From Rock Bottom to Rising Confidence: The Journey of Self-Esteem in Recovery

 

From Rock Bottom to Rising Confidence: The Journey of Self-Esteem in Recovery

Self-esteem – everybody's favorite topic, right? Well, buckle up, folks, because we're about to dive into the messy, beautiful world of rebuilding pride and finding inner peace in recovery. And hey, we'll sprinkle in some dark humor along the way, because if you can't laugh at the absurdity of it all, you might just lose your mind.

So, why is self-esteem such a big deal? Think of it as the engine of your recovery. With a healthy dose of self-esteem, you've got the power to keep moving forward, even when the road gets rough. But during active addiction, that engine gets trashed. We're talking sputtering, smoking, on the side of the road – it's a miracle the thing still moves at all.

So, how do we get that engine roaring again? First, let's acknowledge that this isn't a quick fix. Rebuilding self-esteem takes time, patience, and a whole lot of kindness towards yourself. It's about recognizing that the person you were in active addiction isn't the real you. That was a person consumed by disease, making choices based on feeding that addiction. That's not someone to beat yourself up over – that's someone to have compassion for.

In residential treatment, one of the most common tools we used was good old-fashioned positive affirmations. I'm talking post-it notes plastered all over the mirrors, reminding clients of their strengths and worth. It sounds cheesy, but it works. When you're stuck in a cycle of negative self-talk, forcing yourself to focus on the positive, even if it feels fake at first, can be a game-changer.

Celebrate every win, no matter how small. That's the motto. Had a solid day of sobriety? That's something to be proud of. Managed to drag yourself to a meeting when all you wanted to do was hide? That takes serious guts. Acknowledge it, celebrate it, let that positivity sink in.

Recovery isn't about becoming a perfect person – it's about uncovering the person you've been waiting to be. That person is in there, buried under all the crap of addiction. But you've got to believe in them, even when it feels like a stretch.

So, quit sitting in the shadows, waiting for permission to exist. You're already worthy, just as you are. Get out there and celebrate you – your quirks, your strengths, your resilience. There's no one else like you, and that's something to be damn proud of.

Don't give up on yourself. Keep moving forward, even when it's hard. Keep reminding yourself of your worth, keep celebrating those tiny victories. With time, patience, and a whole lot of self-compassion, you'll find that engine of self-esteem roaring back to life. And when it does, man, watch out world.

Practical Self-Esteem Builders

• Own Your Strengths: Make a list of the things you're good at. It doesn't matter if it's fixing a car or making a mean chili – those are strengths. Own them.
• Take Action: Procrastination breeds self-doubt. Get moving on that thing you've been putting off. It's a win, no matter how small.
• Healthy Competition: Not with others, with yourself. Set goals and crush them. That's confidence building.
• Seek Out Positivity: Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Their energy is infectious.
• Get Moving: Exercise releases endorphins, the body's natural mood-boosters. You don't have to become a gym rat, just get your body moving in a way that feels good.

Imposter Syndrome: When Confidence Hides Self-Doubt

Ever felt like a total fraud, just waiting for someone to call you out? That's imposter syndrome, and it's way more common than you think. Even the most confident seeming people can be riddled with self-doubt. The key is recognizing it and reminding yourself of your actual skills and accomplishments. You didn't get where you are by fluke – you've got this.

A Professional in Recovery

I'm not immune to those imposter feelings myself. As a professional in recovery, there are days I wait for the other shoe to drop, for someone to realize I'm just winging it. But the reality is, I know my stuff. I've put in the work and I'm making a difference in my clients' lives. Recovery is about growth, and that doesn't stop just because you've got a fancy title. Embrace the growth, embrace the change – that's where the real power is.-Belle-

Recovery: It's Not a One-Size-Fits-All Sweater (The Extended Remix)

 

Recovery: It's Not a One-Size-Fits-All Sweater (The Extended Remix)

You know those awful holiday sweaters your aunt insists on knitting for you? The ones with the garish reindeer and itchy yarn? Yeah, traditional recovery approaches can feel like those. Well-meaning, but a poor fit and kinda scratchy.

I'm tired of the "my way or the highway" mentality plaguing the substance abuse treatment world. We've all encountered the zealots: "AA is the only path!" or "Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the devil!" It's enough to make you want to toss your recovery goals out the window and grab a bottle of... well, something.

Here's the thing: we're not all knit from the same yarn. What works for your coworker, your neighbor, or that one guy from that one meeting might not work for you. And that's okay. More than okay – it's essential to understand.

Recovery isn't about surviving; it's about living. It's finding a quality of life that doesn't make you want to pull your hair out (even if you don't have much to spare, like me). It's about reclaiming your sense of humor, your passions, your purpose. And that looks different for everyone.

Professionals, It's Time to Get Creative

We owe it to our clients to think outside the box (or in this case, the sweater). Yes, evidence-based practices are crucial, but there's a wealth of them out there. It's our job to find the approaches that resonate with each individual, even if that means getting a little unconventional.

Case in point: I once had a client who identified as a Satanist. My initial reaction wasn't, "Oh, great, how do I work with this?" But that's exactly what I did. I found Satanic recovery resources (who knew they existed?) and we used those as a framework. It wasn't about my personal beliefs, but about meeting my client where they were.

We must shed our biases and preconceived notions. Our job is to empower clients, not force them into a mold that doesn't fit. That means collaborating with them, really listening to their goals and values, and sometimes getting creative with our approaches.

Clients, You Are Your Best Advocate

Just because you're struggling with addiction doesn't make you a bad person. It makes you human. It means you have flaws, trauma, and issues, but also heart, love, resilience, strength, and determination. Don't let anyone, even a well-meaning professional, make you feel otherwise.

You deserve patient-centered care. That means your treatment should revolve around your unique needs, not the other way around. Don't be afraid to speak up, to ask questions, to seek a second opinion. You have the right to a recovery plan that feels authentic and achievable to you.

Recovery is a pizza with endless topping combinations. Sometimes you might want the works, other times a simple cheese slice hits the spot. Maybe you're gluten-intolerant and need a cauliflower crust. The point is, it's your pizza. Put on the toppings that make your recovery journey sustainable and fulfilling.

Professionals, let's take off our judgment hats and put on our curiosity ones. Let's collaborate, learn from each other's approaches, and remember that our client's recovery is their own recipe. It might include bits and pieces from various models, or something entirely new. Who cares, as long as it works for them?

Folks in recovery, don't be afraid to try new things. If something's not working, it's okay to say, "You know what, I need to shake this up." You might need to mix and match, or take a break from the recovery "shoulds" and focus on what brings you joy. Because at the end of the day, that's what sustainable recovery looks like – finding joy, humor, and a life that doesn't feel like an itchy sweater.

So let's raise a (non-alcoholic or not) glass to open-minded recovery. To personality-driven approaches. To collaboration, humor, and remembering that the only "right way" is the one that helps someone reclaim their damn life.

And hey, if someone gives you grief about your recovery approach, just smile and say, "It may not be your cup of tea, but it's my damn pizza."-Belle-