Recovery from substance addiction is a challenging journey. There are uncertainties along with the potential of relapse. Many recovering individuals struggle with self-doubt in various forms. These include the fear of failing and disappointing loved ones and the insecurity of not knowing if you are making progress. Feelings of inadequacy can become overwhelming and even destructive.
The Sources of Self-Doubt
If you are informed about addiction recovery, you ought to know that everyone faces uncertainty and challenges on this journey. Although recovery experts can map out the process into several distinguishable phases, there is still much grey area. Since you might have mental health disorders that need simultaneous treatment, the path of recovery can only be customized, not generalized.
Acknowledging the complex nature of this disease and the unavoidable uncertainties may be a way to regain a rational perspective about recovery. You can seek more science-based information about addiction recovery by trusting and collaborating with health professionals. Other sources of self-doubt may be related to habitual negative self-talk. This is the part you need to invest your energy in smoothing out with your therapists.
Considering Self-Doubt as Mental Health Needs
Many people who develop substance use disorders have low self-esteem early on. This may have to do with what kind of parenting style they grew up under or traumatic experiences they suffered in the past. Having some personality disorders may also result in spiraling into constant self-doubt.
Everyone experiences feelings of worthlessness on occasion. We all tend to have an inner critic who focuses on failures. Family and friends can help support and lift us out of an emotional pit of self-doubt. Fixing unrealistic expectations can also be a life-long lesson to ease self-doubt. But when these commonplace measures do not help, and you find yourself constantly battling with negative thoughts and emotions, maybe it is time to work with a mental health specialist.
The Importance of Self-Acceptance in Recovery
Having an optimistic outlook on life and accepting yourself are two key foundations of successful recovery. Make it a daily habit of listing five things you have accomplished. They can be eating healthy diets, enjoying a relaxing walk in nature, or having a quality time with family. Celebrate these small wins because they are the steps towards maintaining sobriety.
Self-acceptance also means making peace with your past. Many recovering individuals struggle with shame and guilt about their past addiction. You need to realize that by choosing treatment, you are already back on track, and it is no small feat. The past does not define you. As a human being, you have inherent value no matter what you do. Affirming your own value is a way to show self-compassion.
During recovery, surround yourself with positive people who accept and appreciate you. These people do not compare you to others. Spend time with them and celebrate small victories together. On the other hand, stay away from toxic relationships that may create extra stress for you.
Practical Advice for Boosting Self-Confidence
There are many ways you can try to boost self-confidence during recovery. For example, you can keep a self-affirmation journal and write down positive things to encourage yourself. You can also learn a few new hobbies that make you feel good about yourself. Participating in community services can also be a way to boost self-confidence because you are contributing to society.
Working with evidence-based behavioral therapists can help you examine the automatic negative thoughts that arise when you encounter certain triggering people, places, or situations. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is known to be most effective at treating self-doubt by teaching you to recognize distorted thinking and re-evaluate them in light of reality. Psychotherapy may also reveal deeper root causes for low self-esteem, such as traumatic family events.
Rebuilding Foundations of Self-Esteem
From self-acceptance, you can practice living with more self-awareness about when negative self-criticism emerges. When that happens, acknowledge its presence but make a conscious choice of self-affirmation. Doing so can reverse the neurological pathways in your brain. In daily routines and social interactions, practice self-responsibility and take ownership of your own choices and actions. Evaluate what you can accomplish and when you do, always celebrate these achievements with self-affirmation.
Meanwhile, make sure that you have a strong support system in place, including health professionals who can coach you into living more positively. Even after you finish treatment, you can make use of outpatient programs to continue therapy. Recovery takes time, and you should patiently work on your mental resilience. Know that the plasticity of the brain is there for you as you choose to live your life more positively.
Do you know that self-doubt may hinder your progress in recovery? For those in recovery from addiction, learning to manage negative self-criticism is critical for preventing relapse. One should work with trained therapists to learn recovery-supportive techniques. At Capo Canyon Recovery, near Mission Viejo, CA, we take pride in our holistic healing methods, which are incremental to your path to sustainable and long-term recovery. We focus on each stage of recovery, both physical and mental. Our inpatient residential care and outpatient, long-term care programs offer curated benefits for each client. We provide unmatched comfort during your stay with an in-house chef, luxurious beds, and our organic garden. At Capo Canyon Recovery, you can feel confident that we will help you achieve long-term sobriety. By coaching you to cope with upcoming stress and challenges, you can start your journey with experienced recovery experts today. Call us at (800) 804-8714.
