15 Mar How drug rehab can help rebuild self-worth
When someone is suffering from addiction, there are many side effects. One that often goes unnoticed is the depletion of self-worth or self-esteem. Addiction can leave people feeling like a shell of their former selves and unable to remember how to regain the spark they once had. This isn’t to say that it is gone forever. Rehab doesn’t just aim to get people off drugs or alcohol; it seeks to rebuild the person they once were and help a person remember the joys in both life and themself. Throughout this article, we will share some background knowledge on why it is crucial to regain these things and how drug rehab can help achieve them.
What do we mean by self-worth?
Self-worth is the same as self-esteem and refers to the value that individuals place on themselves. People with low self-worth suffer from low confidence and often develop coping mechanisms to deal with it. Coping mechanisms can come in many forms, but more often than not, it is alcohol or drugs. These two things numb people’s pain when they look in the mirror or think about themselves and their future. In turn, drugs and alcohol only lower self-worth, making them more of a necessity for the user to continue using.
Why is it important?
Having a good level of self-worth is a very healthy thing for a person. People with high self-esteem are much more likely to have good friendship groups and relationships and achieve their future goals. Without them, life can seem too challenging, and even the simplest tasks can feel like climbing Everest. Unfortunately, self-esteem will usually fluctuate in everyone, leaving them feeling low and, at other times, on top of the world. If self-esteem lessens for too long, it can negatively affect mental health and many other aspects of life.
Signs of low self-esteem
Low self-esteem can come in many guises. If you are exhibiting any of the following, it may be a sign that it has a negative impact on your life.
- Your confidence might be lacking.
- You may be focusing on negativity, things you aren’t good at, or flaws in appearance.
- You could be unable to accept criticism
- It might be hard to put what you want into words or thoughts.
- You might start running yourself down.
- A belief that everyone is better or has it better than you.
- An inability to see things from another perspective.
- You might be tremendously scared of failure.
What rehab aims to achieve
Addiction and low self-esteem go hand in hand. Rehab aims to eliminate both, and people will find that when one improves, so does the other. Rehab uses various techniques to increase self-worth that will eventually lead to full recovery. Rehabilitation clinics will persevere in working on both of these things, a small part at a time until the addiction has been overcome and people are left feeling like the best versions of themselves. Below are some of the treatment methods that you might encounter during rehab. Not all of them work for everyone, but finding the right combination is the key to reaching that goal.
Exercise – One thing that most people struggling with addiction lose interest in is their physical health. Rehab aims to reintroduce people to various forms of exercise. This is one of the best ways to release natural endorphins and promote positive mental health. If intense exercise has never been your thing, you might be surprised what a walk through the jungle or a swim might do. Clients will be encouraged to try everything until they find what is right.
Hobbies – A great way to feel self-worth is by creating something that you can be proud of. Rehab will introduce various hobbies that people can use as a tool to ascertain a feeling of achievement. These might include things such as painting, drawing, musical instruments, chess, dancing, meditation, archery, and much more.
Communication – Having a good level of communication is a fantastic way to improve confidence. At rehab, there are plenty of opportunities to share ideas and thoughts with both staff and people going through a similar experience. This can give the realisation that a person is not the only one suffering. Being able to let it all out and having other people listen is definitely something that will boost self-worth.
Therapy – Rehab will also try various forms of therapy to help. The type of therapy will usually be decided once a client has been observed and assessed, so it can be tailored to suit their needs. This might include counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, music or art therapy, or group therapy.
Offer a supportive environment – This goes hand in hand with communication. First, there will be a team of professionals who not only know what they are doing but understand the situation of someone who has battled addiction. It is their job to create a professional and supportive environment where there is no judgment. Secondly, other clients in rehab will be going through the same motions, and this can work wonders in finding the additional support needed to overcome addiction and rebuild self-esteem.
Thinking positively – Thinking positively is a great tool to deal with many of the negative side effects of low self-worth. During rehab, there is a significant focus on training the brain to think positively in all situations. The aim is for people to leave with a 100% positive outlook when they are ready to go.
Self-acceptance – Another focus of rehab that works wonders for self-worth is learning to forgive yourself and accept who you are and what you have been through. This is one of the primary goals that will be focused on during everyone’s stay at drug rehab.
Affirmations – Learning how to tell yourself that you are doing well, looking good, or paying someone else a compliment is a sure way to increase self-worth and make people feel good about themselves. This is often a very encouraged practice in rehab.
Goal setting – Throughout the entirety of rehab, clients focus on goal setting with the guidance of professionals. Having goals is a way to maintain a positive mindset and therefore boost one’s self-esteem. Learning how to set goals is a valuable tool throughout life. It may start with kicking an addiction, but it can lead to career goals, family goals, friendship goals, travel plans, relationship goals, and much more. Having a focus in life helps drive people, and when people are driven, they can achieve anything.
Do you think you are suffering from low self-worth or addiction?
If you think you might be struggling with these two things, it might be time to get in touch with a rehab clinic and see how they might be able to help you. Remember, there is no shame in asking for help; it is a tremendously strong step towards a brighter future. Calm Rehab boasts a serene location in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with a professional team to guide you every step of the way. So if drug rehab in Bali sounds right for you, head to the contact section of our website and get in touch today.
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