For individuals who have begun addiction recovery, learning the difference between self-centeredness and self-care is vital.

When a person is addicted to a substance or a behavior, that need overwhelms everything, including responsibilities and relationships.  Active addiction breeds selfishness and self-centeredness.  Typically, once a person has embarked on the road to recovery, they feel an abundance of guilt and shame.  They see clearly how they have mistreated their friends and loved ones. This guilt can make it difficult to begin practicing self-love.  But self-care in addiction recovery is absolutely necessary to achieve a healthy and successful path.

So what is the difference between self-centeredness and self-care?

If I am focusing on myself and my needs, is that not self-centered?  Self-care is the practice of activities that are necessary to sustain life and health, normally initiated and carried out by the individual for him- or herself.  In contrast, self-centeredness refers to someone thinking only about themselves and not thinking about the needs or feelings of other people.

A person practicing self-care in addiction recovery can do so in several ways:

• Set boundaries with people and situations
• Spend time in meditation or prayer
• Eat healthy and make time for exercise
• Get adequate rest/sleep
• Listen to the body and respond appropriately
• Pay attention to how you talk to yourself
• Create a schedule to stay somewhat structured
• Utilize support networks

Many people spend time in rehabilitation facilities, where they become used to having a set schedule, complete with nutritionally rounded-out meals.

When we get home, it is easy to let up on things and backslide.  It is important to take care of ourselves as we continue to nurture our newfound sobriety.  This means making time to see to our own needs–mind, body, and spirit.  As we do this, we find that our outside world is affected in the most positive of ways.  The healthier you are, the more good you can do in every aspect of your life.  Remember, self-care in addiction recovery has nothing to do with selfishness or self-centeredness.  It simply means you have decided you are worth fighting for.

If you or someone you love needs help overcoming addiction, please contact us anytime at (337) 379.7700.