Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself

19 Aug, 2020
Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself

You are often your harshest critic, especially when it comes to recovering from substance use. You might think you have to be as perfect as you can when you first come to treatment. The truth is, you don’t have to put up a front that makes you seem perfect.

Everyone is flawed, and we know that if you are seeking help, you need and deserve that help. We want to help you help yourself. If you think that you aren’t ready to come to treatment because you aren’t good enough or strong enough yet, you’re doing yourself a disservice and wasting precious time that could be spent getting the help you need and deserve.

Today, take a step back and realize that you are probably putting too much on your shoulders. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You deserve help. Allow yourself to reach out for that help.

The Words You Need to Hear

Sometimes it takes some strong words from a trusted friend to really shake us up and make us realize something. These words are often what we know we need to hear, but we are too afraid to accept them coming from ourselves. This is why so many people who know they have a problem with alcohol or drugs don’t get help on their own. They often wait for someone else to bring up their problem and suggest that maybe they need help.

This could be due to pride, embarrassment, or feelings of unworthiness. Whatever your situation, if you think you need help for your addiction, you probably do. You might struggle with accepting help because you don’t think you’re bad enough for help or that someone else has it worse. Here’s the thing: addiction recovery isn’t a competition where only the three people on the podium deserve to get help.

There are no gold, silver, and bronze medals for hardship. If you’re struggling with substance use, then you deserve to get help. If no one has told you this yet, we’re here to help you see it. These may be the words you need to hear in order for you to get the help you deserve.

Recovery Isn’t About Getting Over It

So many people with addictions have dealt with unimaginable traumas. In order to cope with these traumas, many people turn to substances. Thus, to recover, the person must face the root of their addiction: their trauma. Although someone may know the roots of their addiction, it can be difficult to unravel and figure out.

Recovery isn’t about just getting over your trauma. Once you have dealt with trauma, your life isn’t the same. Recovery is about learning to cope in healthy ways with the trauma you have experienced, being able to move forward, and so much more. You don’t just get over trauma and expect your addiction to go away.

It isn’t about trying harder or pushing yourself more. Recovery is about being reasonable and fair with yourself while taking into account your emotional, mental, and physical health. A lot of the time, recovery is taking a step back and allowing yourself to breathe.

Being Kinder to Yourself

In order to be kinder to yourself, you’re going to have to learn to not be so hard on yourself. Notice how you treat yourself. How do your decisions and choices reflect the patterns you’ve learned because of your trauma? Are your expectations of yourself healthy and promoting your overall well-being?

If not, the answer isn’t to push harder, the answer is to be kinder and more gentle with ourselves. If you’re not sure where to begin, pause and allow yourself to see all of the great things you have accomplished that you haven’t given yourself credit for. You have dealt with trauma and have still done wonderful things. The next best thing you can do for yourself is to reach out for the help you deserve. That is what being kind to yourself is all about.

Recovery Takes Time

Recovery takes time, patience, and hard work. You aren’t going to show up to Sober Life on day one and see radical changes. Recovery is a step-by-step process that takes a conscious effort to be better. Recovery is about building a better relationship with yourself and those around you. Recovery is realizing when we are stretching ourselves too thin. It’s about making small changes that show up in our lives in big ways. It isn’t always glamorous or fun, but recovery is worth it.

Sober Life is here to help you treat yourself with the compassion you deserve. You are allowed to reach out for help if you are struggling. We have a variety of programs that can benefit you. Call us today at (619) 542-9542. Our trained and experienced staff is here to guide you so you can be better in your recovery. We want to help you show yourself more kindness. We want to help you work on your long-term recovery. We can help you release some of the burden you’re feeling so you don’t have to always be so hard on yourself. Call us now for more information about the programs we offer. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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