Type 7 - The Enthusiast

Key Traits: Optimistic, versatile, spontaneous, enthusiastic, adventurous, energetic
Challenges: Impatient, impulsive, scattered, undisciplined, prone to excess 

• Basic Fear – Being deprived and trapped in pain

• Distorted Desire / Passion – My gluttony leads me to over-consuming possibilities.

• Leaden Rule – I create pain and deprivation for others in pursuit of pleasure.

• Manipulation Technique – I distract, charm, and promise excitement.

• Red-Flag Fear – Ruining life and wasting opportunities 

• Wake-Up Call – Believing something better is available elsewhere

• Lost Childhood Message – “You will be taken care of.”

• Core Identification & Self-Image – “I am upbeat, imaginative, adventurous.” 

• Desire: keep options open and avoid limitation

• Invitation to Abundance – Joyously celebrate existence and share happiness

• Healing Attitude – “Maybe what I already have is enough… maybe I’m not missing out on anything worthwhile.”

Pain Avoidance: The core fear of being deprived and trapped in pain makes Sevens particularly vulnerable to substances that promise escape from discomfort. Sevens don’t have the skills to deal with unpleasant experiences.

Sensation-Seeking and Impulsivity: Sevens are driven to pursue new experiences and excitement and become easily bored without constant stimulation. This sensation-seeking behavior makes them vulnerable to experimenting with substances to satisfy their need for intense sensations.

ADHD-Type Patterns: Sevens often exhibit impulsive behavior similar to ADHD, and research shows that about 25% of adults in treatment for alcohol and substance abuse have been diagnosed with ADHD, making addiction five to 10 times more common in people with ADHD.

Avoidance of Difficult Emotions: Addiction triggers include boredom, unpleasant emotional experiences, and lack of stimulation. Sevens prefer to avoid processing difficult emotions, making substances attractive as escape mechanisms.

Cognitive Impairment

Mental slowness feels boring and frustrating to Sevens who need mental stimulation. Cognitive fog conflicts with their need for mental engagement and excitement.

Memory Problems

Forgetting things limits Sevens’ options and opportunities for new experiences. Memory issues feel like restrictions on their freedom and possibilities.

Emotional Dysregulation

Negative emotions feel unbearable to Sevens who are used to avoiding pain. Emotional volatility conflicts with their need to maintain optimism and avoid suffering.

Sleep Disturbances

Fatigue limits energy available for fun activities and adventures. Sleep issues restrict their ability to pursue exciting experiences.

Motor Coordination Issues

Coordination problems limit physical activities and adventures. Physical symptoms feel like constraints on their spontaneous lifestyle.

Stress Sensitivity

Stress sensitivity limits ability to enjoy life and pursue new experiences. Increased stress reactivity interferes with their natural optimism and resilience.

Phase 1: Return of Denial – Inability to recognize and honestly communicate thoughts/feelings

• “These negative feelings will pass if I just stay busy and positive.”

• “I don’t want to dwell on worries – that’s not helpful for my recovery.”

• “These concerns are just temporary setbacks in an otherwise great recovery.”

Phase 2: Avoidance and Defensive Behavior – Avoiding anything that triggers uncomfortable emotions

• “I’m naturally resilient – relapse just isn’t going to happen to me.”

• “Other people make recovery too complicated when it should be about joy and freedom.”

• “I don’t need to focus on problems when my recovery is going so well.”

Phase 3: Crisis Building – Life problems accumulate due to denial and isolation

• “These problems are just temporary setbacks in an otherwise positive recovery.”

• “I need to find new, more exciting approaches to solving these issues.”

• “If I stay optimistic and keep moving, these problems will take care of themselves.”

Phase 4: Immobilization – Complete inability to initiate action, controlled by circumstances

• “I can’t deal with these heavy problems – I need something lighter and more hopeful.”

• “If only something exciting would happen, I could get motivated again.”

• “I’m trapped in negativity and need to find a way to feel optimistic again.”

Phase 5: Confusion and Overreaction – Impaired thinking and emotional volatility

• “Everyone is being so negative and heavy, and it’s bringing me down.”

• “I can’t think clearly when people keep focusing on problems instead of solutions.”

• “These depressing conversations are killing my natural optimism and energy.”

Phase 6: Depression – Severe mood disruption affecting normal functioning

• “All my options have disappeared and I’m trapped in this nightmare.”

• “The future looks completely bleak. Happiness isn’t possible.”

• “Recovery was supposed to be about freedom, but I’m more trapped than ever.”

Phase 7: Behavioral Loss of Control – Inability to maintain recovery behaviors

• “Recovery activities are boring and depressing – they’re bringing me down.”

• “I don’t care about structure when it’s limiting my freedom and spontaneity.”

• “Why should I focus on problems when I need to stay positive and optimistic?”

Phase 8: Recognition of Loss of Control – Denial breaks, awareness of powerlessness emerges

• “I’m trapped in this nightmare with no escape or hope.”

• “Maybe using would help me feel happy and free again.”

• “I’m lying about being optimistic when I’m actually desperate and hopeless.”

Phase 9: Option Reduction – Only three perceived options: insanity, suicide, or substance use

• “I’m desperate and angry that recovery has trapped me in this hell.”

• “The only options left are losing my mind, suicide, or using to escape.”

• “I can’t stand being around recovery people who keep focusing on problems.”

Phase 10: Acute Relapse Period – Complete functional breakdown

• “I can’t escape this depression and everything feels hopeless.”

• “I’m so emotionally exhausted that I have no energy for anything positive.”

• “Maybe using would help me feel happy and optimistic again.”

Phase 11: Return to Active Addiction – Actual resumption of substance use

• • “I’ll use just enough to feel  happy again.”

  • “If I can use recreationally sometimes, recovery will be more enjoyable and sustainable.”

  • “Occasional use will help me maintain the positive energy I need for recovery.”

Releases 

• I NOW RELEASE all reckless and destructive impulses.

• I NOW RELEASE feeling that I will be overwhelmed by anxiety.

• I NOW RELEASE all compulsions and addictions.

• I NOW RELEASE burning myself out by trying to satisfy all of my desires.

• I NOW RELEASE running away from the consequences of my actions.

• I NOW RELEASE insulting or abusing others to vent my frustrations.

• I NOW RELEASE allowing my insecurities to drive me into dangerous situations and behavior.

• I NOW RELEASE sacrificing my health and happiness for instant gratification.

• I NOW RELEASE being demanding and impatient with others.

• I NOW RELEASE fearing that there will not be enough for me.

• I NOW RELEASE always feeling that I need more.

• I NOW RELEASE wanting every moment to be exciting and dramatic.

• I NOW RELEASE escaping from myself through distractions and constant activity.

• I NOW RELEASE letting my lack of self-discipline ruin my opportunities.

• I NOW RELEASE over-extending myself with more than I can do well.

• I NOW RELEASE believing that external things will make me happy.

Affirmations 

• I NOW AFFIRM that I am happiest when I am calm and centered.

• I NOW AFFIRM that I can say no to myself without feeling deprived.

• I NOW AFFIRM that there will be enough for me of whatever I need.

• I NOW AFFIRM that I am resilient in the face of setbacks.

• I NOW AFFIRM that I find satisfaction in ordinary things.

• I NOW AFFIRM that I stay with projects until I complete them.

• I NOW AFFIRM that I care deeply about people and am committed to their happiness.

• I NOW AFFIRM that there is a spiritual dimension to my life.

• I NOW AFFIRM that I am profoundly grateful to be alive.

• “Maybe depth is more satisfying than breadth. Maybe staying present with discomfort leads to genuine freedom.”

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