The Evolution of Addiction Recovery/Therapy
Over the past century, mental health treatment has progressed from purely behavioral interventions to deeper, more holistic approaches. Early methods focused on behavior management, then expanded to explore internal dialogue and thought patterns, then to identifying triggers and early temptations.
More recently, therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) have emphasized recognizing and regulating emotions that precede value-based lapses in behavior.
And yet, for many individuals striving for full self-mastery—particularly those fighting for self-mastery and/or freedom from addictions in programs like Sons of Helaman, Men of Moroni, Eternal Warriors, and those utilizing Personal Warrior Trainers—this progression still doesn’t go far enough.
Greater Victory Requires Deeper Awareness
We need more than symptom management. We need experiential awareness.
Trainers and clinicians in faith-based, warrior-rooted programs by Life Changing Services are helping individuals:
- Recognize the earliest signs of chemical shifts and subconscious attacks before emotional discomfort sets in (Level 1 of the Chemical Scale)
- Establish daily practices and mental drills that promote presence, clarity, and resilience at their best (Level 0 of the Chemical Scale)
Success isn’t just about stopping bad behavior. It’s about learning to notice subtle changes—those nearly invisible shifts that signal we’re slipping out of alignment—and building a life of purpose and passion.
Understanding the “Chemical Scale”
In Life Changing Services, the Chemical Scale represents a continuum of brain states, ranging from full impulse-driven behavior to fully empowered self-regulation. Here’s how mental health interventions historically map onto this scale:
| Level | Focus | State of Mind |
| 5–10 | Overt Behaviors | Acting out, impulses, compulsions |
| 4 | Internal Conversation | Rationalizations, justifications |
| 3 | Temptations & Environmental Triggers | External cues, first thoughts |
| 2 | Emotions/Feelings | Anxiety, shame, fatigue, boredom |
| 1 | Chemical Shifts | Subtle imbalances, “feeling off” |
| 0 | Optimal Self-Regulation | Clarity, purpose, energy, connection |
Levels 10–2: Commonly Accepted Therapies
Mainstream treatments can be invaluable, particularly when tailored well. These include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Behavior reinforcement and tracking systems
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT: Challenging negative thoughts and feelings
- Psychotherapy: Exploratory talk therapy rooted in insight
- Cold Turkey Approaches: Behavior disruption without replacement tools
Strategies by Level:
- Levels 5–10: Build structure, clear guidelines, and accountability systems
- Level 4: Strengthen awareness of distorted thinking and create space through connection
- Level 3: Avoid or defuse environmental triggers through planning and distance
- Level 2: Identify and process emotions healthily
These are critical layers—but they aren’t the full picture.
Level 1: The Start of the Chemical Shift
This is where many modern therapies stop—but the next step is awareness on a cellular, chemical level.
Trainers in warrior programs help participants build experiential fluency in:
- Noticing when their body chemistry feels “off,” even before emotions fully arise
- Spotting subconscious narratives or lies that feed vulnerability
- Reconnecting with truth-based identity and values before emotions take over
Level 0: Living in Warrior Chemistry
Instead of just escaping dysfunction, the goal is to amplify what’s already good—to build lives that are so purposeful, aligned, and fulfilling that the pull of old patterns weakens naturally.
Some Level 0 strategies include:
- MANPWR Daily Goals
- Flagpoles & Mental Sparring (brief re-anchoring drills)
- Spiritual & Reflective Practices (prayer, meditation, scripture study)
- Physical Anchors (exercise, grounding, nutrition)
- Creative/Reflective Practices (journaling, music, acts of service)
- Connection Anchors (building relationships with loved ones)
This is about training joy, not just preventing pain.
Conclusion: Fighting Every Layer of the Battle
Lasting change comes from understanding and acting at every level—thoughts, feelings, triggers, and even the smallest shifts in how we feel.
We must:
- Reinforce strong behaviors
- Disrupt irrational self-talk
- Defuse temptations and triggers
- Soften emotional storms with healthy outlets
- Notice and re-center subtle chemical shifts
- Practice thriving at our best
Life’s battles are layered. Real growth happens when we pay attention to the whole picture—not just the behavior, but what leads up to it.
Glossary of Terms:
Men of Moroni – A faith-based brotherhood that empowers men in the fight against addiction and self-mastery challenges. Blending gospel-centered principles with accurate psychology, it offers a proven framework for personal transformation through mentor and clinician-led groups, team-based training, and daily accountability tools.
Personal Warrior Trainer (PWT) – Personal Warrior Trainer (PWT) – A certified mentor and program graduate who provides accountability, encouragement, and precision coaching to help participants strengthen their self-mastery and overcome addiction.
MANPWR – Six essential checkpoints that warriors must attend to daily to fortify their defenses against addiction and temptation–Ministering, Accountability/Action, No/New Pattern, Prayer, Writing, and Reading.
Chemical Scale – The progressive impact of brain chemistry on decision-making and self-control. It illustrates how emotional states and neurochemical shifts influence whether an individual is in a high-functioning cognitive state or a compromised state more susceptible to temptation/misbehavior.
Level 0: Awesomeness – Awesomeness, one’s true, spiritually natural state, free from distortion. At this level, warriors feel motivated to do good, eager to serve others, and driven to excel in music, sports, relationships, education, work, and life.
Level 1: Off – The Chemical Shift Stage. At this level, the individual experiences a slight but unnoticed chemical reaction, often triggered by subconscious/semi conscious, adversarial thoughts designed to create emotional distress. These early chemical shifts increase animal brain activity while decreasing higher brain functioning, making one more vulnerable to escalating attacks.
Warrior Chemistry – The mental and spiritual state that awakens warriors to their true values and empowers them to fight temptation with intensity, clarity, and passion. Warrior Chemistry is activated using Drills & Rituals such as MANPWR goals, Flag Poles, Sparring, and Passion Projects.
About the Author
Simon Elam is a Personal Warrior Trainer (PWT) for Life Changing Services, where he helps individuals develop resilience and self-mastery through impactful habits, strategic drills, and personalized interventions. He also works as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), supporting autistic children, and is currently studying to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
References
Harker, M. W., & Reynolds, L. J. (2017). Like Dragons Did They Fight: The Sons of Helaman (Revised February 2017). Maurice Harker. (Original work published 2012)
