Getting Past the Stigma of Sobriety in Recovery

Addiction stigma is a common issue for those in recovery from drugs or alcohol. While many individuals fear that they will be stigmatized for being sober in early recovery, maintaining sobriety is critical to gaining a better quality of life. Unaddressed mental health stigma can be challenging to overcome. However, sobriety is quickly becoming the preferred way of life for millions of individuals. Staying active with peers can improve an individual’s mental health and help one get past the stigma of sobriety in recovery. Fortunately, clients at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab find reduced stigma after engaging in holistic activities, alumni events, and accessing additional services for ongoing support.

What Is Stigma Against Substance Use Disorder?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), stigma against individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) can be defined as a set of stereotypes and negative attitudes. Unaddressed name-calling and stigma can worsen one’s condition and create barriers to addiction and mental health treatment. It is a common misconception that those with substance use disorder choose their life. Those who discriminate or stigmatize individuals with SUD often imply that those in recovery are: 

• Dangerous or violent
• Undeserving of help 
• Addicts or criminals
• Weak or incapable of getting better 
• The same as the rest 
• Failures

The Association Between Sobriety and Addiction Stigma

Based on the aforementioned NIDA study, those who face challenges with treatable mental and physical health conditions often experience stigma and discrimination, as others do not understand their condition or know that it can be effectively cared for. It is common for some individuals facing problems with active addiction to lie, steal, or become aggressive. SUD not only impairs one’s reward system but also impacts an individual’s ability to take control of their behavioral patterns. As a result, family and friends may feel a sense of fear. Family members may also exhibit built-up anger toward their loved one who is experiencing problems with substance use disorder. 

Why Do Some Individuals Avoid Seeking Help to Overcome Stigma?

Research indicates that although addiction stigma is a prevalent issue, it is common for some individuals to avoid seeking support for overcoming stigma and discrimination while in recovery. Various factors play a role in why those with substance use disorder refuse to seek professional assistance. Some common reasons individuals with substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health conditions are hesitant to reach out for help include: 

• Having the inability to afford the cost of aftercare (48%)
• Believing that certain problems can be managed without help (26.5%)
• Not having the resources on hand (25%)
• Having concerns about confidentiality (10%)
• Experiencing anxiety about judgment from neighbors and the community as a whole (10%)
• Having employment concerns (8%)
• Fearing lifelong commitment regarding their condition (10%)
• Lacking insurance coverage (6% to 9%)
• Believing that treatment would not help (9%)

Why Do Young Adults Face Challenges in Maintaining Long-Term Sobriety in Recovery?

It is common for some individuals to relapse within the first year after completing their addiction treatment program. This can be due to several playing factors. Early recovery typically requires an individual with SUD to make various life changes. This is done for relapse prevention. However, early recovery can be an overwhelming stage. Young adults face challenges with peer pressure, substance exposure, unmanaged daily stressors, and environmental factors. 

For example, societal norms can make it difficult for young adults to make their own choices. Alcohol and cigarette ads are placed everywhere. School peers or young adults at work may pressure one to attend a local party or work event. It can be tough to say no or simply walk away from the situation. Young adults may fear stigma, judgment, or scrutiny from others for fear of not fitting in. Not fitting in may trigger anxiety to maintain academic success or hold a career. Even if an individual declines a direct invite, doing so may still trigger one’s psyche, leading to worsened cravings and intrusive thoughts. Living near bars, clubs, or a downtown area can also trigger one to engage in substance use. 

If stress is left unmanaged, one may fall into the three stages of relapse: emotional, mental, and physical. The individual remembers the last time they used and has no desire to engage in substance use, but their thoughts and behavior may set them up for a relapse. If the symptoms are left unmanaged, the individual may find it difficult to break free from the urge to abuse substances and be at serious risk of relapse. Understanding that addiction recovery can come with many different obstacles, it is important for an individual with substance use disorder or a dual diagnosis to use the strategies learned in past or current treatment to cope and maintain sobriety for relapse prevention effectively. 

Why Is It Important to Maintain Sobriety in Recovery and Abstain from Drugs and Alcohol?

Hurtful stigma and discrimination can worsen one’s mental health. When the effects of stigma are not dealt with, an individual may become vulnerable to substance use. Even though peer pressure and stigma can derail one’s recovery and trigger substance use, those with SUD or a dual diagnosis must maintain sobriety. Severe substance use disorders can damage several areas of an individual’s life. If one experiences a lapse without support, they may be swept back into the cycle of addiction. When this occurs, an individual may experience worsened relationships with loved ones, poor work or academic performance, and become isolated from society. Therefore, each day sober leads to:

• Improved mental health
• Better relationships
• New opportunities
• Improved physical health
• Reduced cravings
• Better emotion regulation
• Restored trust
• Increased self-awareness

The Link Between Staying Active and Good Mental Health

Knowing that the transition into early recovery can be a busy next step, some individuals find it difficult to make time for self-nurturing activities. However, practicing self-care is critical to decompress from life’s daily stressors. Aside from getting an adequate amount of sleep, celebrating recovery milestones, or eating nutritious foods, staying active is especially important.

According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (OASH), taking time to unwind can improve one’s sense of well-being. For example, staying active and doing something that makes one feel good emotionally, physically, and spiritually is important. Taking a brisk walk around the block, getting in touch with nature, or engaging in light exercise alone or with peers is ideal. There is a strong link between mental and physical health. What is good for one’s body is good for one’s mind. Therefore, staying active can reduce stress linked with addiction for improved mental health and relapse prevention. 

What Is Holistic Care?

Although beneficial, not everyone responds to traditional medicine by itself. Prescription medications can provide relief from symptoms. However, holistic care can offer a more natural approach to healing. Exclusive Hawaii Rehab takes a comprehensive care approach to accommodate our clients’ specific needs. Individuals who are diagnosed with severe substance use disorder or a dual diagnosis may gain a great advantage from combining both medicine and complementary holistic treatment options for an advanced care model. This can be referred to as medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is offered at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab with a focus on Suboxone treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms and decrease cravings for stability. 

Participating in Exclusive Hawaii Rehab’s Holistic Activities to Get Past the Stigma of Sobriety in Recovery

It is common for some individuals facing challenges with stigma in recovery to internalize what has been said by others. This can lead to cognitive distortions. Some individuals overgeneralize their recovery outcome. It is also common for one in recovery from substance use disorder to view situations in black or white. For example, an individual experiencing problems with hurtful stigma may assume that if they aren’t accepted by society, they will fail to find a job. 

When an individual internalizes negative stigma and delves deeper into a state of depression, they gradually disqualify the positives in their recovery. Hurtful stigma from peers may make one more apt to believe that others feel the same way. Knowing that hurtful stigma can derail an individual’s recovery, participating in Exclusive Hawaii Rehab’s holistic activities can help one gain more self-awareness and respect while overcoming the effects of stigma. Sober activities with a holistic approach to care include: 

• Creative Healing – Use of creative activities to foster emotional expression, reduced stress, and mind-body connection
• Yoga – An ancient practice involving physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation for mindfulness and presence
• Breathwork – Encompassing a variety of breathing techniques to reduce stress and aid in self-exploration
• Meditation – A mental practice to promote focus and relaxation for improved mental health
• Acupuncture – This Chinese practice uses fine needles, heat, or cups for reducing withdrawal symptoms
• Energy Healing – Healing methods such as Reiki or chakra that aim to restore the body’s healing system 
• Hiking – An outdoor activity that involves walking in peaceful environments such as local trails or paths
• Beach Activities – Fun activities near the beach, such as volleyball, swimming, or barbecuing
• Essential Oils – Concentrated plant extracts such as lavender or rosemary that support healing 
• Mindfulness – A practice used to pay attention to the present moment with zero judgment, including body scanning and mindful listening

The Significance of Peer Support in Addiction Recovery

Early recovery can be a lonely phase in the healing process. Hurtful stigma and discrimination can make one feel even more isolated. Peer support is a critical element in addiction recovery. Therefore, those in recovery from substance use disorder or a dual diagnosis need to establish a strong support system. 

Studies have demonstrated that individuals who participated in peer support groups showed better rates of abstinence than those who did not. Those who spent time with sober individuals also gained improved relationships, increased treatment retention, and reduced relapse rates. Knowing that those in recovery may experience guilt and shame associated with their past addictive behaviors, peer support also provided reductions in habitual craving, positive social support perceptions, and reduced feelings of self-blame, regret, and remorse. 

Getting Past the Stigma of Sobriety in Recovery With Alumni Programs and Participating in Alumni Events

Although peer support is a critical component in addiction recovery, not everyone finds it easy to restart their social circle and make healthy connections. While support groups can be beneficial, alumni programs and events can provide a greater sense of community and support. An alumni program is a structured support network for individuals who have just completed their addiction treatment program and are in recovery from drugs or alcohol. Alumni programs host social events and gatherings for ongoing education, resources, mentorship, and peer support. 

Exclusive Hawaii Rehab does not believe in labeling people. However, most clients consider themselves post-rehab after they transition into aftercare. Often, people take advantage of Exclusive Hawaii Rehab’s alumni and aftercare support for several weeks or months after completing their addiction rehab program. Alumni services support post-rehab recovery by offering the following:

• Clinical and emotional support during crisis moments
• A welcoming community of sober peers
• Access to guidance and additional addiction recovery education

Breaking Down Additional Exclusive Hawaii Rehab Services to Aid in Overcoming Stigma in Addiction Recovery

Exclusive Hawaii Rehab alumni programs and support groups can provide a greater sense of community and belonging. However, those are not the only services that aid in helping individuals with SUD overcome stigma in addiction recovery. Understanding that peer support plays a vital role in supporting individuals in recovery, Exclusive Hawaii Rehab offers a multitude of services that can be explored with like-minded peers for help. Peer support can enhance emotional support and improve motivation and hope. A sober companion at our recovery center can assist post-rehab with exploring new treatment options. Additional unique treatment methods that can help one overcome the stigma of sobriety in recovery include: 

• Art therapy
• Music therapy
• Adventure therapy
• Activity therapy
• South Bath therapy
• Mindfulness therapy
• Massage therapy
• Horticulture therapy
• Surf therapy

Overcoming Stigma and Cherishing Sobriety in Recovery With Psychological Therapy

Engaging in sober activities can shift public perceptions, build self-esteem, and normalize sobriety. However, participating in complementary services such as psychological therapy can further enhance an individual’s path to healing. Active addiction can damage relationships and leave others thinking poorly of the individual facing challenges with SUD. They may not understand the condition as a whole. 

It can be challenging to move forward from mistreatment. Coping with stigma can be even more difficult. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that teaches individuals new strategies to focus on the present rather than fixate on their past. Understanding that active addiction can significantly impair relationships with family or friends, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) combines elements of CBT to help individuals manage intense emotions and improve interpersonal relationships. Knowing that trauma is commonly linked with substance use disorder, trauma-informed therapy plays a critical role in addressing addiction stigma. Other types of psychotherapies offered at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab to help individuals get past the stigma of sobriety in recovery include: 

• Psychodynamic Therapy – A type of psychotherapy that targets one’s unconscious feelings and experiences to influence an individual’s emotional state and current behaviors
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – A type of psychotherapy that combines elements of mindfulness and behavioral therapy to improve one’s overall well-being
• Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) – A type of psychotherapy that emphasizes the significance of creating a safe and peaceful environment to allow the individual to explore their feelings, thoughts, and behavior at their own pace
• Non-12-Step Therapy – A therapeutic approach that does not follow the traditional 12-Step framework but focuses on the individual as a whole
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) – A highly effective treatment method used to alleviate the symptoms of trauma linked with substance use disorder.

Self-Help Strategies to Get Past the Stigma of Sobriety in Recovery

The compassionate care team at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab understands that each individual heals at their own pace. Even the most driven individuals may still face challenges getting past the stigma of sobriety while in recovery. Holistic activities and unique therapeutic techniques may provide the tools needed to overcome stigma. However, it can be tough for one to apply the strategies learned in past treatments in real life. Therefore, those in recovery need to make time for self-care. Self-help strategies that can be combined with other forms of care to help individuals get past the stigma of sobriety in recovery include: 

• Practicing self-affirmations
• Journaling recovery progress
• Celebrating milestones
• Practicing assertiveness
• Focusing on personal growth
• Setting boundaries
• Focusing on strengths
• Forgiving others
• Embracing vulnerabilities
• Reaching out for support

Many people diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) struggle to come to terms with their condition or find healthy ways to move forward in recovery. Exclusive Hawaii Rehab uses acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and other forms of treatment to help clients accept their circumstances and make positive lifestyle changes. We want you to know that you are not broken. Together, and with great compassion, we will help you step out of your comfort zone, face your pain, and realize your own unique path to healing and sobriety. Call Exclusive Hawaii Rehab at (808) 775-0200 to gain the support needed to overcome the effects of stigma for a better quality of life.