Research has found that individuals involved with addiction have lower self-esteem compared with the “ordinary” person. Unfortunately, addiction is a cyclic process that continues to hurt self-esteem for the worse. Those who turn to drugs because of struggles with self-esteem then continue to have low self-esteem because of their addiction.
However, you don’t have to struggle with low self-esteem and addiction for the rest of your life. In this article, you’ll learn five ways you can build self esteem in recovery.
At Outpatient LA, we are a top-rated outpatient drug rehab in Los Angeles that is here to help as many patients as possible achieve lasting sobriety. Our comprehensive addiction treatment in Beverly Hills includes a range of treatment options so you can receive the right care for your recovery needs. Contact us today to learn more about how you can break free of addiction once and for all.
How to Rebuild Self-Esteem in Recovery
Low self-esteem can negatively impact your health, quality of life, and recovery journey for the worse. Unfortunately, many people struggling with addiction experience low self-esteem, making it that much more difficult to achieve long-term sobriety. However, if you are struggling with addiction and low self-esteem, there are several ways you can rebuild self-esteem in recovery so you can take back control of your life for good.
Challenge Negative Self-Talk
Negative self-talk is extremely dangerous. It can be difficult to recognize your ruminating negative thoughts unless you are aware of your own thought patterns. Therefore, it’s important to challenge negative self-talk in order to start rebuilding self-esteem in recovery.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to recognize that you are struggling with negative thinking; therefore, consider keeping a journal or writing in the notes app of your phone whenever you recognize yourself spiraling to get your thoughts down on paper, rather than letting these thoughts linger in your mind.
Practice Positivity
Next, it’s important to replace that negative self-talk with positive thinking. Rather than saying “I’m not good enough” or “No one likes me,” replace those negative thoughts with positive thoughts and actions. In other words, shift your thoughts toward something positive and uniquely special about yourself.
Avoid Situations that Negatively Impact Your Self-Esteem
Some situations, people, or events may trigger and negatively impact your self-esteem. For example, being around negative people that are self-conscious and critical about themselves and others can easily impact your own self-esteem for the worse. Therefore, be aware of the situations and people you surround yourself with to protect your self-esteem in recovery and beyond.
Forgive Yourself and Others
Forgiveness is a critical component of building your self-esteem. Not only is it important to forgive yourself in recovery, but it’s also important to forgive others who may have hurt you in your past. Carrying feelings of anger, resentment, or sadness with you will only keep your self-esteem low and prevent you from becoming the healthiest, happiest version of yourself.
Seek Professional Help to Heal
And, last but not least, you should seek professional help to build self-esteem in recovery. You should never think that you are all alone in your recovery journey. There are countless addiction treatment centers and mental health facilities around the country ready to help you build your self-esteem and overcome addiction once and for all. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help when it comes to leading a healthier life.
Help Is Available
Rebuilding self-esteem in recovery is critical so you can effectively progress on your path to sobriety. Although increasing self-worth in recovery won’t happen overnight, it is critical that you work daily to rebuild self-esteem. Failure to do so can put your mental health and sobriety at risk.
At Outpatient LA, we offer premier California outpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs to help patients safely and effectively progress on their recovery journey. Addiction can affect every aspect of your life for the worse. If you’re looking to regain control of your life, our compassionate team of addiction specialists is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help support your recovery journey.