Practical tips can be helpful for individuals in recovery looking for help with building confidence and self belief. Addiction strips away everything from a person but belief in one’s own power to take life back from addiction can be very empowering. Learn some tips and steps to take to get started.
The Power of Belief
A person who has self belief and confidence is more likely to be successful in recovery long term. It does not happen overnight, it takes time to rebuild after extended periods of substance abuse or addictive behavior. The following are five techniques to use when building one’s power and confidence in recovery with tips for how to put the techniques into practice:
Empowerment
All change in people’s behavior is based on the belief a person is capable of change. The drawback is mental illness and addiction convince people that the current way of doing this is how it will always be. Empowerment is all about letting a person know he or she has much to offer and provide practical steps for how to use the steps to make positive lifestyle changes. A person labeled ‘addict’ may feel the label follows a person for a lifetime. Addiction can be overcome even if recovery lasts a lifetime. The key to empowerment is to believe in the power of change and make small steps to get better. This includes:
- Learning from others in long term recovery
- Connecting with peer groups who support recovery
- Staying focused on recovery everyday
Values
What is important to a person creates a system of values, critical to a person’s success in life. The most successful treatment for addiction can be motivational interviewing whereby a person reshapes values and hones in on what is really important. Learning to discover what is important for oneself through a series of questions can also be empowering.
Development
People are ever changing and, as life improves, change can begin. People who develop and mature in skills and personal resources are less likely to relapse than those who remain static and refuse to change. Encouragement to get training and education can support further growth in recovery.
Family and Community
People who form better, long lasting relationships are most likely to stay on a positive path that makes it easier to quit addiction. Having children is going to make people examine personal beliefs and behavior to support a healthier relationship with kids. Children are highly motivating when it comes to making changes.
Identity
Caring for others can build a sense of mature identity. The possibility of creating an identity beyond addiction is challenging but recovery helps support individuals in building a perspective which is focused on nurturing positive self identity and growth. Serving others helps identity grow as one matures and begins to develop skills necessary to move forward in life free of addiction.
The Villa believes self empowerment is a key element of recovery. If you are struggling with self belief or confidence in overcoming addiction, there is hope. Call us to find out how we can help you grow stronger in your recovery goals.