Your Addiction Does Not Define You
When you’re battling an addiction, a million thoughts run through your head. Am I the only one going through this? Will I get through this? What does the future hold? For starters, you are not the only one battling an addiction. It’s estimated that 21 million Americans struggle with substance addictions. (1) To put that in perspective, that’s more than the number of people who have all types of cancer. Secondly, you will get through this and need to understand that your addiction does not define you.
There’s much more to you than your addiction and you have many more chapters to write in your book of life. Be hopeful about your new life and remain positive. Here are some ways to make that happen.
Let Go of Any Shame You May be Feeling
No one is perfect. Everyone has something that they wish they never did. Let go of any shame that you may be feeling because of your addiction. Start a new path that includes improving your life and asking for help when you need it. This may be something as simple as having someone listen to your fears and offer words of encouragement. Therapists can do this as well as family and friends who are committed to helping you stay sober.
Also, chalk up your mistakes as learning experiences. Everyone can learn from their mistakes and make better choices.
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Disregard Labels
Many people let their addiction define them by labeling themselves. Get rid of those labels. Labels are meant for canned food, not people! You are not an “addict” or a “recovering alcoholic”. You are a person with real thoughts and feelings. You have dreams and goals that can now be reached because you are improving your life without depending on a substance. Keep this in mind as you ditch the labels.
Tell Yourself Your Addiction Does Not Define You with Positive Affirmations
Many people need to speak and hear positive words in order for them to be ingrained in their minds. You are just as valuable as anyone else and deserve love and respect. Don’t talk about yourself negatively because this will impact your self-esteem. Build yourself up and surround yourself with people who will do the same. Sometimes the company we keep can hold us down instead of helping us heal.
Be Honest and Talk About Your Feelings
If you want a fresh start, learn to be honest and talk about your feelings. You may have become used to hiding your feelings and turning to a substance to deal with them. This is a new day and it’s time to talk about the things that are bothering you as well as the things that are making you feel good. Over time you’ll see how this process can help form the new person you’re becoming.
Battle Your Addiction at Desert Cove Recovery
At Desert Cove Recovery we know that your addiction does not define you and we will help you realize that. Through our treatment programs, we help people talk about their addictions and teach them to open up about their feelings as part of the healing process. Each treatment program is tailored to the individual so that they can best recover. Programs include a combination of different types of therapy as well as assigning a mentor or partner to each patient. This person provides the right guidance to get on a positive and healthy path.
We believe in holistic treatment to battle addiction that focuses on the mind, body, and spirit. Our highly trained staff gets to know you and can help you rediscover yourself without the labels of addiction. Our programs teach coping skills so that once treatment is over, each person has the tools they need to succeed and achieve their goals.
If you’re ready for a new beginning, call Desert Cove Recovery today or send us a message online.
Sources:
(1) https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/11/17/surgeon-general-1-7-us-face-substance-addiction/93993474/
