Guilt, shame, embarrassment, and unnecessary self-blame. All of these emotions are common for people in the recovery process, but they shouldn’t be. Substance use disorder is a chronic disease that can take years to heal from, not simply a lifestyle choice.
Learning to forgive oneself is a crucial step in the recovery process. But how can someone embrace forgiveness in addiction recovery? Here are some steps to take for those who find themselves struggling with giving themselves grace during the recovery process.
The Importance of Self-Perception
Research has shown that the more negatively someone perceives themselves, the higher the risk of substance use problems. This is why it’s crucial to focus on self-perception and how to change it for the better.
While someone might think that overall sobriety is the most important aspect of recovery, giving yourself grace and preventing a negative self-image can be a turning point in recovery. Forgiveness in addiction recovery starts with you, embracing your flaws, and recognizing that the way you view yourself plays a massive role in long-term healing.
How to Change Negative Thinking and Embrace Forgiveness in Addiction Recovery
So having a positive self-perception is vital in addiction recovery. However, gaining a better understanding of oneself and giving yourself grace is easier said than done. Fortunately, there are steps that one can take to change negative thinking and embrace forgiveness in addiction recovery.
Psychotherapy
Therapy for substance use disorder and mental health issues is all but necessary when in recovery. There are several types of psychotherapies that can help you learn how to change your negative self-perception and begin learning how to forgive yourself and others. These include the following:
- Trauma-processing therapy: An estimated 75% of people with substance use disorder have experienced some sort of trauma in their lives. Not only can trauma make it difficult to forgive others, but it can lead to self-blame and symptoms of PTSD. Trauma-focused therapy, known as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), helps individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Negative beliefs caused by your trauma, such as ideas that it was your fault, can be challenged and reframed.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a time-trusted therapy intervention that helps people reframe negative ways of thinking. This can include all or nothing thinking, catastrophizing, “should” statements about yourself, and other cognitive distortions that can lead to negative self-perception. CBT helps individuals identify these thoughts and replace them with more accurate and positive ones.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Much like CBT, DBT aims to change negative thinking patterns through identifying and challenging negative thoughts. However, DBT also focuses on building skills for regulating emotions, coping with distress, and improving relationships. This can be especially helpful for those struggling with addiction as they navigate the highs and lows of recovery.
Seek Help Soon After Relapse
Research has shown that shame can lead to a higher tendency to relapse, more severe relapses, and a decline in mental and physical health. Learning to forgive oneself and reduce shame is critical in the recovery process and to reduce relapses.
One of the best ways to embrace forgiveness in addiction recovery is to understand that relapse is a normal part of the healing process and can be overcome. Relapsing doesn’t mean you are a “Bad person,” or that you have failed. It’s a sign that something in your recovery plan needs to change.
Seeking help and support from loved ones, therapists, or support groups can provide the guidance and accountability you need to get back on track. It’s essential to address any underlying issues contributing to the relapse, such as stressors, triggers, or unaddressed trauma. The sooner you can pick yourself up after a relapse, the better your chances of continuing to engage in life-saving addiction treatment.
Prioritize Self-Care
Did you know that self-esteem plays a vital role in overall mental health? Lack of self-esteem has been linked with substance use, violence, anxiety, and eating disorders, while higher self-esteem boosts mental and overall health.
There’s perhaps no better way to embrace forgiveness and boost self-esteem in addiction recovery than by practicing self-care. Self-care isn’t just taking a buzzword, it can encompass important tasks like:
- Finding time to do hobbies or join support groups
- Eating nourishing foods
- Getting enough sleep
- Exercising regularly
- Doing what you love like going back to school or learning a new skill
Learning to prioritize yourself and your needs is crucial in recovery. When you take care of yourself, you boost your self-esteem, learn to embrace forgiveness in addiction recovery, and improve your mental health.
Start Healing From Addiction Today
At Atlanta Recovery Place, we can’t stress enough the importance of having a team of professionals who can help guide you and embrace forgiveness in addiction recovery. It takes a village to overcome substance use disorder and mental illness, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t wait any longer. Our Atlanta outpatient addiction treatment program offers everything from CBT to DBT, group therapy, individual therapy, sober living, and more. Call us today to learn more about our treatment options and start healing from addiction.
