Instructions
If you started this project in RELP 316, all you need to do is submit a comment that states you started this
assignment in RELP 316. Continue to the second self care assignment in this module.
**If you did not start this project in RELP 316, you will need to complete Part One-PREPARATION of the Personal
Craziness Index(PCI).
**PREPARATION for the PCI:
The Personal Craziness Index (PCI) is based on two assumptions:
1) Craziness first manifests itself in routine, simple behaviors that support lifestyle balance.
Behavioral signs will occur in patterns involving different parts of our lives. Thus, we can be caught up in issues of
cosmic importance and not notice that our checking account is overdrawn. If our checking account is overdrawn,
we are probably out of socks as well, because we have not done our laundry. If this pattern is pervasive, there is
risk that our lives will become emotionally bankrupt as well—cosmic issues notwithstanding.
Addicts and co-addicts are particularly vulnerable to the “insanity” of loss of reality from having neglected the basics.
“Keep it simple” and “a day at a time” are not shopworn clichés but guidelines borne out by the experience of many
recovering people. The PCI helps you to remember what you need to do each day. It helps you establish good
recovery habits. Without a process for such reminders, “cunning and baffling,” self-destructive behavior patterns will
return. You’ll also find the PCI helpful during periods of stress and vulnerability.
The process of creating your own PCI is designed to be as value-free as possible. Each person uses his or her own
criteria to develop the index. In other words, you are asked to generate behavioral signs (or “critical incidents”)
which, through your own experience, you have learned to identity as danger signs or warnings that you are “losing
it,” “getting out of hand,” or “burnt-out.” Thus, you will judge yourself by your own standards.
You may change the items in the index as you progress in your recovery. The following are ten areas of personal
behavior suggested as sources of danger signs. Add some of your own if you wish. PCI Part 1.docx
1. Physical Health – The ultimate insanity is to not take care of our bodies. Without our bodies, we have nothing, yet
we seem to have little time for physical conditioning. Examples are being overweight, abusing cigarettes or
caffeine, not getting regular exercise, eating junk food, getting insufficient sleep, and having a lingering sickness.
When do you know that you are not taking care of your body (at least three examples)?
2. Transportation – How people get from place to place is often a statement about their lifestyles. Take, for example,
a car owner who seldom comes to a full stop, routinely exceeds the speed limit, runs out of gas, does not check
the oil, puts off needed repairs, has not cleaned the back seat out in three months, and averages three speeding
tickets and ten parking tickets a year. Or the bus rider who always misses the bus, never has change, forgets his
or her briefcase on the bus, and so forth. What transportation behaviors indicate that your life is getting out of
control (at least three examples)?
3. Environment – To not have time to maintain your personal space chores is a comment on the order of your life.
Consider the home in which plants go unwatered, fish unfed, grocery supply depleted, laundry not done or put
away, cleaning neglected, dishes unwashed, etc. What are ways in which you neglect your home or living space
(at least three examples)
4. Work – Chaos at work is risky for recovery. Signs of chaotic behavior are phone calls not returned within twentyfour hours, chronic lateness for appointments, being behind in promised work, an unmanageable in-basket, and
“too many irons in the fire”. When your life is unmanageable at work, what are your behaviors (at least three
examples)
5. Interests – What are some positive interests besides work which give you perspective on the world? Music,
reading, photography, fishing, and gardening are examples. What are you neglecting when you are overextended
(at least three examples)?
6. Social Life – Think of friends in your social network who constitute significant support for you and are not family or
significant others. When you become isolated alienated or disconnected from them, what behaviors are typical of
you (at least three examples)?
7. Family/Significant Others – When you are disconnected from those closest to you, what is your behavior like (at
least three examples)? Examples are silent, overtly hostile, and passive-aggressive.
8. Finances – We handle our financial resources much as we do our emotional ones. Thus, when your checking
account is unbalanced or worse, overdrawn, or bills are overdue, or there is no cash in your pocket, or you are
spending more than you earn, your financial overextension may parallel your emotional bankruptcy. List the signs
that show when you are financially overextended (at least three examples)?
9. Spiritual Life and Personal Reflection – Spirituality can be diverse and can include such practices as meditation,
yoga, and prayer. Personal reflection includes keeping a personal journal, working the Twelve Step program with
daily readings, and getting therapy. What are sources of routine personal reflection that you neglect when you are
overextended? (at least three examples)
10. Other Addictions or Symptom Behaviors – Compulsive behaviors that have negative consequences are
symptomatic of your general well-being or the state of your overall recovery. When you watch inordinate amounts
of TV, overeat, bite your nails — any habit you feel bad about afterward — these can be signs of “bum out” or
possible relapse. Symptom behaviors are behaviors that are evidence of over-extension, such as forgetfulness,
slips of the tongue, or jealousy. What negative addiction or symptom behaviors are present when you are “on the
edge” (at least three examples)?
Submit a Comment that states you have completed the preparation for this project. Continue to the second
self care assignment in this module.