People who go through substance use disorder treatment and enter recovery endure a very humbling process that can reshape the rest of their lives. Much of the work that goes on during an individual’s journey is based on rebuilding parts of their internal workings, emotions, and values to prepare for the future. This includes evaluating essential traits for all humans like self-worth and self-esteem. The two go hand-in-hand, but those who lack them are more likely to be linked to substance misuse and addiction.
Those in recovery who work to raise their self-esteem are more likely to be successful in reaching their recovery goals. It can take some time to achieve high levels of self-confidence, but taking small, attainable steps to get there can make a big difference.
To reach self-esteem and self-worth, one has to self-forgive first. People in treatment and recovery commonly struggle with this first vital step due to events or actions that may have occurred while battling addiction. Through substance use counseling and other therapies, people will learn to let go of the guilt that hangs over their heads as they work to repair friendships and familial bonds. However, the biggest challenge they face will often be forgiving themselves. Once that achievement is unlocked, it will be much easier to move forward towards building self-worth and esteem!
Studies have found that when people engage in random acts of kindness, they also benefit from the act itself, especially women. Acts of kindness don’t always have to be grand gestures; volunteering to help others in the community is an easy way to spread compassion and is also a great way to meet other like-minded people. The boost people feel when someone genuinely thanks them for their help or guidance is a major self-esteem booster and can influence a chain reaction of further random acts of kindness from the recipient.
Addiction can put the body through a lot, and those who have come out on the other end of treatment and recovery are true survivors. There are emotional and sometimes physical scars leftover from substance use disorder, and those all take hard work to overcome and accept. Self-love in the form of treating the body well and spending time on pampering, fitness, and nutrition can help people look and feel better about themselves as a reward for all of their hard work.
Although treatment and recovery are massive life changes (for the better), people will often benefit from making small self-determined changes in a positive direction. This can be as simple as setting daily or weekly goals that can provide much-needed self-esteem boosts, especially when an overwhelming project is broken down into smaller steps and completed.
Rebuilding and boosting self-esteem and self-worth are essential to maintaining long-term recovery for those who have battled addiction. Though the road towards becoming an individual with unwavering self-assuredness is a long one, everyone deserves to feel confident in themselves and proud of their achievements, especially those who have overcome incredible difficulties in life.
If you’re struggling with opioid addiction, you don’t have to face it alone. At Middlesex Recovery, we treat each of our patients with care and respect. We offer a counseling and medication-assisted treatment program that allows you to continue with your normal life while getting care from us.
To learn more about how we can come alongside you in your recovery journey, reach out to us today.
