Values, the guiding principles or beliefs that influence behaviour and decisions, are important in addiction treatment and recovery. They represent what is meaningful and important in one’s life. Recognising and aligning with personal values is a key aspect of the recovery process, providing clarity on what matters most. This clarity aids in setting goals and making choices that support recovery. For instance, valuing family might lead to prioritising relationship repair and seeking family support.
As a complete aside and just for fun here’s a good quote related to Values:
“Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behaviour positive because your behaviour becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
Values have been a core element of rehabilitation for years with therapists and counsellors emphasising the reconnection with personal values for sustained recovery. Defining one’s values is a deeply personal journey with no right or wrong answers. Common values in addiction treatment include honesty, responsibility, forgiveness, resilience and spirituality but they vary greatly based on individual experiences and beliefs.
Recovery Values
Recovery values for individuals struggling with addiction, representing the most important elements for their present and future: honesty about addiction, kindness towards others with addiction issues and more. Aligning actions with these values often leads to better outcomes and feelings, particularly in addiction recovery, as values provide a grounding and guiding force.
Key values that support healthier living in recovery include honesty (with oneself and others), kindness (towards oneself and others), gratitude (for the recovery process), openness (to the recovery process), responsibility (for one’s recovery efforts) and respect (for self, family and friends). Prioritising these values helps clarify which are most important and meaningful and even when there are conflicts, they can still guide future decisions.
Reflecting on these values daily is a healthy practice in recovery. It helps maintain focus on the best life direction, providing motivation and inspiration. Acting in accordance with one’s values typically leads to a smoother life journey and a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. Understanding and adhering to deeply held values is essential in guiding decisions in recovery and shaping the desired life path.
Higher Purpose and Belief Systems
Existential models in addiction treatment focus on how an individual’s beliefs, attitudes and values relate to their substance use disorder. These models reveal that people with addiction issues like problem drinkers, often anticipate more benefits from substances like alcohol, based on beliefs formed before they even start drinking. These individuals might turn to substances as a way to deal with personal challenges, whether social or psychological and find themselves addicted as the substance seems to meet their various needs. Cultural context also significantly influences addiction, as societal beliefs and practices shape how people view and control substance use.
For example, in cultures where excessive drinking is seen as a personal failure in self-control, addiction rates and attitudes differ markedly from cultures that believe alcohol has inherently powerful effects.
Hence, the role of personal values, which has been somewhat neglected in traditional addiction theories, is critical for a deeper understanding of addiction. According to Peele, addiction can stem from a breakdown in fundamental life values, such as prosocial behaviour, self-awareness, moderation and self-respect. The importance of these values is underscored by stories of individuals overcoming addiction by reconnecting with and prioritising these core values in their lives.
Values are individual’s principles or standards of behaviour in life. Setting goals and making choices that support recovery. Get help from qualified counsellors.Discover the Power of Values: Your Addiction Guide
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Inpatient Rehab
Rehab care is a good option if you are at risk of experiencing strong withdrawal symptoms when you try stop a substance. This option would also be recommended if you have experienced recurrent relapses or if you have tried a less-intensive treatment without success.
Outpatient
If you're committed to your sobriety but cannot take a break from your daily duties for an inpatient program. Outpatient rehab treatment might suit you well if you are looking for a less restricted format for addiction treatment or simply need help with mental health.
Therapy
Therapy can be good step towards healing and self-discovery. If you need support without disrupting your routine, therapy offers a flexible solution for anyone wishing to enhance their mental well-being or work through personal issues in a supportive, confidential environment.
Mental Health
Are you having persistent feelings of being swamped, sad or have sudden surges of anger or intense emotional outbursts? These are warning signs of unresolved trauma mental health. A simple assesment by a mental health expert could provide valuable insights into your recovery.
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