In active addiction, an individual’s thoughts become warped, causing them to believe that alcohol and drug use are effective outlets for managing and treating distress. Conversely, in recovery, individuals gain the knowledge and skills that they need to truly address how problematic continued substance abuse will be for their livelihood. Treatment and recovery instill the notion that self-care is important because it requires individuals to intentionally take care of themselves, and this is critical to long-term recovery. Not only does it help to prevent relapse but it also ensures that individuals experience joy and contentment in sobriety.
At Renaissance Ranch, we are committed to helping men recover from substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction. We believe that by helping men understand why self-care is important in addiction recovery, we are encouraging them to take necessary steps toward self-love and empowerment – essential for lasting sobriety and recovery.
What Is Self-Care?
As the National Insitute of Mental Health (NIMH) states:
Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.
In other words, self-care is comprised of various efforts and strategies used to improve an individual’s relationship with themselves and the world around them. Effective self-care involves directing attention to the eight aspects of wellness – physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational, financial, and environmental – and implementing healthy habits associated with each aspect of daily life. As explained by the Canadian Veterinary Journal, “Attention must be given to all the dimensions, as neglect of anyone over time will adversely affect the others, and ultimately one’s health, well-being, and quality of life.”
Some examples of self-care in each aspect of wellness include:
- Physical self-care: Exercising and getting an adequate amount of sleep each night
- Intellectual self-care: Meditating, listening to podcasts, and taking breaks
- Emotional self-care: Setting boundaries and practicing gratitude
- Social self-care: Staying in touch with loved ones
- Spiritual self-care: Praying and connecting with faith communities
- Vocational self-care: Ensuring an effective balance of work and play
- Financial self-care: Investing and paying off debt
- Environmental self-care: Tidying up one’s space
The Role of Self-Care in Addiction Recovery
When an individual is actively engaging in alcohol or drug use, self-care is left to the shadows. Yet, as mentioned previously, some individuals with addiction may experience warped patterns of thought that lead them to believe that substance use is a form of self-care. Though unfortunate, these patterns often perpetuate continued alcohol and drug use, despite the consequences that such use may be bringing to an individual’s life.
Typically through psychoeducation, as well as through the encouragement of loved ones, individuals will slowly begin to understand how their substance use is affecting their lives and the lives of those they love most. While this is often a process that takes time, it empowers individuals to recognize their self-worth. Self-care is important in this process because it allows individuals to focus on healing and doing things that bring wellness to their lives.
Self-Care Is Important for Fostering Motivation
One of the main reasons why self-care is important in addiction recovery is that by enhancing self-worth, individuals can develop the motivation that they need to commit to long-term sobriety. Engaging in self-care helps individuals recognize how deserving they are to live a life free from the control of alcohol and other drugs. Additionally, it provides ongoing opportunities for individuals to demonstrate self-compassion and self-love, which helps facilitate the strength needed to maintain sobriety and prioritize healing. This resilience can also protect individuals from developing mental health disorders, like depression and anxiety, throughout long-term recovery.
Self-Care Is Important for Managing Triggers
Another reason why self-care is important in addiction recovery is that it helps individuals effectively manage triggers which, in turn, helps to prevent relapse. When an individual feels triggered by a person or situation in recovery, they can turn to self-care tools to effectively identify and express their emotions. Prioritizing self-regulation skills when engaging in self-care can further build the resilience necessary to prevent relapse.
Additional Benefits of Self-Care in Addiction Recovery
In addition to fostering motivation and commitment to sobriety, managing triggers, and preventing relapse, there are many additional benefits of utilizing self-care in addiction recovery. Some of these include:
- Reducing the risk of developing physical, mental, and behavioral health disorders in recovery
- Providing reliable outlets for stress management
- Increased energy and well-being
- Ensuring a well-balanced recovery
- Increased productivity and happiness
All in all, engaging in self-care in addiction recovery does more than prevent relapse. It ensures that individuals understand their self-worth so that they can truly seize every moment in sobriety. Renaissance Ranch provides a variety of treatments and services to help individuals and families recover from SUD and its effects, ensuring that all clients understand why self-care is important in sobriety.
Self-care involves a combination of efforts toward establishing wellness and working to promote a healthy relationship with yourself. In addiction recovery, self-care is important as it not only helps to prevent relapse but it also ensures that individuals understand that they are worthy of living happy and healthy lives in sobriety. Self-care comes in many forms, yet it is best to implement approaches associated with each of the eight dimensions of wellness. At Renaissance Ranch, we help men recover from addiction and its devastating effects. We prioritize engagement in self-care to ensure that men have the self-love and self-compassion they need to sustain lasting sobriety in recovery. Call (801) 308-8898 to learn more.