Even though many people lose their sense of self through addiction, finding yourself again is possible. You can re-discover your purpose and passion for life with a little dedication and the right support.
Losing Yourself in Addiction
When so much of your life is dedicated to substances, it’s easy to lose your sense of self. Your days may have been spent finding and using substances. You may have even exclusively spent time with others who also used. When you are physically or mentally addicted, it can feel like substances run the show. It may feel hopeless or even impossible to take control of your life.
Low Self-Worth
Many people who experience substance use disorder (SUD) have a low sense of self-worth. They may have had low self-esteem prior to using substances, so they turn to drugs and alcohol to cope. They may also develop this type of mindset because they feel guilty for using substances in the first place.
According to a 2021 study in the Journal of Drug Issues, the “qualities of an individual’s self-perception have been repeatedly associated with substance use.” Higher self-esteem, on the other hand, has been associated with “reduced use of maladaptive coping mechanisms and fewer alcohol-related problems.”
Finding Yourself Again
Regaining your sense of self will boost your confidence. It will help you feel like you’re finally in control, allowing you to find success for long-term recovery. You may find a lot more free time once you’re in recovery, especially because your days are no longer dedicated to substance use. This makes it the perfect time to find yourself again as you develop deep self-love and compassion.
Purpose in Life Can Fuel Recovery
Psychological well-being is wildly important for recovery. A huge part of this can come from feeling a sense of purpose. When you feel like you have a purpose, this can bring a wealth of benefits to your life. According to a 2013 study in PLoS One, having a purpose in life may “motivate reframing stressful situations to deal with them more productively.” The study found that higher levels of purpose in life predicted “better recovery from a negative stimulus.” This can make stimuli like addiction, and trauma triggers way more manageable.
Benefits of Psychological Well-Being
Finding yourself again will help you develop a stronger psychological well-being. This can help facilitate recovery and enhance your resilience, even when faced with adversities like healing addiction. Higher levels of psychological well-being can lower rates of depression, regulate your nervous system, and even promote better cardiovascular health. It can also help you stay the course even when confronted with the inevitable ups and downs that come along with recovery.
Finding Yourself Again: Helpful Practices and Tools
Recovery can be the best time to begin finding yourself again. You can explore self-help practices that will complement your regular treatment. You also may want to find a recovery program that utilizes holistic methods and mind-body techniques. There is no wrong way to go about this. The only thing to remember is that your journey is all about you. Find the practices that speak to you the most and leave the rest at the door.
Self-Love and Self-Care
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), individuals have a “personal responsibility for their own self-care and journeys of recovery.” You are in the driver’s seat each and every step of the way. An excellent place to begin finding yourself again is with a daily practice for self-love care. You can start small with one activity each day that is solely for you. Some ideas include taking a warm bath at the end of the day, caring for your body with exercise, or reciting positive affirmations in the mirror.
Journaling
Another great idea is to keep progress of your recovery in a personal journal. This is an excellent tool to help you get to know yourself better and get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. Journaling enables you to connect more deeply with yourself, and the possibilities are endless. You may want to pen down gratitudes at the end of the day, set goals, or even write about what your ideal day will look like in the future.
Also, make sure to celebrate yourself every step of the way. Before going to sleep, you can take out your journal and write about all the things you’re proud of, no matter how big or small.
Mind-Body Practices
Feeling safe in the body and focusing on your mind will go a long way in recovery. In fact, both are crucial to finding yourself again. Meditation and mindfulness are two modalities that will help you stay in the present moment without letting outside influences or triggers bring you down. Yoga is another practice that can help you come back to your body, release trauma, and find confidence as you (literally!) stretch yourself to new heights.
Finding Yourself Again at The Guest House
In order to start finding yourself again, it’s important to have a strong support network by your side. At The Guest House, you will regain your sense of self among like-minded people and highly-trained staff who are here to support you every step of the way.
Here at The Guest House, we encourage our guests to explore the methods and treatments that work best for them. Our wide range of holistic modalities includes practices like meditation, yoga, and breathwork to help you re-discover safety in your body and peace in your mind.
It’s also important that you find therapies you actually enjoy. At The Guest House, there is truly something for everyone. Here, you will find empowerment to continue along your recovery journey and achieve lasting success.
Addiction can be incredibly difficult, especially when you feel like you’ve lost your sense of self. Finding yourself again will take some time and patience, but it is possible. At The Guest House, our mission is to help you re-discover your confidence and gain a renewed sense of purpose and passion for life. We encourage our guests to explore our various holistic healing modalities to help you find the practices that work best to help you overcome your personal struggles. Cutting-edge therapies like meditation, breathwork, and yoga will help you cultivate a sense of safety in the body so you can regain control of your life. Call us today at (855) 483-7800.