Celebrate self-improvement: Rebuilding self-confidence during recovery
Going through recovery is a very difficult process. A recovering addict is most likely in unfamiliar territory. A new environment, new people and sobriety can make a person feel less self-confident than before. Gaining back that self-confidence while going through recovery is an important step to maintaining long-term sobriety.
Alcohol and drugs can be destructive to the users and the people around them. Many people destroy relationships and damage everything around them when they abuse drugs and alcohol. Re-gaining self-confidence after a major life failure is one of the most difficult accomplishments an individual can achieve. Ironically, the steps to rebuilding self-confidence are similar to the recovery process. Here are four ways.
- Admitting when one is wrong is a sign of self-confidence. Likewise, admitting mistakes is a major component in the recovery process.
- Believing in oneself and one’s sobriety both are ways to regain self-confidence and maintain sobriety.
- Recognizing what one has already achieved, whether in life or in recovery, is important before setting out and making new goals.
- Maintaining balance by reflecting on the positives as well as the negatives can help sharpen strengths and improve weaknesses, both of which can increase self-confidence and maintain sobriety.
It is important to recognize that one can always learn from failure even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time. Thinking positively, developing skills and getting rid of negativity are important key steps to creating self-confidence. This might involve finding a new job when the current one is unfulfilling or leaving a toxic relationship. These decisions take inner strength and can develop self-confidence.
Self-confidence is a vital characteristic because it can help a person make more friends and land great career opportunities. Speaking and walking with confidence does not go unnoticed. The way people carry themselves without even speaking can show self-confidence.
According to a Live Bold and Bloom blog, “You don’t have to be a high achiever, financially successful, outrageously attractive, the most popular, or super intelligent to have self-confidence. At its core, real self-confidence is about quiet authenticity. It’s about being yourself, whoever you may be, and learning to love that self while continuing to improve upon it.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with self-care or self-confidence because of an addiction or a mental illness, Sovereign Health Group can help. For more information, call 855-683-9756.
Written by Kristen Fuller, M.D., Sovereign Health Group writer
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