If you have substance use disorder, you tend to navigate through life at a different pace from others, facing many barriers, some of which may be self-imposed. However, overcoming substance misuse requires much more than urging from others. When you’re at your lowest, you probably can’t summon up motivation to help yourself. This is where the concept of self-efficacy, a person’s belief in their ability to complete a task or achieve a goal, plays a crucial role in recovery. More importantly, it can also help prevent individuals from turning to substances or relapsing to cope with their problems.
While some genetic and environmental factors are impossible to change, certain principles can help those most vulnerable to addiction. Strengthening self-efficacy can help those at risk, providing them with the confidence needed to change their paths and embrace recovery.
Self-efficacy theory, developed by psychologist Albert Bandera, states that “people’s belief in their efficacy to influence events that affect their lives” form the foundation of their agency. Bandura says that self-efficacy is key for “human inspiration, motivation, performance accomplishments, and emotional wellbeing.”
Albert Bandura (1977)“Unless people believe they can produce desired effects by their actions, they have little incentive to undertake activities or to persevere in the face of difficulties.”
Basically, self-efficacy is a personal judgment that determines how you cope with situations. Much of this depends on how you approach different challenges and opportunities, impacting everything from daily tasks to major life decisions. The theory emphasizes that the level of one’s self-efficacy can vary depending on previous experiences, social conditions, and emotional states, affecting how an individual might cope with the situation at hand across various aspects of life.
In the realm of addiction recovery, Albert Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy is particularly relevant. Individuals who believe in themselves and have the self-determination to achieve what they want are more likely to succeed in recovery.
This, of course, doesn’t mean that one must recover without support – external help remains crucial. However, relying solely on others to reach their recovery goals can lead to setbacks. Those who combine self-reliance with support mechanisms like medication-assisted treatment and substance use counseling experience more sustainable success.
Recognizing the role of self-efficacy when starting treatment for substance use disorder can help set goals for success. It prepares you to set more realistic expectations and to persist through the challenges of recovery.
Self-efficacy can be gained from several sources in recovery, each playing a pivotal role in keeping you motivated throughout your journey. Typically, belief in your own ability to overcome challenges and reach personal goals comes from four primary sources:
When you face a challenge and overcome it, it gives you a sense of accomplishment. Each success helps increase your self-efficacy, enforcing your belief in your own abilities to meet goals and handle difficulties.
This is particularly relevant in recovery, where you set many goals and work to achieve them daily. Whether you’re tackling major milestones or navigating daily tasks, they’re all critical to your recovery journey. With every obstacle you overcome, confidence in your ability to maintain your progress strengthens.
Watching someone successfully accomplish goals similar to yours can be inspiring. You’re vicariously increasing your self-efficacy by witnessing what is possible with preservation and determination.
Engaging with individuals who have overcome obstacles in their recovery journey also gives you a source of information. People who have maintained long-term recovery offer valuable insights and guidance, making them great mentors. These mentors not only provide practical advice tailored to your situation, they introduce you to resources and strategies that you may not have known about.
Feedback from your peers and loved ones can serve as a powerful source of motivation in recovery. Positive responses and encouragement from those you respect and trust can enhance your self-belief.
In recovery, social persuasion is an encouraging factor that makes group counseling sessions vital to success. Knowing that others are invested in your success provides additional motivation, strengthening your commitment to recovery. The sense of community and support means that you’re not alone in this journey.
Your emotional and physiological states are important components of your overall wellbeing. Addiction can severely impact your overall health, making everything in life more difficult. Fortunately, comprehensive programs like medication-assisted treatment address both the chemical imbalances and psychological challenges of addiction.
Outpatient treatment allows you to take care of your mental health outside of the four walls of a facility. You can go about your life on your terms and discover ways to improve your wellness. While counselors provide the necessary support, developing self-efficacy through improved health is a pivotal aspect of your recovery journey.
Each individual is different, but you may find yourself struggling with one or more of these factors that can impact your self-efficacy. Identifying and understanding these barriers can be the first step toward overcoming them:
Feeling unmotivated can be a common obstacle in the early stages of recovery, where the energy to begin this change in your life can seem out of reach. This can be caused by a number of things like physical withdrawal symptoms and psychological exhaustion that decreases your drive. Small, achievable goals and consistent encouragement from support groups can slowly help rebuild your motivation, allowing you to engage more fully in your recovery journey.
Hiding your addiction issues from peers and loved ones not only isolates you from necessary support but also hinders your journey toward recovery. The dishonesty often comes from fear of being judged and stigma linked to addiction. By fostering a practice of openness in secure environments like therapy and support groups, you can start to break down these barriers to create a foundation of trust in recovery.
Being complacent often means being unaware of the severeness of your addiction and the impact it has on your life. This detachment from reality can impact your motivation to seek help or recognize the need for change. Regular feedback from those outside your environment, such as counselors or medical professionals, can provide an objective perspective that challenges this complacency. Engaging in self-reflection activities and other activities where you can learn more about the effects of substance use can also help clarify the consequences of continued addiction, encouraging proactive steps towards recovery.
Addiction can drain your financial resources, leaving you feeling trapped and unable to afford necessary treatment or basic needs. This financial strain can cause you feelings of stress and helplessness. Talking to your recovery team about your financial struggles can provide practical pathways to recovery without the added stress.
Communication plays a crucial role in your journey to recovery. Often, individuals may hesitate to express their needs or struggles due to fear of being judged or rejected. This silence can impact the necessary support that is important for recovery. By encouraging open dialogues with trusted individuals or in counseling can help bridge that gap between suffering in silence and receiving help.
There are many ways to improve your self-efficacy that’s essential to sustaining your motivation and resilience throughout your recovery journey. This sense of personal competence can influence your ability to face life’s challenges effectively. Here are several strategies to increase your self-efficacy:
Find new ways to push your boundaries in healthy ways. Overcoming these challenges can show you what you’re capable of that can help strengthen your belief in your ability to handle future obstacles.
Learn and practice healthy coping mechanisms that can help you manage stress and anxiety without resorting to substance use. Practicing mindfulness, doing meditation or even physical activities like yoga can increase your psychological resilience.
Build and maintain strong relationships with people who support your recovery efforts. Positive interactions with friends, family, and your recovery team can provide encouragement and reinforce your self-worth, contributing to stronger self-efficacy.
Focus on improving both your mental and physical health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep all day play critical roles in your overall wellbeing and can impact your self-perception and confidence.
At Middlesex Recovery, we understand that substance use disorder is a treatable chronic condition. The resilience and perseverance developed through overcoming obstacles in treatment help pave the way for lasting recovery and a productive future.
Building self-efficacy is just one of the many important values learned through outpatient treatment programs. Our approach, including our dedicated team, help patients recognize and harness their inner strengths to accomplish their recovery goals.
We offer evidence-based treatment methods in a private and comfortable office setting, ensuring each patient receives the support they need to improve their self-efficacy. Message or call the nearest Middlesex Recovery location today to learn more about how our programs can help you build the self-assurance needed to overcome opioid or alcohol addiction and lead a fulfilling life.
