“I Deserve This” — Understanding Permissive Thoughts and How They Sabotage Your Recovery Goals

You’ve had a hard day.

You’re tired, frustrated, maybe even a little hurt.

And suddenly, your brain whispers:

“I deserve this.”

A glass of wine.

A scroll through TikTok until 1 a.m.

That relationship you know isn’t healthy.

Another handful of chips.

Whatever your “go-to” escape is—it suddenly feels justified.

That’s what we call a permissive thought—a seemingly innocent phrase that gives you permission to override your boundaries and default back into a coping pattern you’re trying to move away from…