Addiction Quote by Richard Rohr
““blinds them to anything and everything that falls outside that system. What they see and feel is only what feeds their addiction or what threatens it. To themselves they seem logical, even when they are being incoherent. To themselves they seem reasonable, even when they are being irrational. To themselves they seem moral, even when they are doing things that are destroying themselves and others. It is why many alcoholics are unkindly called “dry drunks” even after they stop drinking. The thinking patterns””
About This Quote
Source Book: Falling Up, Richard Rohr, 2011
The quote describes how people trapped in addictive mindsets filter reality to justify their behavior, seeing themselves as logical and moral even when they act irrationally or destructively.
In simple terms: Addiction narrows perception, letting people rationalize harmful actions.
Recognize and challenge self‑justifying thoughts.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- recovering addicts
- people in denial
- therapy sessions
- self‑reflection groups
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you notice when your thinking becomes self‑serving?
- What evidence contradicts your rationalizations?
The perspective may overlook external factors influencing addiction and can imply personal blame.