Accepting Addiction and Learning Self Compassion After Detox
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, addiction affects over 23 million Americans and is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease. But despite these factors, the stigma of substance abuse continues to make many who suffer from this disease feel bad about themselves and remain stuck in an ongoing cycle of addiction. In 2015, 75 percent of those with a drug use disorder never received treatment. Addiction commonly evokes negative feelings in its victims such as guilt, shame, and isolation. Consequently, these feelings lead to relapse and other destructive behaviors when ignored. There’s science behind loving yourself and showing self-compassion after addiction.
Practicing self-forgiveness and showing compassion for yourself allows your brain and body to cope more efficiently with stress, and can keep you from relying on drugs and alcohol as coping methods. Self-compassion after addiction involves being kind to yourself when you make mistakes as well as when you feel as if you’ve failed yourself or others. Self-compassion is comprised of three core components: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. With all of the health benefits of sobriety, self-compassion is just one additional step to making yourself stronger in recovery.
Reorient the way you think with self-compassion for a better recovery.
The Importance of Self-Compassion
While addiction may cause you to suffer in countless ways, try to avoid judging yourself. This negative behavior often leads to greater suffering. Instead, try viewing yourself as a friend or family member you love and treat yourself accordingly. This positive thought-process can help you experience a greater sense of self-worth. Therefore, preventing you from turning to drugs and alcohol to mask symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety related to your suffering. Look at your positive decisions, like the choice of going to a drug and alcohol detox center in Florida and to find ways to assist your sobriety.
Understanding Common Humanity
Nobody’s perfect — including those in good health who do not struggle with addiction. Having self-compassion means understanding that everyone is human and makes mistakes just like you. Accepting that you are human along with everyone else can help you forgive yourself and work toward correcting or overcoming certain mistakes you might have made on behalf of addiction. Common humanity in action also helps you avoid feelings of isolation, which is common among those who suffer from addiction.
Practicing Mindfulness and Being Present
Practicing mindfulness means living in the moment and being aware of your feelings as you’re experiencing them. For instance, if you’re feeling guilty about things you did while under the influence, learning mindfulness during addiction treatment in Florida can help you accept and be more aware of your suffering so you can move toward achieving more fulfilling “present” moments. Ignoring your pain or fighting negative feelings often leads to relapse. In effect, those who struggle with addiction may use drugs and alcohol to mask these symptoms.
The Body’s Hormonal Response to Self Compassion
Self-compassion decreases the stress hormone cortisol and increases oxytocin. This love and bonding hormone makes you feel more safe and secure. As a result, they naturally reduce drug and alcohol cravings. Practicing self-compassion can make you feel happier, positive, and more motivated to fight your addiction, while also reducing your risk for relapse.
Learning Self Compassion
Many drug detox centers teach patients how to practice self-compassion as part of addiction treatment. Individual, group, and family counseling sessions help patients and their families understand more about the science of addiction. Sessions also cover how self-compassion and healthy habits boost one’s recovery. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavioral counseling, and 12-step support groups are other therapies that can help those recovering from addiction gain a better understanding of self-compassion.
Take the first step to self-compassion with the following programs:
- Residential treatment program in Stuart
- Substance abuse detox programs in FL
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intense outpatient program in FL
Contact Wellness Counseling and Residential Detox by calling 772.773.1336 for addiction treatment and recovery support.
