Self-efficacy is the belief in one’s innate ability to complete specific tasks and goals. This form of self-confidence plays an essential role in how you react to stressful situations or events. For example, someone with seriously low self-efficacy may not be able to picture themselves ever completing the desired task. High self-efficacy can mean achieving goals even if they are difficult or require much work. As you navigate the processes of treatment, detox, withdrawal, and the initial stages of recovery, you’ll find a heavy emphasis placed on developing motivation strong enough to help you remain abstinent. Self-efficacy is a form of inner strength that makes it possible to reach your goals in recovery and beyond.
There is a direct link between self-efficacy and motivation towards recovery. A 2013 paper by the Center for Addiction Medicine in Boston concluded that even relatively small levels of self-efficacy could improve the outcome for participants who were recovering from substance use disorders. The more confidence you have in overcoming obstacles, the more likely you are to show emotional growth. Optimism, motivation, and confidence are all vital ingredients for creating lasting self-efficacy. Even if you doubt yourself after making a mistake, it is essential to rebuild your trust in yourself.
Relapse is Not the End of the Road
Recovering from addiction is a lifelong process. While you are sure to discover tools and skills along the way that can help make it easier, recovery doesn’t ever come to a hard ending. It’s important to remember that relapse is not the end, either. An estimated 60% of all patients treated for substance use disorders will experience some form of relapse. Slipping up does not preclude you from continuing to create a long, sober, and healthy life.
Accept Responsibility for Your Mistakes
Before you can start to rebuild your self-confidence, you must face the facts of what you have done. Do not let your guilt or shame have the last word. True courage comes from taking responsibility for your actions and then choosing to learn from them by doing better next time. Everyone deserves the chance to better themselves, and you can conquer addiction.
You must take preventative measures to lower the risk of relapse. Look back on the factors that caused you to slip so that you can come up with a healthy way to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. Be honest with yourself and use your support system to figure out the right way to keep yourself safe and moving forward in your recovery.
Ask for Help When You Need It
Emotional and physical fallout can make the period after a relapse especially challenging. Having confidence in yourself doesn’t mean insisting that you deal with your problems alone; part of having healthy self-esteem is knowing when it’s time to reach out to sponsors, peers, therapists, and loved ones so their support can add to your strength. There is nothing shameful about asking for help as you navigate the aftermath of a relapse. You have a support system of people who are willing and able to give you reasons to keep believing in yourself in moments just like these.
Establishing the Right Goals and Motivations
Some points of your recovery will require you to expand your motivations for staying sober. You might need to make your self-improvement goals more attainable. It’s easier to maintain healthy self-efficacy when you can look back at past accomplishments and use them as proof that you are capable and dedicated to success.
Look for reasons in your life that make it worth the hard work it takes to stay sober. Some common motivations include:
- Rejuvenating and healing your relationships with friends and family
- Staying physically and mentally healthy
- Achieving success in your career or education
Valuable Tips for Building Self-Efficacy
If you find yourself doubting your ability to reach your goals, try using some of these valuable tips to begin regaining your self-efficacy:
- Find inspiration in other people who have relapsed and then continued to achieve healthy, long-term sobriety.
- Set small recovery goals and celebrate each one you accomplish as proof that you are determined to make the most of your second chance.
- Learn to reframe your self-image through therapy and positive self-talk.
- Accept that everyone is human, we all make mistakes, and they do not detract from our accomplishments.
- Make a list of your progress in recovery and look at the bigger picture to put mistakes into perspective.
- Ask your peers in group meetings about what they do to improve their self-efficacy, and try adopting suggestions that might fit your lifestyle.
- Having peer support can also contribute to growing your overall self-esteem.
Relapsing can feel like a major step back in your recovery. It’s vital to move past feelings of anger, guilt, helplessness, and self-doubt. Acceptance will provide you with a healthy foundation for continuing sober living. Regaining your self-efficacy is one significant step towards a healthier future. You must be able to believe in yourself and your recovery to become the best version of yourself. Our dedicated and compassionate staff at Rancho Milagro Recovery can help you learn to trust yourself again by providing coping skills and practical techniques for avoiding temptation. We believe in you, and we can help you find your path forward. Our mission is to provide you with the tools you need to accept responsibility for your actions, make peace with your past, and work towards the life you deserve. Everyone deserves a second chance. Let us help you with yours. For more information, call Rancho Milagro Recovery at (951) 526-4582.