Self-Esteem in Recovery

self esteem in addiction recovery

Preserving positive self-esteem in recovery is perhaps one of the most important traits in rehab.  So much so that the make-or-break factor in sobriety goals can come down to the state of your self-esteem. For that reason, doctors begin rehab by treating the emotional impacts of withdrawals that directly affect self-esteem. Consult the following guide to educate yourself on everything you should know about the important role self-esteem plays in rehab.

What is Self-Esteem?

Put simply, self-esteem in itself is your state of self-worth, confidence, and respect. Low self-esteem means you lack respect or confidence in your thoughts, dreams, and personal character. Correlatively, low self-esteem is the gateway to an endless array of mental and addiction disorders. The only way to rectify self-esteem issues is with the help of another, preferably a therapeutic specialist.

Why is Self Esteem in Recovery Important?

Any task you set out to do requires confidence. If you don’t have confidence in your task, you’re dooming yourself to fail. The same principle exists in the context of recovery. If you lack confidence, as most people start, it will only be a matter of time before you relapse. Making provisions for relapse is preparing yourself to fail. We help turn the tide on your thought processes by helping you prepare to succeed and make positive provisions.

Bear in mind that it’s normal to lack confidence when you first begin rehab. That’s why doctors make reinforcing your mental confidence and fortitude a complete priority. We understand that self-esteem in recovery is one of the primary drivers of all recovery and sobriety achievements. You’ll find that you can achieve your goals with positive reinforcement. In this case, the wise proverb, “As a man thinketh in his mind, so is he,” rings true.

What are the Tell-Tale Signs of Low Self-Esteem?

Despite the fact most people attempt to conceal self-esteem issues, they manifest themselves through numerous behavioral and character cues. These cues unfortunately escape recognition because the general populous doesn’t know the red flags to look for. Reach out to a therapeutic receptionist if any of the following signs describe you or someone you know.

Social Seclusion

People with low self-esteem are usually uncomfortable in social settings. Therefore, they will avoid social crowds or gatherings as much as possible, even in the presence of their closest friends. This is an especially dangerous sign of low self-esteem as it can indicate depression or other mental conditions.

Soft-Spokenness

This can go hand-in-hand with social seclusion but is a different standalone behavioral cue. It’s not abnormal to be soft-spoken. However, observing and not partaking in social conversation can indicate low self-esteem or confidence in themselves. The like-minded bonds you make in all of our treatment programs encourage individuals of personalities both introverted and extroverted to open up vocally.

Speaking Lowly or Disrespectfully of Yourself

People with low self-esteem make their lack of self-confidence known even when they don’t realize it. That is to say, they will frequently refer to their work, actions, or traits in a negative light. Many overlook this as mere humility or not wanting to speak highly of oneself. However, anybody persistently speaking lowly of themselves should not be overlooked. Remember, there is a fine line between humility and low self-esteem.

Apparent Sadness or Depression

A low sense of self-worth will reflect in a person’s demeanor and appearance. They will appear sad, empty, sullen, or emotionally withdrawn. This is especially dangerous as low self-esteem can lead many down a dark road of depression. Don’t lose hope. Our caring specialists can restore your mental fortitude and self-confidence in ways you never thought possible.

Addictive Indulgences

People who have low self-esteem often resort to substances or alcohol to escape their current reality. The effects of substances in their mind, help them forget about what they consider to be shortcomings. However, this escape only lasts as long as the effects before reality sets back in. The most dangerous part of substances is the fact that they directly cause further sadness and depression. If you notice anybody who appears to be abusing substances or alcohol, it may be a silent cry for help.

What are the Common Indicators of High Self-Esteem?

self-esteem in recovery

High self-esteem, like low self-esteem, is very evident from an observational standpoint, except in the opposite way. Here are some obvious and less obvious signs that someone has high self-esteem.

Outspokenness

An individual who is outspoken exhibits confidence in their speech and opinions. While there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, people who are confident in themselves often command the room naturally. This can make them the life of the party or enjoyable company to be around. This trait of self-confidence is very evident to perceive and is often unmistakable.

Creativity

Neuronic Studies show that self-confidence and high self-esteem have positive effects on overall creativity. Contrarily, low confidence and personal esteem a known inhibitors of all creative thought processes. Perhaps the reason you’re having difficulty with your creative and proactive thoughts comes down to you limiting yourself. Our enlightening team of dedicated specialists can help you tap into the deepest bounds of your creative capabilities. Let us help you discover your confidence in yourself in every aspect.

Happiness

People with greater self-esteem in recovery and independence are generally happier and content with life. This is just one of the mentally beneficial side effects of having confidence in yourself. You’ll see that a common theme of mental conditions and substance abuse disorders stems from low self-confidence and individual worth.

Risk-Taking

This can be either a good or a bad thing depending on whether the actionary risk puts you or others in danger. Regardless, if you are willing to take risks, it’s indicative of a confident and self-respecting nature. Doctors can help you hone this confident risk-taking nature by helping you excel at every progressive step of your recovery journey.

Assertiveness

Confident people are very open to taking the lead on projects and usually possess leadership qualities due to their assertiveness. Truth is, there’s a leader in all of us waiting to get out. Your lack of confidence in yourself and decision-making may be the only thing standing in your way

How Can Golden Gate Recovery Help You Improve Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem issues can only be resolved with the help of a medical professional. Our treatment specialists will help you improve your sense of self-importance and worth through a variety of the following methods.

Mental Training Treatment

Confidence in yourself begins in the mind. Therefore, it takes medically approved mental training programs like cognitive-behavioral therapy to help you improve your mental strength. These individualized treatment sessions turn your negative thoughts of addiction and self-loathing into positive ones. This is achieved through a very specific process that can help you react proactively to change and unexpected life occurrences. These sessions not only help your self-esteem. They also help with any co-occurring mental conditions or addiction struggles you may have.

Group Therapy

Those who struggle with social self-confidence will be encouraged to interact with others in group therapy. What makes these social gatherings an easier place to open up is the fact that you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals with common goals of self-improvement. You’ll have the opportunity to hear other's stories that inadvertently encourage you to share yours openly. This forms trustworthy bonds while reinforcing your self-confidence in social situations that directly impact your self-esteem.

Full-Spectrum Support

Nothing boosts self-confidence and worth better than a team of supportive encouragers. You’ll receive that and so much more through the many therapeutic opportunities you have to interact with doctors and patients alike. Your full-spectrum support group serves as a strong backbone to rise above any of the challenges you face in recovery.

Set Achievable Short-Term Goals

Many people who enter rehab come with a passionate intent to achieve great things in a short amount of time. As admirable as that is, that approach usually ends in discouragement because they burn themselves out. Doctors at our approved facilities help set you up for success by taking a baby-step approach to treatment. This

means setting small achievable goals that help you accomplish and sustain the bigger picture of self-confidence and sobriety.

Forgive Yourself and Let Go

This is easier said than done. However, many people have low self-esteem in recovery because of a previous action or circumstance that occurred in young adulthood or childhood. Sometimes it takes understanding whatever occurred is not your fault. Therapists understand this difficulty and help you come to terms with self-forgiveness so you can move on to achieving your full potential.

Your Journey toward a Better Life Begins Here

Golden Gate Recovery is the ideal starting point for your recovery journey. There’s no better place to get the most personalized treatment to help you achieve and sustain permanent sobriety. You’ll be supported by the most state-of-the-art treatment methods and physicians to make each step of treatment easier to accomplish. Many even report all of our treatment programs to be an enjoyable journey in numerous ways.

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