Self-Care Is Self-Love: How To Take Care of Yourself During Addiction Recovery

The notion of self-love is frequently discussed in the mental health field. It encompasses an introspective view of oneself that acknowledges imperfection while embracing internal strengths. Following significant progress in the recovery journey from drug addiction, an individual may have a diminished sense of self due to the absence of the substance. It can feel like a fragment of their identity has been stripped away. 

At Twin Town Treatment Centers in Laguna Hills, CA, we wholeheartedly embrace the concept of self-love as an integral component of our approach to drug addiction treatment. By prioritizing healthy self-care practices, individuals can aspire to become the person they’ve always envisioned — a good father, a quality friend or a top performer at work. Should you find yourself on the path to healing after completing addiction treatment, this blog post may help you understand what good self-care looks like.

Invest in Positive Self-Care

Self-care looks unique for each individual — some prefer baths, while others seek serenity through walks on the beach. What’s important is building on habits that evoke a sense of happiness and fulfillment to rebuild lost dopamine levels.

Conversely, engaging in detrimental self-care practices proves counterproductive during drug rehab. It may appear at first that shopping for that expensive piece of jewelry is a “need,” when in reality, it is an impulsive desire. In this precarious territory, drug addiction can resurface, bringing someone struggling with a substance use disorder back to stage one and potentially replacing one addiction with another.

Why You Should Practice Self-Care in Addiction Recovery

Now that we have provided self-care’s essence, let’s discuss why it is important. Self-care invokes an overall sense of well-being. It revitalizes one’s energy reserves, enabling a greater capacity to fulfill the demands of daily life.

Consistently practicing self-care techniques establishes a solid foundation for personal success. It is often the initial hurdle that poses the greatest challenge. Not knowing where to begin on a diet or exercise routine can make you feel hopeless, but it’s about taking one step at a time. Twin Town Treatment Centers stands ready to extend a helping hand if you need guidance. We offer many recommendations for self-care and self-love practices that you can bring home to practice, especially in our Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP).

How Self-Care Relates to Mental Health

You can’t properly dive into a drug addiction treatment program without focusing on your self-care routine. Without self-care, you will react negatively to every little setback that comes your way. Being in touch with your deepest emotions and heightening your self-awareness during challenging life events means feeling stronger and more in control when you encounter your triggers. 

When it comes to mental health, self-care can look like taking medication, actively participating in therapy or seeking support groups for people struggling with a substance use disorder. These all can contribute to a more well-rounded, emotionally intelligent person. 

If you ever find yourself believing that you’re unlovable or incapable of practicing self-care due to a substance use disorder, Twin Town Treatment Centers are here to change that perception. At our Laguna Hills, CA, drug rehab facility, we believe in embracing the ups and downs of life without sugarcoating the realities we face. Our state-of-the-art drug addiction treatment programs are specifically designed to provide compassionate, adaptive care for a wide range of substance use disorders, ensuring that your treatment plan is completely individualized. If you want to break free from your drug addiction and embrace self-love, call us at 866-594-8844 to set up an initial intake assessment or fill out our contact form