGE YOUR BODY, Harmony Books 2010, New York Times Bestseller

MAGNIFICENT MIND AT ANY AGE, Harmony Books 2009, New York Times Bestseller

SEX ON THE BRAIN, Harmony Books 2007

MAKING A GOOD BRAIN GREAT, Harmony Books 2005, Amazon Book of the Year

PREVENTING ALZHEIMER’S, with neurologist William R. Shankle, Putnam, 2004

HEALING ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION, with Lisa Routh, MD, Putnam, 2003

NEW SKILLS FOR FRAZZLED PARENTS, MindWorks Press, 2003

HEALING THE HARDWARE OF THE SOUL, Free Press, 2002

IMAGES OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR: A Brain SPECT Atlas, MindWorks Press, 2003

HEALING ADD, Putnam, 2001

HOW TO GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY, MindWorks Press 2000

CHANGE YOUR BRAIN, CHANGE YOUR LIFE, Three Rivers Press, 1999, New York Times Bestseller

A.D.D. IN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS, MindWorks Press, 1997

Wo

uld You Give 2 MINUTES A DAY For A Lifetime Of Love, St. Martin's Press 1996

A CHILD'S GUIDE TO A.D.D, MindWorks Press 1996

A TEENAGERS GUIDE TO A.D.D., (written with Antony Amen and Sharon Johnson) MindWorks Press 1995

MINDCOACH: Teaching Kids To Think Positive And Feel Good, MindWorks Press, 1994

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN LIFE I LEARNED FROM A PENGUIN, MindWorks Press, 1994

TEN STEPS TO BUILDING VALUES WITHIN CHILDREN, MindWorks Press 1994

THE SECRETS OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS, MindWorks Press 1994

HEALING THE CHAOS WITHIN, MindWorks Press 1993

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

The information presented in this book is the result of years of practice experience and clinical research by the

author. The information in this book, by necessity, is of a general nature and not a substitute for an evaluation or

treatment by a competent medical specialist. If you believe you are in need of medical interventions please see a

medical practitioner as soon as possible. The stories in this book are true. The names and circumstances of the

stories have been changed to protect the anonymity of patients.

Creating A Brain Healthy

Addiction Treatment Program Contents

C

reating A Brain Healthy Addiction Treatment Program Materials, included:

 Amen Clinics Intake Form

 Amen Clinics Questionnaires and Answer Keys

o Amen Clinics General Symptoms Checklist and Diagnostic Answer Key

o Unchain Your Brain Master Questionnaire and Answer Key

o Amen Clinics Learning Disability Screening Questionnaire and Answer Key

o Amen Clinics Hormone Questionnaire for Men with Answer Key

o Amen Clinics Hormone Questionnaire for Women with Answer Key

 Amen Clinics 8 Circles of Health and Healing

 Know Your Important Health Numbers

 Summary Chart of the Amen Clinics Six Types of Addicts

10 Patient Handouts (1 for each of the 10 steps)

1. Know Your Motivation: To Drive Your Desire to Change

2. Get the Right Evaluation: A Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Approach

3. Know Your Brain Type: Learn the Six Different Types of Addiction

4. Boost Your Brain to Get Control: And Prevent Lasting Memory Problems and Brain Damage

5. Craving Control: Nine Ways to Lock Up the Craving Monster That Steals Your Life

6. Eat Right to Think Right and Heal from Your Addiction

7. Kill the Addiction ANTs That Infest Your Brain and Keep You in Chains

8. Manage Your Stress That Triggers Relapse

9. H-A-L-T Plus: Overcome the Barriers That Keep You from Conquering Your Addictions

10. Get Well, Beyond Yourself: Finding Meaning in Family and Community

Bonus Materials

Additional Resources

COMPLETE EVALUATION FORMS

TAB GOES HERE

AMEN CLINICS INTAKE FORM

In order for us to be able to fully evaluate you, please fill out the following intake form and questionnaires to the best of your ability.

We realize there is a lot of information and you may not remember or have access to all of it; do the best you can. If there is

information you do not want in your medical chart it is ok to refrain from putting it in this information. Thank you!

PATIENT IDENTIFICATION

Name _______________________________ First Appointment Date _________________________________

Birth Date _______________ ____________ Age _________ Sex ___________________________________

Religion _____________________________ Marital Status _________________________________________

Race _______________________________ Children ______________________________________________

Address _____________________________ City ______________________ State ____ Zip ______________

Home Phone # _______________________ Work # ______________________________________________

Who are you currently living with? _____________________________________________________________

REFERRAL SOURCE ______________________ Address ________________________________________

Phone #____________ Fax # ________________ Do we have your permission to release information to the

referring professional when it is appropriate? Yes ____ No _____

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTATION (Please give a brief summary of the main problems)

__________________________________________________________________________________________

WHY DID YOU SEEK THE EVALUATION AT THIS TIME? What are your goals in being here?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:______________________________________

PRIOR ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT PROBLEMS/PRIOR PSYCHIATRIC HISTORY

(Please include contact with other professionals, medications, types of treatment, etc.)

__________________________________________________________________________________________

MEDICAL HISTORY

Current medical problems/medications:__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Current supplemets/vitamins/herbs:_____________________________________________________________

Past medical problems/medications: ____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Other doctors/clinics seen regularly: ____________________________________________________________

Ever any seizures or seizure like activity? ________________________________________________________

Prior hospitalizations (place, cause, date, outcome): ________________________________________________

Prior abnormal lab tests, X-rays, EEG, etc: _______________________________________________________

Allergies/drug intolerances (describe): __________________________________________________________

Any history of head trauma? Sports? Falls? Motor vehicle accidents? Assaults? (describe):

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Present Height _______ Present Weight _______ Present Waist Size ________

CURRENT LIFE STRESSES (include anything that is currently stressful for you, examples include

relationships, job, school, finances, children)______________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prenatal and birth events: Your parents attitude toward their pregnancy with you _______________________

Pregnancy complications (bleeding, excess vomiting, medication, infections, x-rays, smoking, alcohol/drug use,

etc_______________________________________________________________________________________

Any birth problems, trauma, forceps or complications?: _____________________________________________

Sleep behavior: sleepwalking, nightmares, recurrent dreams, current problems (getting up, going to bed)

_________________________________________________________________________________________

School History: Last grade completed ____________ Last school attended ___________________________

Average grades received ______________ Specific learning disabilities _______________________________

Learning strengths __________________________________________________________________________

Any behavior problems in school? _____________________________________________________________

What have teachers said about you _____________________________________________________________

Please bring school report cards and any state, national or special testing that has been performed.

Name:______________________________________

Employment History: (summarize jobs you've had, list most favorite and least favorite)

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Any work-related problems? __________________________________________________________________

What would your employers or supervisors say about you? __________________________________________

Military History? __________________________________________________________________________

Ever Any Legal Problems? __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Sexual history: (answer only as much as you feel comfortable)

Age at the time of first sexual experience: _______ Number of sexual partners: _________

Any history of sexually transmitted disease? _________ History of abortion? ___________________________

History of sexual abuse, molestation or rape? _____________________________________________________

Current sexual problems?_____________________________________________________________________

Alcohol and Drug History: (Please list age started and types of substances used through the years and any

current usage. Also, describe how each of these substances made you feel; what benefit you got from them.).

These include alcohol (hard liquor, beer, wine), marijuana or hash, prescription tranquilizers or sleeping pills,

inhalants (glue, gasoline, cleaning fluids, etc.), cocaine or crack, amphetamines or crank or ice, steroids, opiates

(heroin, codeine, morphine or other pain killers), barbiturates, hallucinating drugs (LSD, mescaline,

mushrooms), PCP. __________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Ever experience withdrawal symptoms from alcohol or drugs? _______________________________________

Has anyone told you they thought you had a problem with drugs or alcohol? ____________________________

Have you ever felt guilty about your drug or alcohol use? ___________________________________________

Have you ever felt annoyed when someone talked to you about your drug or alcohol use? __________________

Have you ever used drugs or alcohol first thing in the morning?_______________________________________

Caffeine use per day (caffeine is in coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate) _____________________________________

Nicotine use per day, past and present, (nicotine is in cigarettes, cigars, tobacco chew) ____________________

FAMILY HISTORY

Family Structure (who lives in your current household, please give relationship to each):

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Current Marital or Relationship Satisfaction___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

History of Past Marriages ___________________________________________________________________

Significant Developmental Events (include marriages, separations, divorces, deaths, traumatic events, losses,

abuse, etc.)________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:______________________________________

Natural Mother's History: age_____ outside work _______________________________________________

School: highest grade completed _______________________________________________________________

Learning problems __________________________ Behavior problems ______________________________

Marriages _________________________________________________________________________________

Medical Problems __________________________________________________________________________

Childhood atmosphere (family position, abuse, illnesses, etc)_________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Has mother ever sought psychiatric treatment? Yes ___ No ___ If yes, for what purpose? _________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Mother's alcohol/drug use history ______________________________________________________________

Have any of your mother's blood relatives ever had any learning problems or psychiatric problems including

such things as alcohol/drug abuse, depression, anxiety, suicide attempts, psychiatric hospitalizations? (specify)

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Natural Father's History: age_____ outside work ________________________________________________

School: highest grade completed _______________________________________________________________

Learning problems __________________________ Behavior problems ______________________________

Marriages _________________________________________________________________________________

Medical Problems __________________________________________________________________________

Childhood atmosphere (family position, abuse, illnesses, etc)_________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Has father ever sought psychiatric treatment? Yes ___ No ___ If yes, for what purpose? __________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Father's alcohol/drug use history _______________________________________________________________

Have any of your father's blood relatives ever had any learning problems or psychiatric problems including such

things as alcohol/drug abuse, depression, anxiety, suicide attempts, psychiatric hospitalizations? (specify)

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Siblings (names, ages, problems, strengths, relationship to patient) ____________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Children (names, ages, problems, strengths) _____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Cultural/Ethnic Background ________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Describe your relationships with friends _______________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Describe yourself __________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Describe your strengths _____________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:______________________________________

AMEN CLINICS GENERAL

SYMPTOMS CHECKLIST

Please rate yourself on each of the symptoms listed below using the following scale. If possible, to give us the most

complete picture, have another person who knows you well (such as a spouse, partner or parent) rate you as well. List

other person_____________________________

0 1 2 3 4NA

Never Rarely Occasionally Frequently Very Frequently Not Applicable/Not Known

Other Self

____ ___ 1. depressed or sad mood

____ ___ 2. decreased interest in things that are usually fun, including sex

____ ___ 3. significant weight gain or loss, or marked appetite changes, increased or decreased

____ ___ 4. recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

____ ___ 5. sleep changes, lack of sleep or marked increase in sleep

____ ___ 6. physically agitated or "slowed down"

____ ___ 7. low energy or feelings of tiredness

____ ___ 8. feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness or guilt

____ ___ 9. decreased concentration or memory

____ ___ 10. periods of an elevated, high or irritable mood

____ ___ 11. periods of a very high self esteem or grandiose thinking

____ ___ 12. periods of decreased need for sleep without feeling tired

____ ___ 13. more talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking

____ ___ 14. racing thoughts or frequent jumping from one subject to another

____ ___ 15. easily distracted by irrelevant things

____ ___ 16. marked increase in activity level

____ ___ 17. excessive involvement in pleasurable activities which have the potential for painful consequences

(spending money, sexual indiscretions, gambling, foolish business ventures)

____ ___ 18. panic attacks, which are periods of intense, unexpected fear or emotional discomfort

(list number per month ____)

____ ___ 19. periods of trouble breathing of feeling smothered

____ ___ 20. periods of feeling dizzy, faint or unsteady on your feet

____ ___ 21. periods of heart pounding or rapid heart rate

____ ___ 22. periods of trembling or shaking

____ ___ 23. periods of sweating

____ ___ 24. periods of choking

____ ___ 25. periods of nausea or abdominal upset

____ ___ 26. feelings of a situation "not being real"

____ ___ 27. numbness or tingling sensations

____ ___ 28. hot or cold flashes

____ ___ 29. periods of chest pain or discomfort

____ ___ 30. fear of dying

____ ___ 31. fear of going crazy or doing something uncontrolled

____ ___ 32. avoiding everyday places for fear of having a panic attack or needing to go with other people in order to

feel comfortable

____ ___ 33. excessive fear of being judged by others which causes you to avoid or get anxious in situations

____ ___ 34. persistent, excessive phobia (heights, closed spaces, specific animals, etc.) please list ______

____ ___ 35. recurrent bothersome thoughts, ideas or images which you try to ignore

____ ___ 36. trouble getting "stuck" on certain thoughts, or having the same thought over and over

____ ___ 37. excessive or senseless worrying

____ ___ 38. others complain that you worry too much or get "stuck" on the same thoughts

Name:______________________________________

____ ___ 39. compulsive behaviors that you must do or you feel very anxious, such as excessive hand

washing, checking locks, or counting or spelling

____ ___ 40. needing to have things done a certain way or you become very upset

____ ___ 41. others complain that you do the same thing over and over to an excessive degree (such as cleaning or

checking)

____ ___ 42. recurrent and upsetting thoughts of a past traumatic event (molest, accident, fire, etc.) please list ________

____ ___ 43. recurrent distressing dreams of a past upsetting event

____ ___ 44. a sense of reliving a past upsetting event

____ ___ 45. a sense of panic or fear to events that resemble an upsetting past event

____ ___ 46. you spend effort avoiding thoughts or feelings associated with a past trauma

____ ___ 47. persistent avoidance of activities/situations which cause remembrance of upsetting event

____ ___ 48. inability to recall an important aspect of a past upsetting event

____ ___ 49. marked decreased interest in important activities

____ ___ 50. feeling detached or distant from others

____ ___ 51. feeling numb or restricted in your feelings

____ ___ 52. feeling that your future is shortened

____ ___ 53. quick startle

____ ___ 54. feels like you're always watching for bad things to happen

____ ___ 55. marked physical response to events that remind you of a past upsetting event, i.e., sweating when getting

in a car if you had been in a car accident

____ ___ 56. marked irritability or anger outbursts

____ ___ 57. unrealistic or excessive worry in at least a couple areas of your life

____ ___ 58. trembling, twitching or feeling shaky

____ ___ 59. muscle tension, aches or soreness

____ ___ 60. feelings of restlessness

____ ___ 61. easily fatigued

____ ___ 62. shortness of breath or feeling smothered

____ ___ 63. heart pounding or racing

____ ___ 64. sweating or cold clammy hands

____ ___ 65. dry mouth

____ ___ 66. dizziness or lightheadedness

____ ___ 67. nausea, diarrhea or other abdominal distress

____ ___ 68. hot or cold flashes

____ ___ 69. frequent urination

____ ___ 70. trouble swallowing or "lump in throat"

____ ___ 71. feeling keyed up or on edge

____ ___ 72. quick startle response or feeling jumpy

____ ___ 73. difficult concentrating or "mind going blank"

____ ___ 74. trouble falling or staying asleep

____ ___ 75. irritability

____ ___ 76. trouble sustaining attention or being easily distracted

____ ___ 77. difficulty completing projects

____ ___ 78. feeling overwhelmed of the tasks of everyday living

____ ___ 79. trouble maintaining an organized work or living area

____ ___ 80. inconsistent work performance

____ ___ 81. lacks attention to detail

____ ___ 82. makes decisions impulsively

____ ___ 83. difficulty delaying what you want, having to have your needs met immediately

____ ___ 84. restless, fidgety

____ ___ 85. make comments to others without considering their impact

____ ___ 86. impatient, easily frustrated

____ ___ 87. frequent traffic violations or near accidents

____ ___ 88. refusal to maintain body weight above a level most people consider healthy

____ ___ 89. intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat even though underweight

Name:______________________________________

____ ___ 90. feelings of being fat, even though you're underweight

____ ___ 91. recurrent episodes of binge eating large amounts of food

____ ___ 92. a feeling of lack of control over eating behavior

____ ___ 93. engage in regular activities to purge binges, such as self induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, strict

dieting or strenuous exercise

____ ___ 94. persistent overconcern with body shape and weight

____ ___ 95a. involuntary physical movements or motor tics (such as eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, head

jerking or picking). How long have motor tics been present?_______ How often?________

describe____________________________________________________________________

____ ___ 95b. involuntary vocal sounds or verbal tics (such as coughing, puffing, blowing, whistling,

swearing). How long have verbal tics been present?_______ How often?________

describe____________________________________________________________________

____ ___ 96. delusional or bizarre thoughts (thoughts you know others would think are false)

____ ___ 97. seeing objects, shadows or movements that are not real

____ ___ 98. hearing voices or sounds that are not real

____ ___ 99. periods where your thoughts or speech were disjointed or didn’t make sense to you or others

____ ___ 100. social isolation or withdrawal

____ ___ 101. severely impaired ability to function at home or at work

____ ___ 102. peculiar behaviors

____ ___ 103. lack of personal hygiene or grooming

____ ___ 104. inappropriate mood for the situation (i.e., laughing at sad events)

____ ___ 105. marked lack of initiative

____ ___ 106. frequent feelings that someone or something is out to hurt you or discredit you

____ ___ 107. do you snore loudly (or do others complain about your snoring)

____ ___ 108. have others said you stop breathing when you sleep

____ ___ 109. do you feel fatigued or tired during the day

____ ___ 110. do you often feel cold when others feel fine or they are warm

____ ___ 111. do you often feel warm when others feel fine or they are cold

____ ___ 112. do you have problems with brittle or dry hair

____ ___ 113. do you have problems with dry skin

____ ___ 114. do you have problems with sweating

____ ___ 115. do you have problems with chronic anxiety or tension

____ ___ 116. impairment in communication as manifested by at least one of the following:

 delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to

compensate

through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime)

 in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation

with others

 repetitive use of language or odd language

 lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level

____ ___ 117. impairment in social interaction, with at least two of the following:

 marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression,

body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction

 failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level

 lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a

lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest)

 lack of social or emotional reciprocity

____ ___ 118. repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of following:

 preoccupation with an area of that is abnormal either in intensity or focus

 rigid adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals

 repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body

movements)

 persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

AMEN CLINICS GENERAL SYMPTOMS CHECKLIST

DIAGNOSTIC ANSWER KEY

Major Depression 1-9 (at least 5 of a score of 3 or more)

Manic Episode 10 plus 11-17 (at least 3 of a score of 3 or more)

Panic Disorder 18 plus 19-31 (at least 4 of a score of 3 or more

during a panic attack)

Agoraphobia 32 with or without panic disorder

Social Phobia 33

Simple Phobias 34

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 35-41 (at least 3 of a score of 3 or more)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

42-45 (at least 1 of a score of 3 or more)

46-52 (at least 3 of a score of 3 or more)

53-57 (at least 2 of a score of 3 or more)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder 57 plus

58-75 (at least 6 of a score of 3 or more)

Adult Attention Deficit Disorder

76-87 (at least 5 of a score of 3 or more)

Anorexia Nervosa 88-90 (at least 3 of a score of 3 or more)

Bulimia Nervosa 91-94 (at least 2 of a score of 3 or more)

Tourette's or other tic disorders 95

Psychotic Disorders 96-105 (at least 3 of a score of 3 or more)

Paranoia 106

Sleep Apnea 107-109

Thyroid Abnormalities 110-115 (suspicion if two answers of 3 or more)

Autism 116-118

Asperger’s Syndrome 117-118

AMEN CLINIC QUESTIONNAIRES

TAB GOES HERE

Name:______________________________________

UNCHAIN YOUR BRAIN

MASTER QUESTIONNAIRE

Copyright  2010 Daniel Amen, M.D.

Please rate yourself on each of the symptoms listed below using the following scale. If possible, to give yourself

the most complete picture, have another person who knows you well (such as a spouse, lover, or parent) rate

you as well. List other person____________________________

0 1 2 3 4 NA

Never Rarely Occasionally Frequently Very Frequently Not Applicable/known

Other Self

_____ _____1. Trouble sustaining attention

_____ _____2. Lacks attention to detail

_____ _____3. Easily distracted

_____ _____4. Procrastinate until I have to do something

_____ _____5. Restless

_____ _____6. Loses things

_____ _____7. Difficulty expressing empathy for others

_____ _____8. Blurts out answers, interrupts frequently

_____ _____9. Impulsive (saying or doing things without thinking first)

_____ _____10. Needs caffeine or nicotine in order to focus

_____ _____11. Gets stuck on negative thoughts

_____ _____12. Worries excessively

_____ _____13. Tendency toward compulsive or addictive behaviors

_____ _____14. Holds grudges

_____ _____15. Upset when things do not go your way

_____ _____16. Upset when things are out of place

_____ _____17. Tendency to be oppositional or argumentative

_____ _____18. Dislikes change

_____ _____19. Needing to have things done a certain way or you become very upset

_____ _____20. Trouble seeing options in situations

_____ _____21. Feeling sad

_____ _____22. Being negative

_____ _____23. Feeling dissatisfied

_____ _____24. Feeling bored

_____ _____25. Low energy

_____ _____26. Decreased interest in things that are usually fun or pleasurable

_____ _____27. Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness, or guilt

_____ _____28. Crying spells

_____ _____29. Chronic low self-esteem

_____ _____30. Social isolation

_____ _____31. Feelings of nervousness and anxiety

_____ _____32. Feelings of panic

_____ _____33. Symptoms of heightened muscle tension, such as headaches or sore muscles

_____ _____34. Tendency to predict the worst

_____ _____35. Avoid conflict

Name:______________________________________

_____ _____36. Excessive fear of being judged or scrutinized by others

_____ _____37. Excessive motivation, trouble stopping work

_____ _____38. Lacks confidence in their abilities

_____ _____39. Always watching for something bad to happen

_____ _____40. Easily startled

_____ _____41. Temper problems

_____ _____42. Short fuse

_____ _____43. Irritability tends to build, then explodes, then recedes, often tired after a rage

_____ _____44. Unstable or unpredictable moods

_____ _____45. Misinterprets comments as negative when they are not

_____ _____46. Déjà vu (feelings of being somewhere you have never been)

_____ _____47. Often feel as though others are watching you or out to hurt you

_____ _____48. Dark or violent thoughts, that may come out of the blue

_____ _____49. Trouble finding the right word to say

_____ _____50. Headaches or abdominal pain of uncertain origin

_____ _____51. Tend to be clumsy or accident prone

_____ _____52. Walks into furniture or walls

_____ _____53. Trouble with coordination

_____ _____54. Poor handwriting

_____ _____55. Trouble maintaining an organized work area

_____ _____56. Multiple piles around the house

_____ _____57. More sensitive to noise than others

_____ _____58. Particularly sensitive to touch or tags in clothing

_____ _____59. Trouble learning new information or routines

_____ _____60. Trouble keeping up in conversations

_____ _____61. Forgetful

_____ _____62. Memory problems

_____ _____63. Trouble remembering appointments

_____ _____64. Trouble remembering to take medications or supplements

_____ _____65. Trouble remembering things that happened recently

_____ _____66. Trouble remembering names

_____ _____67. It is hard for me to memorize things for school, work, or hobbies

_____ _____68. I know something one day but do not remember it to the next

_____ _____69. I forget what I am going to say right in the middle of saying it

_____ _____70. I have trouble following directions that have more than one or two steps

_____ _____71. Have trouble sleeping

_____ _____72. Snores loudly or others complain about your snoring

_____ _____73. Other say you stop breathing when you sleep

_____ _____74. Feel fatigued or tired during the day

_____ _____75. Crave sweets during the day

_____ _____76. Agitated, easily upset, nervous when meals are missed

_____ _____77. Get lightheaded if meals are missed

_____ _____78. Eating relieves fatigue

_____ _____79. Light sensitive and bothered by glare, sunlight, headlights, or streetlights

_____ _____80. Become tired and/or experience headaches, mood changes, feel restless, or have an inability

to stay focused with bright or fluorescent lights

_____ _____81. Have trouble reading words that are on white, glossy paper

_____ _____82. When reading, words or letters shift, shake, blur, move, run together, disappear, or become

difficult to perceive

_____ _____83. Feel tense, tired, sleepy, or even get headaches with reading

Name:______________________________________

_____ _____84. Have problems judging distance and have difficulty with such things as escalators, stairs, ball

sports, or driving

_____ _____85. Night driving is hard

_____ _____86. Craving for simple carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, cookies, or candy

_____ _____87. Winter depression (mood problems tend to occur in the fall and winter months and recede in

the spring and summer)

_____ _____88. Diet is poor and tends to be haphazard

_____ _____89. Do not exercise

_____ _____90. Put myself at risk for brain injuries, by doing such things as not wearing my seat belt,

drinking and driving, engaging in high-risk sports, etc

_____ _____91. Live under daily or chronic stress, in my home or work life

_____ _____92. Thoughts tend to be negative, worried, or angry

_____ _____93. Problems getting at least six to seven hours of sleep a night

_____ _____94. Smoke or am exposed to second hand smoke

_____ _____95. Drink or consume more than two cups of coffee, tea, or dark sodas a day

_____ _____96. Use aspartame and/or MSG

_____ _____97. Spends time around environmental toxins, such as paint fumes, hair or nail salon fumes, or

pesticides

_____ _____98. Spend more than one hour a day watching TV

_____ _____99. Spend more than one hour a day playing video games

_____ _____100. Outside of work time, spend more than one hour a day on the computer

_____ _____101. Consume more than three normal-size drinks of alcohol a week

_____ _____102. Struggle with addictions for food, drugs, or behaviors

_____ _____103. Struggle with unhealthy cravings, either for food, alcohol, or drugs

_____ _____104. Energy is low

Answer “Yes” or “No”

_____ _____105. My brain needs help to recover from a brain injury, stroke, drug abuse, moderate to heavy

alcohol usage, environmental toxins

UNCHAIN YOUR BRAIN MASTER QUESTIONNAIRE

ANSWER KEY

Place the number of questions you, or a significant other, answered “3” or “4” in the space provided.

_____ 1 – 10 Prefrontal cortex (PFC) problems

_____ 11 – 20 Anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) problems

_____ 21 – 30 Deep limbic system (DLS) problems

_____ 31 – 40 Basal ganglia (BG) problems

_____ 41 – 50 Temporal lobe (TL) problems

_____ 51 – 60 Cerebellum Problems

_____ 61 – 70 Memory Problems

For the six brain systems above and memory problems, find below the likelihood that a problem exists. If there is a

potential problem see the corresponding section of the book or summary sheets.

5 questions = Highly probable

3 questions = Probable

1-2 questions = May be possible

_____ 71 Insomnia

_____ 72 – 74 Sleep apnea. If you answered one or more of these questions with a score of “3” or “4” you may have sleep

apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when people stop breathing multiple times during the night. It causes significant oxygen

deprivation for the brain and people often feel tired and depressed. This condition is best evaluated by a sleep study in a

specialized sleep laboratory. Treating sleep apnea often makes a positive difference in mood and energy. If you suspect a

problem talk to your physician.

_____ 75 – 78 Hypoglycemia. If you answered three or more questions with a score of “3” or “4” low blood sugar states

should be evaluated by your physician. Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia can cause symptoms of anxiety and lethargy.

Eating four to five small meals a day, as well as eliminating most of the simple sugars in your diet (such as sugar, bread,

pasta, potatoes, and rice) can be very helpful to balance your mood and anxiety levels.

_____ 79 – 85 Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome. If you answered three or more questions with a score of “3” or “4” you

may have Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS). SSS occurs when the brain is overly sensitive to certain colors of light.

This can cause headaches, anxiety, depression, problems reading, and depth perception issues. Getting this condition

properly diagnosed and treated can make a significant difference for your mental and physical health. To learn more about

the diagnosis and treatment of SSS go to www.irlen.com. Most physicians do not know about this disorder, so please do

not rely on them for accurate information.

_____ 86 Carbohydrate Cravings. If you answered this question with a score of “3” or “4” carbohydrate cravings may be a

problem. Dr. Amen’s experience led him to develop Craving Control to help people manage their cravings.

_____ 87 Seasonal Mood Disorder. If you answered this question with a score of “3” or “4” you may have a seasonal

mood disorder. Getting outside during daylight hours can be helpful, along with sitting in front of special “full spectrum

light therapy” devices for thirty minutes in the morning. See http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-

disorder/MH00023 for more information.

_____ 88 – 101 Bad Brain Habit Questions. For these questions add up your total score, not just the ones you answered 3

or 4.

If you score between 0 – 6 then odds are you have very good brain habits. Congratulations! Keep up the good work.

If you score between 7 – 12 odds are you are doing well, but you can work to be better.

If you score between 13 – 20 your brain habits are not good and you are prematurely aging your

brain. A better brain awaits you.

If you score more than 20 you have poor brain habits and it is time to be concerned. A brain makeover may just change

your life!

_____ 102. Addiction Issues. If you scored 3 or 4 on this question, a comprehensive addiction program could be very

helpful, maybe even lifesaving, for you.

Type 1 Compulsive Addicts

If you scored 3 or 4 on this question, plus a score of 3 or more on questions 11 – 20 you are likely to have the

compulsive addiction type.

Type 2 Impulsive Addicts

If you scored 3 or 4 on this question, plus a score of 3 or more on questions 1-10 you are likely to have the

impulsive addiction type.

Type 3 Impulsive-Compulsive Addicts

If you scored 3 or 4 on this question, plus a score of 3 or more on both questions 1-10 and 11-20 you are likely to

have the impulsive-compulsive addiction type.

Type 4 Sad or Emotional Addicts

If you scored 3 or 4 on this question, plus a score of 3 or more on questions 21 – 30 you are likely to have the sad

or emotional addiction type.

Type 5 Anxious Addicts

If you scored 3 or 4 on this question, plus a score of 3 or more on questions 31 – 40 you are likely to have the

anxious addiction type.

Type 6 Temporal Lobe Addicts

If you scored 3 or 4 on this question, plus a score of 3 or more on questions 41 – 50 you are likely to have the

temporal lobe addiction type.

_____ 103. Cravings. If you scored 3 or 4 on this question, cravings may be a problem for you and you may benefit from

information in Chapter 10: Craving Control or our craving formula Craving Control.

_____ 104. Low Energy. If you scored 3 or 4 on this question, low energy may be a problem for you and you may benefit

from our Focus and Energy Optimizer.

Answer “Yes” or “No”

______ 105. My brain needs help to recover from a brain injury, stroke, drug abuse, moderate to heavy alcohol usage,

environmental toxins. Consider our Brain and Memory Power Boost.

Name:______________________________________

AMEN CLINICS LEARNING DISABILITY

SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE

Please rate yourself on each of the symptoms listed below using the following scale. If possible, to give us the most

complete picture, have another person (such as a spouse, partner or parent) rate you as well. List other person________

0 1 2 3 4NA

Never Rarely Occasionally Frequently Very Frequently Not Applicable/Not Known

Other Self

Reading

____ ___ 1. I am a poor reader.

____ ___ 2. I do not like reading.

____ ___ 3. I make mistakes when reading like skipping words or lines.

____ ___ 4. I read the same line twice.

____ ___ 5. I have problems remembering what I read even though I have read all the words.

____ ___ 6. I reverse letters when I read (such as b/d, p/q).

____ ___ 7. I switch letters in words when reading (such as god and dog).

____ ___ 8. My eyes hurt or water when I read.

____ ___ 9. Words tend to blur when I read.

____ ___ 10. Words tend to move around the page when I read.

____ ___ 11. When reading I have difficulty understanding the main idea or identifying important details.

Writing

____ ___ 12. I have “messy “ handwriting.

____ ___ 13. My work tends to be messy.

____ ___ 14. I prefer print rather than writing in cursive.

____ ___ 15. My letters run into each other or there is no space between words.

____ ___ 16. I have trouble staying within lines.

____ ___ 17. I have problems with grammar or punctuation.

____ ___ 18. I am a poor speller.

____ ___ 19. I have trouble copying off the board or from a page in a book.

____ ___ 20. I have trouble getting thoughts from my brain to the paper.

____ ___ 21. I can tell a story but cannot write it.

Body Awareness/ Spatial Relationships

____ ___ 22. I have trouble with knowing my left from my right.

____ ___ 23. I have trouble keeping things within columns or coloring within lines.

____ ___ 24. I tend to be clumsy, uncoordinated.

____ ___ 25. I have difficulty with eye hand coordination.

____ ___ 26. I have difficulty with concepts such as up, down, over or under.

____ ___ 27. I tend to bump into things when walking.

Oral Expressive language

____ ___ 28. I have difficulty expressing myself in words.

____ ___ 29. I have trouble finding the right word to say in conversations.

____ ___ 30. I have trouble talking around a subject or getting to the point in conversations.

Name:______________________________________

Receptive language

____ ___ 31. I have trouble keeping up or understanding what is being said in conversations.

____ ___ 32. I tend to misunderstand people and give the wrong answers in conversations.

____ ___ 33. I have trouble understanding directions people tell me.

____ ___ 34. I have trouble telling the direction sound is coming from.

____ ___ 35. I have trouble filtering out background noises.

Math

____ ___ 36. I am poor at basic math skills for my age (adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing)

____ ___ 37. I makes “careless mistakes” in math.

____ ___ 38. I tend to switch numbers around.

____ ___ 39. I have difficulty with word problems.

Sequencing

____ ___ 40. I have trouble getting everything in the right order when I speak.

____ ___ 41. I have trouble telling time.

____ ___ 42. I have trouble using the alphabet in order.

____ ___ 43. I have trouble saying the months of the year in order.

Abstraction

____ ___ 44. I have trouble understanding jokes people tell me.

____ ___ 45. I tend to take things too literally.

Organization

____ ___ 46. My notebook/paperwork is messy or disorganized.

____ ___ 47. My room is messy.

____ ___ 48. I tend to shove everything into my backpack, desk or closet.

____ ___ 49. I have multiple piles around my room.

____ ___ 50. I have trouble planning my time.

____ ___ 51. I am frequently late or in a hurry.

____ ___ 52. I often do not write down assignments or tasks and end up forgetting what to do.

Memory

____ ___ 53. I have trouble with my memory.

____ ___ 54. I remember things from long ago but not recent events.

____ ___ 55. It is hard for me to memorize things for school or work.

____ ___ 56. I know something one day but do not remember it to the next.

____ ___ 57. I forget what I am going to say right in the middle of saying it.

____ ___ 58. I have trouble following directions that have more than one or two steps.

Social Skills

____ ___ 59. I have few or no friends.

____ ___ 60. I have trouble reading body language or facial expressions of others.

____ ___ 61. My feelings are often or easily hurt.

____ ___ 62. I tend to get into trouble with friends, teachers, parents or bosses.

____ ___ 63. I feel uncomfortable around people I do not know well.

____ ___ 64. I am teased by others.

____ ___ 65. Friends do not call and ask me to do things with them.

____ ___ 66. I do not get together with others outside of school or work.

Name:______________________________________

Scotopic Sensitivity

____ ___ 67. I am light sensitive. Bothered by glare, sunlight, headlights or streetlights.

____ ___ 68. I become tired, experience headaches, mood changes, feel restless or an inability to stay focused with

bright or fluorescent lights.

____ ___ 69. I have trouble reading words that are on white, glossy paper.

____ ___ 70. When reading words or letters shift, shake, blur, move, run together, disappear or become difficult to

perceive.

____ ___ 71. I feel tense, tired, sleepy, or even get headaches with reading

____ ___ 72. I have problems judging distance and have difficulty with such things as escalators, stairs, ball sports, or

driving.

Sensory Integration Issues

____ ___ 73. I seem to be more sensitive to the environment than others.

____ ___ 74. I am more sensitive to noise than others.

____ ___ 75. I am particularly sensitive to touch or very sensitive to certain clothing or tags on the clothing.

____ ___ 76. I have unusual sensitivity to certain smells.

____ ___ 77. I have unusual sensitivity to light.

____ ___ 78. I am sensitive to movement or crave spinning activities?

____ ___ 79. I tend to be clumsy or accident-prone.

AMEN CLINICS LEARNING DISABILITY

SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE

ANSWER KEY

No specific numbers of answers for each section. Look for trends in each section and if present, refer to a local

school psychologist or educational specialist for more formal testing.

AMEN CLINICS HORMONE

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR MEN

WITH ANSWER KEY

Your brain is the control-center of your body. One important system it controls is the body’s endocrine, or hormone

system. When your brain is not functioning optimally, or as you age through life’s changes, your hormone system may

become imbalanced. Below are a few of the more common imbalances seen in our hormone systems today. Take this

short quiz to see if you may be imbalanced. Please mark each question with a “yes” or “no.”

ANDROPAUSE – MALE HORMONE IMBALANCE

1. Has your sex drive noticeably decreased? _____

2. Have you noticed an increase in fat around your abdomen? _____

3. Do you notice your morning erections disappearing? _____

4. Have you noticed a decrease in your enjoyment of life? _____

5. Do you have a lack of energy? _____

6. Do you have a decreased amount of strength? _____

7. Has your endurance for physical exercise decreased? _____

8. Have you noticed a decrease in enjoyment of life? _____

9. Do you feel depressed? _____

10. Have you noticed a decrease in the strength/firmness of your erections? _____

11. Do you feel irritable often? _____

12. Do you feel anxious often? _____

13. Do you notice a sense of fatigue in your body? _____

14. Have you lost significant muscle mass in your body? _____

15. Do you fall asleep early in the evening, around dinnertime? _____

If you answered “yes” to three or more of the above questions, you may have low testosterone levels. This can be

accurately determined with a blood test ordered by your doctor for both “Total Testosterone” and “Free Testosterone.” In

some men, testosterone gets converted to estrogen, which can also contribute to the above symptoms. You doctor can

order a blood test for “Estradiol” to check for this, too.

THYROID HORMONE IMBALANCE

1. Have you noticed excessive fatigue or weakness? _____

2. Do you have dry or coarse skin? _____

3. Have you experienced hair loss on your head and body? _____

4. Do you have cold hands and feet? _____

5. Have you experienced weight gain? _____

6. Do you frequently have insomnia? _____

7. Do you struggle with constipation? _____

8. Do you feel depressed? _____

9. Do you have a poor memory or forgetfulness? _____

10. Do you feel sluggish? _____

11. Do you have an intolerance to cold weather? _____

12. Do you become out of breath easily? _____

13. Is y

our voice hoarse? _____

If you answered “yes” to five or more of the above questions, you may have low thy

roid levels, or hypothyroidism. This

can be accurately determined with a blood test ordered by your doctor for “TSH, Free T4, and Free T3.”

THYROID HORMONE IMBALANCE #2

1. Do you notice fatigue? _____

2. Do you notice weakness? _____

3. Do you have an intolerance to hot weather? _____

4. Have you experienced unexplained weight loss? _____

5. Do you suffer from insomnia? _____

6. Do you have frequent bowel movements? _____

7. Do you often feel nervous? _____

8. Do your hands have a shaky tremor? _____

9. Do you feel heart palpitations (rapid or fluttering heart beat)? _____

10. Do you experience breathlessness? _____

If you answered “yes” to five or more of the above questions, you may have high thyroid levels, or hyperthyroidism. This

can be accurately determined with a blood test ordered by your doctor for “TSH, Free T4, and Free T3.”

ADRENAL HORMONE IMBALANCE

1. Do you feel like you have excessive exhaustion? _____

2. Are you unable to lose gained weight? _____

3. Do you have a low sex drive? _____

4. Do you feel lightheaded shortly after standing up? _____

5. Do you have difficulty getting up in the morning? _____

6. Do you need coffee or other stimulants to get going in the morning? _____

7. Do you crave sugar or salty foods? _____

8. Do you tremble when under pressure? _____

9. Do you have difficulty remembering things? _____

10. Do you feel fatigued in the afternoon between 3 and 5 pm? _____

11. Do you feel suddenly better for a brief period after eating? _____

12. Is it difficult for you to recover after a physical exercise session? _____

13. Are you sensitive to bright lights? _____

14. Do you ever feel overwhelmed or unable to cope? _____

15. Do you have difficulty concentrating? _____

16. Do you often find yourself anxious or irritable? _____

17. Do you have low blood pressure? _____

18. Do you have multiple allergies? _____

19. Do you feel depressed? _____

Are you intolerant to cold weather? _____

If you answered “y

es” to five or more of the above questions, you may have adre

nal fatigue or adrenal exhaustion. This

can be accurately determined with a Urine or saliva test ordered by your doctor for “Cortisol and DHEA.”

This symptom list is to be used in conjunction with sound medical advice and is intended to be used as a supplement to

other diagnostic tools as seen fit by your healthcare provider.

AMEN CLINICS HORMONE

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR WOMEN

WITH ANSWER KEY

Your brain is the control-center of your body. One important system it controls is the body’s endocrine, or hormone

system. When your brain is not functioning optimally, or as you age through perimenopausal or menopausal changes,

your hormone system may become imbalanced. Below are a few of the more common imbalances seen in our hormone

systems today. Take this short quiz to see if you may be imbalanced.

Mark each question with a 0, 1, or 2. Mark 0 for NEVER, mark 1 for SOMETIMES, and mark 2 for OFTEN.

LOW ESTROGEN

1. Do you experience hot flashes/ hot flushes? _____

2. Do you have night sweats? _____

3. Have you experienced crying spells over things that wouldn’t usually make you cry? _____

4. Do you have vaginal dryness or pain on intercourse? _____

5. Do you get frequent bladder infections? _____

6. Do you struggle with recurrent yeast infections? _____

7. Do you have leakage from the bladder when you cough or sneeze? _____

8. Do you wake up often throughout the night? _____

9. Do you experience anxiousness or a rapid heart beat? _____

10. Have you noticed reduced fullness in your breasts? _____

11. Do you have dry eyes, dry hair, or dry skin? _____

12. Do you have a decreased sense of well-being? _____

Now, add your score. If you scored 8 or higher on the above questions, you may have low estrogen levels. This can be

accurately determined with a blood test ordered by your doctor for “estradiol” levels.

LOW PROGESTERONE – Often starting in a woman’s late 30’s or early 40’s, progesterone levels can begin to decline

up to 10 years before menopause.

1. Have you tried unsuccessfully to become pregnant? _____

2. Do you have heavy periods? _____

3. Have you been diagnosed with fibrocystic breasts? _____

4. Are your menstrual cycles irregular? _____

5. Do you experience sudden mood swings? _____

6. Do you pass blood clots during menstruation? _____

7. Do you have painful periods? _____

8. Do you have difficulty concentrating, sometimes called “brain fog?” _____

9. Do you have heavy periods? _____

10. Do you wake up between 3-5am unable to go back to sleep? _____

11. Do you crave sweets? _____

12. Are y

ou tired or low energy? _____

13. Do you suffer from PMS? _____

14. Do you have constipation? _____

15. Do you have anxiety? _____

16. Do you consider yourself moody? _____

17. Do you suffer from depression? _____

18. Do you have painful cramping during your menstrual cycle? _____

Now, add your score. If you scored 10 or higher on the above questions, you may have low progesterone levels. This can

be accurately determined with a blood test ordered by your doctor for progesterone.

ESTROGEN DOMINANCE

Symptoms of estrogen dominance appear when an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone appear in your body.

This is very common during the perimenopause years, or the 10 years before menopause, because progesterone levels tend

to decline earlier than estrogen levels. It is important to not only have adequate levels of all hormones in your body, but to

have them balanced as well.

1. Do you have tender breasts?_____

2. Do you experience mood swings? _____

3. Do you retain water (your rings feel tight, ankle swelling)? _____

4. Do you have headaches? _____

5. Do you have a low sex drive? _____

6. Are you irritable? _____

7. Do you suffer from depression? _____

8. Are you unusually bossy? _____

9. Have you increased a breast size? _____

10. Have you been diagnosed with fibrocystic breasts? _____

11. Have you been diagnosed with uterine fibroids? _____

12. Is your face puffy? _____

13. Have you gained weight around the hips and stomach? _____

14. Do you have difficulty reaching orgasm? _____

15. Do you suffer from PMS? _____

16. Do you have heavy periods? _____

Now, add your score. If you scored 10 or higher on the above questions, you may have estrogen dominance. This can be

accurately determined by a blood test for estradiol and progesterone.

TESTOSTERONE

Although traditionally thought of as a male hormone, testosterone is important in women as well. Women produce and

require a fraction of the amount of testosterone as compared to men, but it plays an important role nonetheless.

LOW TESTOSTERONE

1. Have you noticed a decrease in the desire for you to have sex? _____

2. Have you noticed a decrease in your enjoyment of life? _____

3. Do you have a lack of energy? _____

4. Do you have a decreased amount of strength? _____

5. Has your endurance for physical exercise decreased? _____

6. Do you feel depressed? _____

7. Is it difficult for you to reach orgasm? _____

8.

Do you feel ir

ritable? _____

9. Do you feel anxious? _____

10. Do you notice a sense of fatigue in

your body? _____

11. Have you lost significant muscle mass in your body? _____

12. Have your orgasms become weaker and take longer to achieve? _____

13. Do you find it more difficult to become sexually aroused? _____

Now, add your score. If you scored 10 or higher on the above questions, you may have low testosterone levels. This can

be accurately determined with a blood test ordered by your doctor for both “Total Testosterone” and “Free Testosterone.”

HIGH TESTOSTERONE

1. Do you have acne as an adult? _____

2. Do you have excessive hair growth on your chin, upper lip, or breast area? _____

3. Do you have unexplained weight gain around the middle that you are unable to lose? _____

4. Do you have male-pattern baldness ie. Receeding hairline or bald spot? _____

5. Do you have excessively oily skin or hair? _____

6. Do you have unexplained depression? _____

7. Do you have irregular periods? _____

8. Do you have a loss of sex drive? ___

9. Do you have an excessive sex drive? _____

Now, add your score. If you scored 10 or higher on the above questions, you may have high testosterone levels. This can

be accurately determined with a blood test ordered by your doctor for both “Total Testosterone” and “Free Testosterone.”

High testosterone can be a sign of other conditions such as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), so please discuss this

with your health care provider.

THYROID HORMONE IMBALANCE

1. Have you noticed excessive fatigue or weakness in your body? _____

2. Do you have body temperature below 98.6 degrees? _____

3. Do you have dry or coarse skin? _____

4. Have you experienced hair loss on your head and body? _____

5. Do you have heavy menstrual periods? _____

6. Are your menstrual periods irregular? _____

7. Do you have cold hands and feet? _____

8. Have you experienced weight gain? _____

9. Do you have insomnia? _____

10. Do you struggle with constipation? _____

11. Do you feel depressed? _____

12. Have you noticed puffiness around your eyes? _____

13. Do you have a poor memory or forgetfulness? _____

14. Do you feel sluggish? _____

15. Have you tried to become pregnant and found that you are unable? _____

16. Do you have an intolerance to cold weather? _____

17. Do you become out of breath easily? _____

18. Is your voice hoarse? _____

Now, add your score. If you scored 10 or higher on the above questions, you may have low thyroid levels, or

hypothyroidism. This can be accurat

ely determined with a blood test ordered by

your doctor for “TSH, Free T4, and Free

T3.”

THYROID HORMONE IMBALANCE #2

1. Do you notice fatigue in your body? _____

2. Do you experience light menstrual periods? _____

3. Are your menstrual periods irregular? _____

4. Do you notice weakness in your body? _____

5. Do you have an intolerance to hot weather? _____

6. Have you experienced unexplained weight loss? _____

7. Do you suffer from insomnia? _____

8. Do you have frequent bowel movements (more than 3 per day)? _____

9. Do you feel anxious or nervous? _____

10. Do your hands have a shaky tremor? _____

11. Do you feel heart palpitations (rapid or fluttering heart beat)? _____

12. Do you experience breathlessness? _____

Now, add your score. If you scored 10 or higher on the above questions, you may have high thyroid levels, or

hyperthyroidism. This can be accurately determined with a blood test ordered by your doctor for “TSH, Free T4, and Free

T3.”

ADRENAL HORMONE IMBALANCE

1. Do you feel like you have excessive exhaustion? _____

2. Do you struggle with excessive symptoms of PMS? _____

3. Are you unable to lose gained weight? _____

4. Does your period flow for 1 or 2 days, then stop for 1 or 2 days, then start again for two or three more days?

_____

5. Do you have a low sex drive? _____

6. Do you feel lightheaded shortly after standing up? _____

7. Do you have difficulty getting up in the morning? _____

8. Do you need coffee or other stimulants to get going in the morning? _____

9. Do you crave sugar or salty foods? _____

10. Do you tremble when under pressure? _____

11. Do you have difficulty remembering things? _____

12. Do you have pain in your upper back or neck for no apparent reason? _____

13. Do you feel fatigued in the afternoon between 3 and 5 pm? _____

14. Do you feel suddenly better for a brief period after eating? _____

15. Do you have alternating constipation and diarrhea? _____

16. Do you have lowered immunity (ie. Get the flu easily)? _____

17. Is it difficult for you to recover after a physical exercise session? _____

18. Are you sensitive to bright lights? _____

19. Do you feel overwhelmed or unable to cope? _____

20. Do you have difficulty concentrating, sometimes called “brain fog?” _____

21. Are you anxious or irritable? _____

22. Do you have low blood pressure? _____

23. Do you have multiple allergies? _____

24. Do you feel depressed? _____

25. Are you intolerant to cold weather? _____

Now, add your score. If you scored 15 or higher on the above questions, you may have adrenal fatigue or adrenal

exhaustion. This can be accurately determined with a Urine or saliva test ordered by your doctor for “Cortisol and

DHEA-S.”

This symptom list is to be used in conjunction with sound medical advice and is intended to be used as a supplement to

other diagnostic tools as seen fit by your healthcare provider.

Health, Healing & Types

Tab Goes Here

AMEN CLINICS 8 CIRCLES OF HEALTH AND HEALING

UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM

BIOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY

SOCIAL SPIRITUAL

 Brain function

o Blood flow (SPECT)

o Electrical activity (qEEG)

 Trauma/injuries

 Allergies (food, mold, pet hair)

 Toxins (environment (mold), drugs,

alcohol, excessive caffeine, smoking)

 Infections

 Genetics—family history

 Physical illness—thyroid, fatty acid

level, nutrient status

 Hormones

 Nutrition

 Exercise

 Sleep

 Medication

 Dehydration



How we talk to ourselves

 Self concept

 Body image

 Upbringing

 Developmental issues

 Past emotional trauma

 Past successes

 Past failures

 Grief

 Generational histories and issues

(i.e., immigrants, survivors of

trauma, children/grandchildren of

alcoholics)

 Hope

 Sense of worth

 Sense of power or control

 Quality of current environment

 Connection to family, friends,

community

 Pets

 Stresses

 Relationships

 Health

 Finances

 Work, school

 Thrilling behavior

 Current successes or failures

 Information

 Sense of meaning and purpose (Why

does my life matter?)

 Connection to higher power (Who am I

accountable to? What happens after I

die?)

 Connection to past generations

 Connection to future generations

 Connection to the planet

 Morality

 Values

HEALING YOUR BRAIN AND YOUR LIFE

BIOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY

SOCIAL SPIRITUAL

 Optimizing brain function

 Protecting brain from trauma

 Avoiding toxins (drugs, much

alcohol, nicotine, much caffeine,

food, or environmental allergens)

 Healthy sleep

 Treating any physical illness

 Treating any psychiatric illnesses

 Brain healthy diet

 Exercise, especially using

coordination exercises

 Eliminate unnecessary meds

 Neurofeedback, alpha stim

 Supplements

 Medications

 Hyperbaric oxygen

 Bright light therapy

 Meditation/hypnosis (both have

biological effects)



Understanding your brain leads

to forgiveness

 ANT therapy (questioning and

correcting your own thoughts)

 History of your family through

generations

 Life therapy—going through

each year of your life, working

through developmental issues

 Gratitude

 Healing past emotional traumas

(EMDR)

 Hypnosis/meditation (have

psychological benefits)

 Offering hope

 Clearly written goals to stay on

track

 Optimizing the environment

 Keeping you safe

 Improving relationships and

community connections

 Stress management techniques

 Problem solving techniques

 Work or school accommodations

 Hope for the future

 Opportunities

 Information/education

 Options

 Discovering a sense of meaning and

purpose (Why does my life matter?)

 Evaluating your connection to higher

power (Who am I accountable to?

What happens after I die?)

 Explore connection to past generations

 Explore connection to future

generations and the planet

 Define your morality

 Clarify your values

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Having problems with your thyroid can cause symptoms that make you want to self-medicate with food, drugs,

alcohol, or thrilling behaviors. An overactive thyroid can mimic symptoms of anxiety that make you want to

drink alcohol or take painkillers to calm down. Low thyroid levels cause your body’s systems to function at a

slower speed, which may drive you seek out stimulating substances or behaviors. Having low thyroid levels also

decreases overall brain activity, which can impair your thinking, judgment, and self-control.

Dr. Marvin Rick Sponaugle, founder and director of the Florida Detox and Wellness Institute, which has

successfully treated over five thousand addicted patients, insists that the role of hormones in addiction can’t be

overlooked. “We have successfully proven that over 90 percent of addicted patients self-medicate with drugs

and alcohol in their attempt to balance their brain chemistry and feel more normal,” he writes in a paper entitled

Anti-aging/Longevity Medicine Reduces the Prevalence of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction. “Patients utilize

drugs and alcohol either to stimulate under-active brain regions or relax over-active brain systems. The aberrant

electrical activity in the addicted patient’s brain is typically caused by inherited or acquired biochemical and

hormonal deficiencies.”

For women, Sponaugle points to declining levels of progesterone, a calming hormone, during perimenopause as

a source for anxiety and insomnia that drives women to abuse drugs and alcohol. Women who normally drink a

glass of wine with dinner will progress to a couple of bottles of wine at night, he writes. He claims this is the

case with more than 40 percent of the middle-aged females at the Florida treatment facility. Other women in

perimenopause will turn to drugs like Vicodin or OxyContin to calm their brains. Sponaugle has found that with

hormone replacement therapy, their cravings for these substances subside.

Having low testosterone levels for men or women has been associated with low energy and depression, both of

which may drive a person to self-medicate. Low levels of the hormone DHEA-S can produce some of the same

problems.

Testing hormone levels involves a blood test. Have your doctor check your free T3 and TSH levels to check for

hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and treat as necessary to normalize.

Also have your physician test your DHEA-S, testosterone, and (for women only) estrogen and progesterone

levels. If your hormone levels are off, consider balancing them with hormone replacement therapy.

HgAIc. This test shows your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months and is used to

diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. Having diabetes has been shown to lower impulse control. Here is a look at

what the A1c numbers indicate:

Normal: 4.0-5.6 Prediabetes: 5.7-6.4 Diabetes: 6.5 or higher

Fasting blood sugar. This test usually requires that you fast for about eight hours prior to having your blood

drawn. It evaluates your blood sugar levels solely for the day when you have your blood drawn. Here is what

the levels mean:

Normal: 70–99 mg/dL Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dL Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher

Complete blood count (CBC). The CBC is used to screen for a wide variety of disorders, including anemia and

infection, which negatively impact brain function.

Comprehensive metabolic panel. Have your doctor order this blood test to evaluate the status of your kidneys,

liver, electrolytes, and more.

Two-hour glucose tolerance test. This is used to test for diabetes and reactive hypoglycemia. It involves

drinking a glucose solution, then having blood drawn at several intervals during a two-hour period.

Cholesterol: Having high levels of cholesterol is associated with an increased risk for heart disease and

dementia later in life. Both of these conditions decrease brain function. Make sure your doctor checks your total

cholesterol level as well as your HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides (a form of

fat). Optimal levels are as follows:

Total cholesterol: less than 200 HDL: 60 or higher

Triglycerides: less than 150 LDL: less than 100

C- reactive protein. This is a measure of inflammation that your doctor can check with a simple blood test.

Elevated inflammation is associated with a number of diseases and conditions that affect brain health.

Homocysteine level. This is another marker of inflammation.

Blood pressure. High blood pressure increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. Have your doctor check

your blood pressure to determine if it is high. Here is how to interpret the numbers:

Optimal: below 120 over 80

Prehypertension: 120–139 over 80–89

Hypertension: 140 (or above) over 90 (or above)

How many of the twelve most common modifiable health risks you have. Know how many of the twelve most

common preventable causes of death you have...then decrease them.

1. Smoking

2. High blood pressure

3. BMI indicating overweight or obese

4. Physical inactivity

5. High fasting blood glucose

6. High LDL cholesterol

7. Alcohol abuse (accidents, injuries, violence, cirrhosis, liver disease, cancer, stroke,

8. heart disease, hypertension)

9. Low omega-3 fatty acids

10. High dietary saturated fat intake

11. Low polyunsaturated fat intake

12. High dietary salt intake

13. Low intake of fruits and vegetables

Number of hours you sleep. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you need only a few hours of sleep. Sleep

deprivation reduces brain function and lowers impulse control. You can read more about this in Chapter 9:

Boost Your Brain to Get Control. Here are the average sleep requirements by age:

Age Range Number of Hours of Sleep

1–3 years old 12–14 hours

3–5 years old 11–13 hours

5–12 years old 10–11 hours

13–19 years old 9 hours

Adults 7–8 hours

Seniors 7–8 hours

Body mass index (BMI). Your BMI indicates whether or not you have a healthy weight. This is important

because being overweight or obese is associated with having a smaller brain and increases your risk for many

medical conditions. To calculate your BMI, use the BMI Calculator at www.amenclincis.com/cybcyb or use the

following equation: -- Weight in pounds×703/height in inches2

Here’s how to interpret your BMI:

Underweight: below 18.5 Overweight: 25-29

Normal: 18.5-25 Obese: 30-39

Morbidly obese: 40 and over

Daily caloric needs to maintain current body weight. To find out your basic calorie needs without exercise,

which is referred to as your resting basal metabolic rate (BMR), use the following equation:

•Women: 655 + (4.35 ×weight in pounds) + (4.7 ×height in inches) −

(4.7 ×age in years)

•Men: 66 + (6.23 ×weight in pounds) + (12.7 ×height in inches) −

(6.8 ×age in years)

Take that number and multiply by it by the appropriate number below.

•1.2 if you are sedentary (little or no exercise)

•1.375 if you are lightly active (light exercise/sports 1–3 days a week)

•1.55 if you are moderately active (moderate exercise/sports3–5 days a week)

•1.75 if you are very active (hard exercise/sports 6–7 days a week)

•1.9 if you are extra active (very hard exercise/sports and a physical job or

strength training twice a day)

Daily caloric intake (don’t lie to yourself). Keep track of everything you eat and drink along with their calorie

counts to find out how much you are truly eating each day. It would be very helpful for you to keep a daily

journal for at least a week.

Other tests based on your history and individual profile. Depending on your particular needs, other tests may

be warranted.

SUMMARY CHART OF THE AMEN CLINICS

SIX TYPES OF ADDICTS

Type Symptoms Brain Findings/

Neurotransmitter

Issue

Supplements Medications

1. Compulsive

Addicts

overfocused, worrying,

trouble letting go of

hurts

increased AC

(anterior

cingulate)/low

serotonin

Serotonin Mood

Support (5-HTP,

inositol, saffron), or

St. John’s wort

SSRIs, such as

Prozac, Zoloft,

or Lexapro

2. Impulsive

Addicts

impulsivity, bored,

easily distracted

low PFC (prefrontal

cortex)/low

dopamine

Focus & Energy

Optimizer (green tea,

Rhodiola) or L-

tyrosine

Stimulants such

as Adderall or

Ritalin

3. Impulsive-

Compulsive

Addicts

combination of types 1

and 2

high AC plus low

PFC/low serotonin

and dopamine

5-HTP plus green tea

and rhodiola

SSRI plus

phentermine or

stimulant

4. Sad or

Emotional

Addicts

sad or depressed mood,

winter blues,

carbohydrate cravings,

loss of interest, sleeps a

lot, low energy, self-

medicates to improve

mood

high limbic activity,

low PFC/check

vitamin D and

DHEA levels

SAMe Mood &

Movement Support,

vitamin D, or DHEA

if needed

Wellbutrin

5. Anxious

Addicts

anxious, tense, nervous,

predicts the worst, self-

medicates to calm

high basal

ganglia/low GABA

levels

GABA Calming

Support (GABA, B6,

magnesium)

Anticonvulsants,

such as

Topamax,

Neurontin

6. Temporal Lobe

Addicts

Temper problems, mood

instability, memory

problems, learning

disabilities

abnormal TL GABA Calming

Support (GABA, B6,

magnesium) for

calming, or Brain &

Memory Power Boost

(huperzine A, acetyl-

l-carnitine,

vinpocetine, ginkgo)

for memory

Anticonvulsants,

such as Lamictal

for mood

stability, Aricept

or Namenda for

memory

enhancement

Patient Handouts

TAB GOES HERE

Step 1

Know Your Motivation

To Drive Your Desire to Change

Pain Is the First Step to Change

It isn’t easy to change, which is why most of us are so reluctant to do it. Our brains get comfortable with our

daily habits and patterns, even if they are unhealthy for us. In order to change our habits, the brain has to be

rewired and develop a whole new system, and it fights that process.

That’s why even though you know that it would be better for you to stop overeating, smoking, or drinking

alcohol, you don’t do it. It is only when those habits cause enough pain in your life that you finally make the

decision to change.

The pain and consequences that inspire change are different for each person. In your case, it might be financial

problems, relationship woes, legal troubles, or health conditions. In order for you to change, you need to

understand why you are uncomfortable. Only then can you make the decision to change your brain so you can

break free from your addictions.

What are the consequences your addiction has brought to you or your loved one? Write them down here or use a

separate sheet of paper. Don’t leave anything out no matter how trivial you believe it to be. When you have

your list, mark the consequences that matter most to you, that brought you the most shame, or that you want to

make sure you never experience again.

Consequences of My Addiction

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Using Hope

Unless you have hope, you are never going to make the decision to change. Hope is what makes you believe

that you can change and that your life will be better if you succeed in changing your ways.

What are the things that inspire a feeling of hope for you? Create a list of people, books, songs, and anything

else that makes you feel hopeful about your ability to change.

My Hope List

__________________________________________________________________________________________

What Does Your Life Mean and Why do You Care?

In order for you to break free from the chains of addiction, you must know your motivation. Is it to:

 get healthy?

 prevent brain damage?

 have more money?

 keep your spouse from divorcing you?

 prevent another potentially fatal overdose?

 avoid flunking out of college?

 reverse diabetes, lung cancer, or other health risks?

 stop beating yourself up about your weight, drinking or gambling?

 stop getting arrested or going to jail?

 avoid getting fired?

 avoid losing your home and living on the streets?

My Motivation to Change

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Create a One-Page Miracle

One of the most powerful yet simple exercises is the One-Page Miracle. It will help guide nearly all of your

thoughts words, and actions. It is called the One-Page “Miracle” because I’ve seen this exercise quickly focus

and change many people’s lives. It is particularly effective for people with addictions because it makes you

focus on what is truly important to you and forces you to think about long-term goals rather than just the

immediate gratification that comes from addictive substances and behaviors. As you will see, it is an all-

encompassing bio-psycho-social-spiritual exercise that includes your hopes and dreams for all of these areas.

Directions: Either make copies of the following “My One-Page Miracle” or take a sheet of paper and clearly

write out a rough draft of your major goals for the four pillars of healing: biological, psychological, social, and

spiritual. If you are using a piece of paper, include “brain health,” “physical health,” and “cravings” under

“Biological.” Under “Psychological,” write “emotional health,” and “thinking patterns.” Under “Social,”

include “spouse,” “children,” “extended family/friends,” “work/school,” and “money.” Under “Spiritual,” write

“spirituality,” “character,” “passions,” and “community.”

Next to each subheading succinctly write out what’s important to you in that area; write what you want, not

what you don’t want. Be positive and use the first person. Write what you want with confidence and the

expectation that you will make it happen. Keep the paper with you so that you can work on it over several days

or weeks.

After you finish with the initial draft (you’ll frequently want to update it), place this piece of paper where you

can see it every day, such as on your refrigerator, by your bedside, or on the bathroom mirror. In that way, every

day you focus your eyes on what’s important to you. This makes it easier to match your behavior to what you

want. Your life becomes more conscious and you spend your energy on goals that are important to you.

MY ONE-PAGE MIRACLE

What Do I Want? What Am I Doing To Make It Happen?

BIOLOGICAL

Brain health: ____________________________________________________________

Physical health: ____________________________________________________________

Cravings: ____________________________________________________________

PSYCHOLOGICAL

Emotional health: ____________________________________________________________

Thinking patterns: ____________________________________________________________

SOCIAL

Spouse: ____________________________________________________________

Children: ____________________________________________________________

Extended family/friends: ____________________________________________________________

Work/School: ____________________________________________________________

Money: ____________________________________________________________

SPIRITUAL

Spirituality: ____________________________________________________________

Character: ____________________________________________________________

Passions: ____________________________________________________________

Community: ____________________________________________________________

Step 2

Get The Right Evaluation

A Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Approach

In order to have a thorough understanding of the problems you are experiencing it is important to get a

comprehensive biological, psychological, social, spiritual evaluation. In the four circles below, check off those

issues that might apply to you and contribute to your problems.

Biological

 Genetics – issues run in family

 Brain trauma/injuries

 Toxins – drugs, alcohol, smoking,

excessive caffeine, environment

 Infections

 Physical illnesses – diabetes, high

blood pressure, thyroid problems,

hepatitis, etc.

 Abnormal hormones

 Poor nutrition

 Lack of exercise

 Poor sleep

 Medication

 Dehydration

 Allergies (food, mold, pet hair)

Psychological

 How we talk to ourselves

 Self concept

 Body image

 Upbringing

 Developmental issues

 Past or present emotional trauma

 Past successes and failures

 Grief

 Generational histories and issues

(i.e., immigrants, survivors of

trauma, children/grandchildren of

alcoholics)

 Hope

 Sense of worth

 Sense of power or control

Social

 Quality of current environment

 Connection to family, friends,

community

 Pets

 Stresses

 Relationships

 Health

 Finances

 Work, school

 Thrilling behavior

 Current successes or failures

 Information

Spiritual

 Sense of meaning and purpose (Why

does my life matter?)

 Connection to higher power (Who am I

accountable to? What happens after I

die?)

 Connection to past generations

 Connection to future generations

 Connection to the planet

 Morality

 Values

Getting Well Requires a Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Approach

In the circles below are strategies to get well in a bio-psycho-social-spiritual way. All of these circles are

important for health and healing.

Biological

 Optimizing brain function

 Protecting brain from trauma

 Avoiding toxins (drugs, much

alcohol, nicotine, much caffeine,

food, or environmental allergens)

 Healthy sleep

 Treating any physical illness

 Treating any psychiatric illnesses

 Brain healthy diet

 Exercise, especially using

coordination exercises

 Eliminate unnecessary meds

 Neurofeedback, alpha stim

 Supplements or medications

 Hyperbaric oxygen

 Bright light therapy

 Meditation/hypnosis (both have

biological effects)

Psychological

 Understanding your brain leads

to forgiveness

 ANT therapy (questioning and

correcting your own thoughts)

 Gratitude

 Healing past emotional traumas

(EMDR)

 Hypnosis/meditation (have

psychological benefits)

 Offering hope

 Clearly written goals to stay on

track

 Deep breathing, hand warming

 Stress reduction

Social

 Optimizing the environment

 Group support

 Keeping yourself safe

 Improving relationships and

community connections

 Problem solving techniques

 Work or school accommodations

 Hope for the future

 Opportunities

 Information/education

 Options

 Financial help

Spiritual

 Discovering a sense of meaning and

purpose

o Why does my life matter?

 Evaluating your connection to higher

power

o Who am I accountable to?

o What happens after I die?

 Explore connection to past generations

 Explore connection to future generations

and the planet

 Define your morality

 Clarify your values

Know your important health numbers.

Getting a thorough physical evaluation can help you uncover biological factors that might be contributing to

your problem and that when corrected, may be able to help you break free from your addiction. Here is a

checklist of important numbers to know.

1. Vitamin D level. Vitamin deficiencies can harm your brain and increase your vulnerability for out-of-control

behavior. Get a blood test called 25-hydroxy vitamin D to check your vitamin D level, and if it is low, get more

sunshine and/or take a vitamin D3 supplement to get it in the optimal range.

Low: less than 30

Optimal: 50-90

High: over 90

2. Hormone levels (thyroid, DHEA-S, testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone): Most people think

“hormones” are only involved in reproductive issues. Not true. Hormones are essential for health and vitality in

both men and women, and it is the brain that controls all the hormones in your body. Your hormones all work

together to achieve balance, but if a single hormone isn’t working hard enough or is working too hard, it can

throw your whole system off.

3. HgAIc. This test shows your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months and is used to

diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. Having diabetes has been shown to lower impulse control. Here is a look at

what the A1c numbers indicate:

Normal: 4.0-5.6

Prediabetes: 5.7-6.4

Diabetes: 6.5 or higher

4. Fasting blood sugar. This test usually requires that you fast for about eight hours prior to having your blood

drawn. It evaluates your blood sugar levels solely for the day when you have your blood drawn. Here is what

the levels mean:

Normal: 70–99 mg/dL

Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dL

Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher

5. Complete blood count (CBC). The CBC is used to screen for a wide variety of disorders, including anemia

and infection, which negatively impact brain function.

6. Comprehensive metabolic panel. Have your doctor order this blood test to evaluate the status of your

kidneys, liver, electrolytes, and more.

7. Two-hour glucose tolerance test. This is used to test for diabetes and reactive hypoglycemia. It involves

drinking a glucose solution, then having blood drawn at several intervals during a two-hour period.

8. Cholesterol: Having high levels of cholesterol is associated with an increased risk for heart disease and

dementia later in life. Both of these conditions decrease brain function. Make sure your doctor checks your total

cholesterol level as well as your HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides (a form of

fat). Optimal levels are as follows:

Total cholesterol: less than 200

HDL: 60 or higher

LDL: less than 100

Triglycerides: less than 150

9. C- reactive protein. This is a measure of inflammation that your doctor can check with a simple blood test.

Elevated inflammation is associated with a number of diseases and conditions that affect brain health.

10. Homocysteine level. This is another marker of inflammation.

11. Blood pressure. High blood pressure increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. Have your doctor

check your blood pressure to determine if it is high. Here is how to interpret the numbers:

Optimal: below 120 over 80

Prehypertension: 120–139 over 80–89

Hypertension: 140 (or above) over 90 (or above)

12. How many of the twelve most common modifiable health risks you have. Know how many of the twelve

most common preventable causes of death you have...then decrease them.

Check all that apply.

 Smoking

 High blood pressure

 BMI indicating overweight or obese

 Physical inactivity

 High fasting blood glucose

 High LDL cholesterol

 Alcohol abuse (accidents, injuries, violence, cirrhosis, liver disease, cancer, stroke, heart disease,

hypertension)

 Low omega-3 fatty acids

 High dietary saturated fat intake

 Low polyunsaturated fat intake

 High dietary salt intake

 Low intake of fruits and vegetables

______ Total number

13. Number of hours you sleep. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you need only a few hours of sleep. Sleep

deprivation reduces brain function and lowers impulse control. You can read more about this in Chapter 9:

Boost Your Brain to Get Control. Here are the average sleep requirements by age:

Age Range Number of Hours of Sleep

1–3 years old 12–14 hours

3–5 years old 11–13 hours

5–12 years old 10–11 hours

13–19 years old 9 hours

Adults 7–8 hours

Seniors 7–8 hours

14. Body mass index (BMI). Your BMI indicates whether or not you have a healthy weight. This is important

because being overweight or obese is associated with having a smaller brain and increases your risk for many

medical conditions. To calculate your BMI go to www.amenclinics.com.

Here’s how to interpret your BMI:

Underweight: below 18.5

Normal: 18.5-25

Overweight: 25-29

Obese: 30-39

Morbidly obese: 40 and over

15. Daily caloric needs to maintain current body weight. To find out your basic calorie needs without exercise,

which is referred to as your resting basal metabolic rate (BMR) go to www.amenclinics.com for a free

calculator. The average 50 year old woman needs 1800 calories a day. The average 50 year old man needs 2200

calories a day.

16. Daily caloric intake (don’t lie to yourself). Keep track of everything you eat and drink along with their

calorie counts to find out how much you are truly eating each day. It would be very helpful for you to keep a

daily journal for at least a week.

SUMMARY OF MY IMPORTANT HEALTH NUMBERS

Vitamin D level ___ Two-hour glucose tolerance test ___

Hormone levels Cholesterol ___

thyroid (TSH & free T3) ___ C-reactive protein ___

testosterone (men & women ___ Homocysteine ___

estrogen/progesterone (women) ___ Blood pressure ___

DHEA-S level ___ # of 12 most common modifiable risks___

HgA1c ___ # of hours I sleep ___

Fasting blood sugar ___ BMI ___

Complete blood count (CBC ___ Daily caloric needs ___

Comprehensive metabolic panel___ Daily caloric intake ___

Step 3

Know Your Brain Type

Learn the Six Different Types of Addiction

Based on our brain imaging work with tens of thousands of patients, we have identified six types of addicts

based on brain patterns. Knowing which type you are is essential to finding the best treatment plan for your own

specific needs. To help you find your type, take the Unchain Your Brain Master Questionnaire. Here is a

summary. To help you find your type, take the Unchain Your Brain Master Questionnaire and write your type

or types here:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Type 1: Compulsive Addicts

People with this type have trouble shifting their attention and tend to get stuck on thoughts of gambling, Internet

porn, food, or some other substance or behavior. Regardless of what these people are addicted to, the thinking

pattern and basic mechanism are the same. They tend to get stuck or locked into one course of action and have

trouble seeing options.

The most common brain SPECT finding in this type is increased anterior cingulate gyrus activity, which is most

commonly caused by low brain serotonin levels. High-protein diets and stimulants, such as Ritalin, usually

make this type worse. Interventions to boost serotonin in the brain are generally the most helpful. From a

supplement standpoint, 5-HTP, inositol, and saffron (found in my Serotonin Mood Support), L-tryptophan, or

St. John’s wort are helpful, as are the serotonin-enhancing medications, such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro.

Behavioral interventions that boost serotonin to help compulsive addicts:

 Exercise to allow more of the serotonin precursor L-tryptophan to get into the brain.

 If you get an addiction-oriented thought in your head more than three times, get up and go do something

to distract yourself.

 Make a list of ten things you can do instead of the addictive behavior so you can distract yourself.

 People with this type always do better with choices, rather than edicts. Do not tell them what they are

going to do; give them choices.

 Avoid automatically opposing others or saying no, even to yourself.

Type 2: Impulsive Addicts

People with this type have trouble with impulse control even though they may start each day with the intention

of refraining from their addictive behaviors. The most common SPECT finding for this type is low activity in

the PFC, likely due to low levels of dopamine. The PFC acts as the brain’s supervisor and is involved in

judgment, impulse control, planning, and follow through. When it is underactive, people can be easily

distracted, bored, inattentive, and impulsive. This type is often seen in conjunction with ADD and is more

common in males.

High-carbohydrate diets and serotonin-enhancing medications, such as Prozac, Zoloft, or Lexapro, or

supplements, such as 5-HTP, usually make this type worse. Interventions to boost dopamine in the brain are

generally the most helpful. From a supplement standpoint, green tea and rhodiola (found in Focus & Energy

Optimizer), and l-tyrosine are helpful, as are stimulant medications, such as Adderall and Ritalin, which are

commonly used to treat ADD.

Behavioral interventions that boost dopamine to help impulsive addicts:

 Exercise, which helps increase blood flow and dopamine.

 Clear focus -- write your goals in your One-Page Miracle and look at it daily.

 Outside supervision -- have someone you trust check in with you on a regular basis.

 Avoid impulsively saying yes to offers of alcohol, drugs, food, or whatever your particular addiction is.

Practice saying, “No.”

Type 3: Impulsive-Compulsive Addicts

People with this type have a combination of both impulsive and compulsive features. This type is common in

people with bulimia. The brain SPECT scans tend to show low activity in the PFC (associated with impulsivity,

likely due to low dopamine levels) and too much activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (associated with

compulsivity and low serotonin levels). This pattern is common in the children and grandchildren of alcoholics.

Using treatments that boost either serotonin or dopamine alone usually makes the problem worse. For example,

using supplements or medications that increase serotonin only calms the compulsions but makes the impulsivity

worse. Taking supplements or medications that raise dopamine levels only improves impulse control but

increases the compulsive behaviors. In my experience, I have found that people with this type do best with

treatments that raise both serotonin and dopamine. For example, combining green tea (for dopamine) and 5-

HTP (for serotonin) or Ritalin (for dopamine) and Prozac (for serotonin) can be helpful.

Behavioral interventions that boost both serotonin and dopamine to help impulsive-compulsive addicts:

 Exercise.

 Set goals.

 Avoid automatically opposing others or saying no, even to yourself.

 Avoid impulsively saying yes.

 Have options.

 Distract yourself if you get a thought stuck in your head.

Type 4: Sad or Emotional Addicts

People with this type often use alcohol, marijuana, painkillers, or food to medicate underlying feelings of

depression, boredom, or loneliness. This type is more commonly seen in women. For some people, these

feelings come and go with the seasons and tend to worsen in winter. Others experience mild feelings of chronic

sadness, called dysthymia. Still others suffer from more serious depressions. The typical SPECT findings

associated with this type are hyperactivity in the deep limbic system and low activity in the PFC.

When depression is mild, it can often be treated with natural supplements like SAMe (found in my SAMe Mood

& Movement Support), in addition to exercise, dietary changes, and psychotherapy. For more serious cases,

antidepressant medication may be required. Taking vitamin D can also be beneficial for people with depression,

especially for people whose addictions worsen or are triggered during the winter months, a condition called

seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Having low levels of vitamin D, known as the “sunshine” vitamin, has been associated with depression,

memory problems, obesity, heart disease, and immune suppression. Vitamin D deficiencies are becoming more

common in our society for two reasons: we are wearing more sunscreen and spending more time indoors. In an

Amen Clinics weight-loss study completed in 2010, we tested the vitamin D levels or more than thirty

participants. I was shocked to discover that everybody’s levels were low, and this study took place in sunny

southern California!

Other natural treatments for depression include bright light therapy, which has also been found to effectively

treat SAD, the natural supplement SAMe (in dosages of 400 to 1,600 mg), and the hormone DHEA. Be careful

with SAMe if you have ever experienced a manic episode, and take it early in the day as it has energizing

properties and may interfere with sleep. DHEA is a master hormone that has been found to be low in people

with depression and obesity.

Behavioral interventions that boost mood to help sad, or emotional, addicts:

 Exercise to increase blood flow and multiple neurotransmitters in the brain.

 Kill the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) that steal your happiness.

 Write down five things you are grateful for every day (this has been shown to increase your level of

happiness in just three weeks).

 Volunteer to help others, which helps to get you outside of yourself and less focused on your own

internal problems.

 Surround yourself with great smells, such as lavender.

 Try melatonin to help you sleep.

 Work to improve your relationships.

Type 5: Anxious Addicts

People with this type tend to use alcohol, marijuana, painkillers, sleeping pills, or food to medicate underlying

feelings of anxiety, tension, nervousness, and fear. More commonly seen in women, this type tends to suffer

physical symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle tension, headaches, stomachaches, nail biting, heart palpitations,

and shortness of breath. People with this type tend to predict the worst and may be excessively shy or easily

startled. The SPECT finding that correlates to this type is too much activity in the basal ganglia, likely due to

low levels of GABA.

Interventions that boost GABA are generally the most helpful, and include taking B6, magnesium, and GABA

(found in my GABA Calming Support). Relaxation therapies can also be helpful to calm this area of the brain.

Behavioral interventions that boost GABA and calm the brain to help anxious addicts:

 Exercise.

 Try relaxation exercises, such as:

o meditation

o prayer

o hypnosis

o deep diaphragmatic breathing exercises

o hand-warming techniques

 Kill the anxious ANTs.

 For sleep, try self-hypnosis or my Restful Sleep formula that contains melatonin, GABA, valerian,

magnesium, and B6.

Type 6: Temporal Lobe Addicts

People with this type tend to have problems with temper, mood swings, learning problems, and memory

problems. Abnormal activity in the temporal lobes is commonly due to past head injuries, infections, a lack of

oxygen, exposure to environmental toxins or it may be inherited. The SPECT findings are decreased activity in

the temporal lobes, sometimes we also see excessive increased activity.

Treatments to stabilize activity in the temporal lobes may involve boosting the calming neurotransmitter GABA

or the memory and learning neurotransmitter acetylcholine, a higher protein diet, and completely eliminating

sugar. Ways to boost GABA include using supplements, such as our GABA Calming Support, which contains

GABA and magnesium, or anticonvulsant or anti-seizure medications, like Lamictal. Ways to boost

acetylcholine in the brain which can help with memory and learning, include using either supplements, such as

huperzine A and acetyl-l-carnitine, contained in our Brain & Memory Power Boost formula, or medications

such as Aricept or Exelon. Together, these strategies can help with temper control, mood stability, learning, and

memory.

Behavioral interventions that normalize temporal lobe activity and boost dopamine to help temporal lobe

addicts:

 New learning.

 Preventing further head injuries.

Do You Have More Than One Type?

Having more than one type is common, and it just means that you may need a combination of interventions to

help you unchain your brain. Type 3 Impulsive-Compulsive Addicts is actually a combination of Type 1

Compulsive Addicts and Type 2 Impulsive Addicts. It is common to have Type 1 mixed with Type 4 Sad or

Emotional Addicts or with Type 5 Anxious Addicts. In those cases, we may mix 5-HTP for Type 1 with SAMe

for Type 4 or GABA for Type 5. Again, it is always smart to discuss these options with your healthcare

provider or treatment program. If he or she does not know much about natural treatments, consult a naturopath

or a physician trained in integrative medicine or natural treatments.

SUMMARY CHART OF THE AMEN CLINICS SIX TYPES OF ADDICTS

Check your type or types in the left-hand column.

My

Type

Type Symptoms Brain Findings/

Neurotransmitter

Issue

Supplements Medications

1.

Compulsive

Addicts

overfocused, worrying, trouble

letting go of hurts

increased AC

(anterior

cingulate)/low

serotonin

Serotonin Mood Support

(5-HTP, inositol,

saffron), or St. John’s

wort

SSRIs, such as

Prozac, Zoloft,

or Lexapro

2. Impulsive

Addicts

impulsivity, bored, easily

distracted

low PFC

(prefrontal

cortex)/low

dopamine

Focus & Energy

Optimizer (green tea,

Rhodiola) or L-tyrosine

Stimulants such

as Adderall or

Ritalin

3.

Impulsive-

Compulsive

Addicts

combination of types 1 & 2 high AC plus low

PFC/low serotonin

and dopamine

5-HTP plus green tea and

rhodiola

SSRI plus

phentermine or

stimulant

4.

Sad or

Emotional

Addicts

sad or depressed mood, winter

blues, carbohydrate cravings,

loss of interest, sleeps a lot,

low energy, self-medicates to

improve mood

high limbic

activity, low

PFC/check vitamin

D and DHEA

levels

SAMe Mood &

Movement Support,

vitamin D, or DHEA if

needed

Wellbutrin

5.

Anxious

Addicts

anxious, tense, nervous,

predicts the worst, self-

medicates to calm

high basal

ganglia/low GABA

levels

GABA Calming Support

(GABA, B6, magnesium)

Anticonvulsants,

such as

Topamax,

Neurontin

6. Temporal

Lobe

Addicts

Temper problems, mood

instability, memory problems,

learning disabilities

abnormal TL GABA Calming Support

(GABA, B6, magnesium)

for calming, or Brain &

Memory Power Boost

(huperzine A, acetyl-l-

carnitine, vinpocetine,

ginkgo) for memory

Anticonvulsants,

such as Lamictal

for mood

stability, Aricept

or Namenda for

memory

enhancement

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With a healthy brain you are happier, healthier, wealthier, wiser and you just make better decisions. When your

brain is not healthy, for whatever reason, you are sadder, sicker, poorer, not as smart and you make poorer

decisions. I want you to develop BRAIN ENVY, and want to have a better brain; because with a better brain

everything in your life will be better.

The first step to getting and staying clean is to boost the actual physical functioning of your brain,

so you have better forethought and you make better decisions.

Boosting your brain is very simple. It only requires two strategies:

1. Avoid things that hurt your brain.

2. Engage in regular brain healthy habits.

Check the behaviors you have done to hurt your brain.

Avoid:

 Poor nutrition

 Drug and alcohol abuse

 Chronic stress

 Smoking, excessive caffeine

 Sleep deprivation, sleep apnea

 Physical trauma

 Dehydration

 Lack of exercise

 Overweight, obesity

 Diabetes, heart disease, hypertension

 Low thyroid, low testosterone

 Too much computer or TV time

 Negative thinking patterns

 Low vitamin D levels

 High or very low cholesterol levels

 Depression

 Cancer chemotherapy

 Environmental toxins

Check the behaviors you do or are willing to do to help your brain.

Engage in:

 Great nutrition

 Adequate sleep (7-8 hours)

 Maintain stable blood sugar

 Continual new learning

 Exercise, especially coordination exercises

 Manage your stress

 Gratitude

 Killing the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts)

 Meditation/Hypnosis

 Supplements (multi-vitamin, fish oil, etc.)

 Brain type specific interventions

 Emotional support

 Assertiveness to advocate for own health

 Brain rehab if trauma is present

 Calorie restriction

 Treat any emotional or brain problems

Make a commitment to brain health and you will make better decisions for the rest of your life!!

Chloe’s Game

Dr. Amen often plays a game with his seven-year-old daughter called “This is good for my brain or bad for it.”

You can play this too with your friends and family. Just say a behavior and see if it is good or bad for your

brain.

Eating avocados – thumbs up

Hitting anything with your head – thumbs down

New learning – thumbs up

Smoking cigarettes or pot – thumbs down

Deep breathing exercises – thumbs up

Believing every stupid thought you have – thumbs way down

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When your prefrontal cortex is strong, it reins in your inner child, so that you can have fun, but in a thoughtful,

measured way.

To get healthy it is critical to strengthen your prefrontal cortex and be able to put your inner child into time out,

whenever he or she acts up.

Likewise, it is also critical to watch your internal dialogue and be a good parent to yourself, not one who is

abusive or mean.

I have taught parenting classes for many years … and the two words that embody good parenting, even for your

inner child, are FIRM and KIND. When you make a mistake with your health, look for ways to learn from your

mistakes, but in a loving way.

Strengthen your brain to decrease your cravings.

When I decided I had to get healthy, the first thing I had to do was get my own cravings under control. My

inner child had been throwing tantrums for years, especially when it came to sugar.

Using the following brain secrets, I lost the weight I had been trying to lose for about 30 years with NO

cravings at all. Here’s how.

1. Balance your blood sugar.

First, I kept my blood sugar balanced throughout the day. Research studies say that low blood sugar levels are

associated with LOWER overall blood flow to the brain, which means more BAD decisions.

To keep your blood sugar stable, eat a nutritious breakfast with some protein. Studies REPEATEDLY show

that eating a healthy breakfast helps people make good decisions.

2. Optimize your vitamin D level.

Next, I had to optimize my vitamin D level. Typically, we get a vitamin D boost from the sun, but because we

are wearing more sunscreen and spending more time INSIDE our levels are falling, putting us at greater health

risks.

Low vitamin D levels have been associated with obesity, depression, memory problems, diabetes and cancer. It

is now estimated that two thirds of Americans are deficient in vitamin D, the same percentage of people who are

overweight.

And, it is an EASY FIX. When I tested my own vitamin D level it was very low and I live in Southern

California! I am convinced that boosting my vitamin D level was critical in getting control of my cravings. Ask

your doctor to order a test called 25 hydroxy-vitamin D and take vitamin D3 or get more sun if your levels are

low.

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9. Get 7-8 hours of sleep. Research shows that lack of sleep increases cravings.

10. Consider taking natural supplements for cravings control. N-acetyl-cysteine, alpha-lipoic acid,

chromium, dl-phenylalanine, and l-glutamine are five amazing natural dietary supplements that can help take

the edge off cravings.

What behaviors do you do that increase your cravings?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

What behaviors do you do that decrease your cravings?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Engage in the behaviors that help decrease your cravings instead of the behaviors that increase your cravings.

Step 6

Use Food to Heal Your Mind and Body

Food is your best medicine or it can be your worst enemy. The typical Western Diet of bad fat, salt and sugar

… think cheeseburgers, fries and sodas … promotes inflammation and has been associated by itself with

depression, ADD, dementia, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity.

But, if you start making better choices TODAY you will quickly notice that you have more energy, better focus,

a better memory, better moods and a slimmer, sexier waistline.

A number of new studies have reported that a healthy diet is associated with dramatically lower risks for

Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

Why not be smart and use food as medicine that heals you?

To help you navigate your way to the best options that will help you beat cravings, boost your cognitive

function, and lift your mood, here are rules to eat by.

Amen Clinics 7 Rules for Brain Healthy Eating

Rule #1. Think high-quality calories in and high-quality energy out. Focus on eating HIGH-QUALITY

calories. A 250-calorie candy bar is NOT the same thing as a bowl of lentil soup, a piece of wild salmon, or a

walnut and blueberry salad. “High-quality energy out” means you need to rev your metabolism in healthy ways.

Exercise, new learning, and green tea help. Diet pills, sugary caffeinated energy drinks, excessive coffee,

caffeinated sodas, and smoking are low-quality energy boosters.

Rule #2. Drink plenty of water and not too many of your calories. Your brain is 80 percent water. Anything

that dehydrates it, such as too much caffeine or much alcohol, decreases your thinking and impairs your

judgment. On a trip to New York City I saw a poster that read, “Are You Pouring On The Pounds… Don’t

Drink Yourself Fat.” I thought it was brilliant. A recent study found that on average Americans drink 450

calories a day, twice as many as we did 30 years ago. Just adding the extra 225 calories a day will put 23

pounds of fat a year on your body, and most people tend to not count the calories they drink.

Rule #3. Eat high-quality lean protein throughout the day. Protein helps balance your blood sugar, boosts

concentration, and provides the necessary building blocks for brain health. Great sources of protein include fish,

skinless turkey or chicken, beans, raw nuts, low-fat or nonfat dairy, and high-protein vegetables, such as

broccoli and spinach.

Rule #4. Eat low-glycemic, high-fiber carbohydrates. This means eat carbohydrates that do not spike your

blood sugar that are also high in fiber, such as those found in vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains.

Carbohydrates are NOT the enemy. They are essential to your life. Bad carbohydrates are the enemy. These are

carbohydrates that have been robbed of any nutritional value, such as simple sugars and refined carbohydrates.

Sugar is NOT your friend. Sugar increases inflammation in your body, increases erratic brain-cell firing, and

has been recently implicated in aggression. The less sugar in your life, the better your life will be.

Rule #5. Focus your diet on healthy fats. Eliminate bad fats, such as ALL trans-fats and most animal fat. Did

you know that fat stores toxic materials? So when you eat animal fat, you are also eating anything toxic the

animal ate. Yuck. Did you know that certain fats that are found in pizza, ice cream, and cheeseburgers fool the

brain into ignoring the signals that you should be full? No wonder it’s so hard to stop at just one slice of pizza!

Focus your diet on healthy fats, especially those that contain omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon,

avocados, walnuts, and green leafy vegetables.

Rule #6. Eat from the rainbow. This means put natural foods in your diet of many different colors, such as

blueberries, pomegranates, yellow squash, and red bell peppers. This will boost the antioxidant levels in your

body and help keep your brain young. Of course, this does not mean Skittles or jelly beans.

Rule #7. Cook with brain healthy herbs and spices to boost your brain and lose your belly. Trading in

heavy cream sauces for herbs and spices can help you trim calories. Here are other ways herbs and spices help:

 Turmeric, found in curry, contains a chemical that has been shown to decrease the plaques in the brain

thought to be responsible for Alzheimer’s disease.

 In four studies a saffron extract was found to be as effective as antidepressant medication in treating

people with major depression.

 Sage has very good scientific evidence that it helps to boost memory.

 Cinnamon has been shown to help attention and regulate blood sugar levels. Research also shows that

cinnamon extract can inhibit the tau aggregation associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Routine Works

One of the strategies we have seen work for our patients is routine, especially for breakfast, lunch and snacks.

Find foods you love and eat them daily. Dr. Amen has a protein shake virtually every day for breakfast. He

brings fresh-cut veggies and a piece of fruit and a few nuts for snacks. And, he usually has a 350-calorie

chicken, veggie and avocado sandwich on whole wheat for lunch.

What are some simple changes you can make to your diet to make it more brain healthy?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Step 7

Kill The Ants That Infest Your

Brain And Keep You In Chains

You don’t have to believe every stupid thought you have.

“I have no control over my eating…drinking…smoking.”

“I only smoke pot because you make me so miserable.”

“My dad was an alcoholic so I’m destined to be one, too.”

“I only bet on sports with my friends, so I don’t have a gambling problem.”

“I am so awful, no one will love or forgive me.”

“I smoke just so I can spend time with other smokers I like.”

“My mother smoked and ate poorly and lived well into her nineties. I have great genes.”

In our experience, most people plagued with addictions are filled with what we call ANTs or Automatic

Negative Thoughts; negative thoughts that come into their minds automatically, drive their addictions, and ruin

their days. They focus on the bad things that have happened or the frightening things that may happen and

subsequently make themselves sick and more vulnerable to give into their negative behaviors.

You do not have to believe every thought you have. Thoughts lie. They lie a lot, and these lies can fool you,

scare you, tease you and ruin your life. Learning how to kill the ANTs and develop an internal ANTeater to help

you get rid of the negative thoughts has been shown in scientific studies to be as effective as antidepressant

medications to treat anxiety and depression and can help you unchain your brain.

Addiction Isn’t Just a Brain Disorder; It’s a Thinking Disorder

Many of the negative things we tell ourselves—like “I have no control”—are lies that keep us locked in our

unhealthy ways. In the addiction field, these lies are often referred to as “stinking thinking” or “white-knuckle

sobriety.” There’s a common saying among addiction experts: “Relapse is a process, not just an event, and it’s

predated by stinking thinking.”

I think of these negative thoughts like ANTs that infest your psyche and keep you in chains. Your thoughts are

powerful. Bad, mad, sad, hopeless, or helpless thoughts release chemicals that make you feel bad and increase

your risk of relapse.

In this session, you will learn how to develop an internal ANTeater to patrol the streets of your mind and talk

back to the lies you tell yourself. This method of challenging your thoughts to help prevent relapse is backed by

strong scientific evidence. A 2009 review of fifty-three controlled trials using this method concluded that it is an

effective strategy for treating substance abuse. You will also discover how to turn negative thinking into

healthy, honest thinking. Did you know that happy, positive, hopeful, loving thoughts release chemicals that

make you feel good? Honest thinking can help you feel better and keep you away from the buffet, coffee pot,

bars, casinos, videogames, cigarettes, or drugs.

Nine ANTs That Keep You in Chains

Over the years therapists have identified nine “species” of ANTs or types of negative thoughts that can

increase your risk for relapse:

1. All or nothing – thinking things are all good or all bad

2. Always thinking – overgeneralizing one bad event to think it will always happen

3. Focusing on the negative – only seeing the bad in a situation

4. Thinking with your feelings – believing every feeling you have

5. Guilt beating – using guilt to try to motivate behavior

6. Labeling – giving yourself or others negative labels

7. Fortune telling – predicting the worst

8. Mind reading – reading other people’s minds

9. Blame and denial – blaming other people for how your life is turning out

Develop an Internal ANTeater to Challenge Your Erroneous Thoughts

You do not have to believe every stupid thought that goes through your brain. Develop an internal ANTeater

that can kill all the negative thoughts that come into your head and mess up your life. Teach your ANTeater to

talk back to the ANTs so you can free yourself from negative thinking patterns.

Whenever you feel sad, mad, nervous, obsessive, or out of control, write down the automatic thoughts that are

going through your mind. The act of writing them down helps to get them out of your head. Identify the ANT

species then talk back to them. Challenging negative thoughts takes away their power and gives you control

over your thoughts, moods, and behaviors.

ANT-Killing Examples

ANT Species of ANT Kill the ANT

You never listen to me. Always thinking I get frustrated when you don’t listen to me

but I know you have listened to me and will

again.

I’ll pass out if I have to speak Fortune telling I don't know that. Odds are I will do fine.

at my support group.

I’m unlovable. Labeling Sometimes I do things that push others

away, but I also do many loving things.

It’s your fault I Blame and denial I need to look at my part of the problems and

have these problems. look for ways I can make the situation

better.

My ANTeater Chart

Whenever you feel sad, mad, nervous, obsessive, or out of control,

use the following chart to write out your thoughts and talk back to them.

ANT Species ANTeater

____________________ ____________ ____________________________________

Do The Work

The Work, developed by Byron Katie, is simple yet very powerful. It consists of writing down any bothersome,

worrisome, or negative thoughts, then asking ourselves four questions, and then doing a turnaround. The goal of

the Work isn’t pie-in-the-sky positive thinking; it is honest thinking. The four questions are:

1. Is it true? (Is the negative thought true?)

2. Can I absolutely know that it is true?

3. How do I react when I think that thought?

4. Who would I be without the thought? Or how would I feel if I didn’t have the thought?

After you answer the four questions, you take your original thought and turn it around to its opposite, and ask

yourself whether the opposite of the original thought is true. Then, turn the original thought around and apply it

to yourself (how does the opposite of the thought apply to me personally?). Then, turn the thought around to the

other person if the thought involves another person (how does the opposite apply to the other person?).

Here is an example of how to use the four questions to kill the ANTs that are keeping you in chains. Corinne,

fifty-two, had smoked since she was a teenager. She had now smoked for almost forty years and had wrinkled

skin and trouble breathing. The people who loved her wanted her to stop. She wanted to stop but didn’t believe

she could without serious pain. “I cannot stop,” she told me. Here is how she worked on that thought.

Negative thought: “I cannot stop smoking.”

Question #1: Is it true that you cannot stop smoking?

“Yes,” she said.

Question #2: Can you absolutely know that it is true that you cannot stop smoking?

Initially she said yes, she knew she couldn’t do it. Then she thought about it and said, “Of

course, I cannot know for sure, especially if I got the right help.”

Question #3: How do you feel when you have the thought “I cannot stop smoking.”

“I feel powerless, sad, weak-willed, stupid, out of control, like a bad influence on my children.”

Question #4: Who would you be without the thought “I cannot stop smoking.”

She thought about it for a moment then said, “Hopeful, optimistic, more likely to give it my best

effort.”

Turnaround: What is the opposite thought of “I cannot stop smoking.” Is it true or truer than the

original thought?

Corinne said the opposite thought is “I can stop smoking.” She thought about this for a while and

said that if she got help and really tried, it could be true. Then she felt a sense of control and

committed to the program. Your thoughts are either helping you or hurting you.

Practice The Work

Negative Thought: _________________________________________________________________________

Question #1: Is it true that you cannot stop smoking? ____________________________________________