Practicing self-compassion does not come easily. Addicts and people in recovery experience self-loathing and negative feelings towards themselves.
Guilt, shame, and feeling like a failure or disappointment are persistent thoughts in the mind of an addict. Abusing drugs and alcohol becomes a means to cope with and manage these feelings, as well as any pain and suffering experienced.
People who have substance abuse disorders often have undiagnosed psychiatric disorders, too. In turn, they have a difficult time practicing self-compassion.
What is Self-Compassion?
Self-compassion is recognizing that suffering and feelings of inadequacy are part of being human. You are not alone; people experience pain and distress as part of the ordinary course of life.
Self-compassion is showing acceptance and kindness towards yourself. Think of how you would show up and help a friend who is suffering.
You would extend gentleness and compassion towards them and not belittle them. You would patiently support them. By practicing self-love and tenderness during times of distress, it allows people to cope in healthy ways.
What Self-Compassion is Not:
It is not beating yourself up or shutting down or reminding yourself of any shortcomings. It is not numbing yourself to any distress or suffering.
This practice is not shopping for things or treating yourself with expensive gifts. Self-compassion is not adding anything.
It isn’t something you need to fix, and it isn’t self-aggression. It does not excuse any mistakes, and it is not a pass at owning your behaviors.
Practicing Self-Compassion:
- Treat yourself as you would treat your best friend
- Practice kindness, acceptance, and self-love
- Listen to yourself
- Nourish yourself and provide proper nutrition
- Make yourself a priority
- Extend forgiveness towards yourself
- Have generosity of spirit
- Practice mindfulness
- Practice gratitude
- Check-in with yourself
- Slow down and pause
Benefits of Practicing Self-Compassion:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Helps manage emotions and feelings in healthy ways
- Offers hope
- Increases mindfulness and self-acceptance
- Increases self-awareness
- Decreases self-judgment
- Provides clarity and acknowledgment of suffering
Practicing self-compassion allows the brain to think differently and create positive neuropathways. People who practice self-compassion realize they are right where they need to be, and this enables them to rediscover who they are. Self-compassion helps addicts on the road of recovery.
At Alta Loma Transformational Living, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. Alta Loma uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, where you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan.
We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 866-457-3843.
