Fortunately, there are steps you can take to rise above the stigma and strengthen your recovery.
Exercise, sleep, and eat well.
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Because you feel better when you’re physically fit,
well-rested, and well-nourished, you can handle challenging situations more
effectively.
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Build a support network.
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You can connect with people who understand what
you’re going through at support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous,
Narcotics Anonymous, and Gamblers Anonymous. In addition, many human services
agencies have addiction counselors who can teach you important coping skills.
A few close friends or relatives who are positive, patient, and supportive
can also help keep you focused and strong.
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Set goals and work toward them.
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Decide what you want from life, figure out what’s
needed to make it happen, then do it! This will give you something positive
to focus your mind on, and show other people that you’re hard-working and
productive. In addition, your “can-do” attitude and sense of pride will
increase as you get closer and closer to your goals.
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Manage your anger.
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While anger is a natural human emotion, you must learn how to deal with it effectively. It’s important to control your
thoughts, words, and actions in difficult situations. Strong negative
feelings and behavior, especially if they happen often, can affect your
physical and mental health and make a bad impression on those around you.
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Believe in yourself.
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This is so important! Success is nearly impossible
unless you have confidence in your ability to achieve it.
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Focus on your strengths.
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Define yourself by your skills and successes, not
your flaws or failures. This will help keep you confident and moving forward.
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Use positive self-talk.
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Many people don’t even realize their pattern of
negative thinking, yet it can have a harmful effect on their mental and
physical well-being. It’s important to be mindful of these unhealthy and
unhelpful thoughts, challenge their accuracy, and replace them with positive
ones.
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Forgive your mistakes.
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Everyone makes mistakes now and then, and you are
no exception. The important thing is that you take responsibility, apologize
to anyone you’ve hurt, and learn from the experience.
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Make time to do things and be with people you
enjoy.
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Recovery is hard work, and it’s important to
balance this with some pleasure. Participate in fun activities, socialize
with people who have a positive outlook on life, and find ways to relax and refresh
your mind and body.
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Keep a journal.
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For many people, writing down major events of the
day, as well as their thoughts and feelings about them, is a useful recovery
and life management tool. This can help you better understand yourself, and
learn what works and what doesn’t when faced with difficult situations. It
can also serve as a record of your efforts and accomplishments, allowing you
to track progress toward your goals.
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Surprise your critics.
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The stigma of addiction is widely believed. Because
you had a drinking, drug, or gambling problem in the past, some people are
going to assume the worst of you. The only way to change their minds is to
SHOW them that they’re wrong. Even though it can be difficult, try to be your
“best self” at all times. This means, for example, being more helpful,
hard-working, and reliable than others expect. Importantly, when positive
behaviors such as these are part of your daily routine, you will feel better
about yourself as well!
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Dealing with the harsh opinions and comments of others often leads to “self-stigma,” or negative feelings about yourself. For more information and coping strategies, don't miss Avoiding Addiction Self-Stigma and its Consequences.
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