Identifying Self-Destructive Behaviors as an Alumnus

Recovery is an exercise in not just ceasing the use of drugs or alcohol but in creating a truly transformed lifestyle and identity. However, even those who have set personal and sober goals at Hawaii Island Recovery may act against their own goals in recovery, with many not realizing the potential effects of such self-destructive behaviors. Identifying self-destructive behaviors is necessary for effectively changing not just the behaviors but also the beliefs that may inform them. Dedicated strategies for addressing self-destructive behaviors are necessary for a dedicated sober lifestyle and a positive approach to a healthy, sustainable daily life.

Self-destructive behaviors are any kind of behavior that may harm a person physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. For some, these behaviors can be easily identified, while others may be more subtle. Self-destructive behaviors may also seem small at the time, such as passing thoughts or comments, yet can have major implications for a person’s overall health and continued dedication to their transformed, sober lives. 

Some examples of potential self-destructive behaviors among alumni include:

Some of these self-destructive behaviors can also disguise themselves as jokes, even though they may actually carry some weight. Making jokes at a person’s own expense can still have a profound emotional impact.

These kinds of self-destructive behaviors can be difficult to cope with and can even affect each person’s hard-earned sobriety. Graduating from Hawaii Island Recovery’s comprehensive Hawaii rehabilitation program and beginning a sober life as an alumnus is a huge accomplishment. Being able to identify potential self-destructive behaviors and continuing to address their effects alongside peers and professionals in continued outpatient treatment is necessary for maintaining these profound transformations.

Like all parts of an effective recovery journey, identifying self-destructive behaviors is a personal endeavor. No two people necessarily experience the same challenges with the same intensity or frequency. However, there are ways in which each person can identify self-destructive behaviors in their own lives while creating a plan to address and change these behaviors and associated beliefs. 

Using a journal has a plethora of potential benefits for those in recovery. Journals can provide a space to record all kinds of thoughts and feelings, and using them gives an individual a great amount of information about their journey, their perspectives, and even their harbored beliefs that may not be otherwise readily apparent. Moreover, using journals to record stresses or to look back on past events and experiences can contextualize how each alumnus may feel about these situations. 

Seeing thoughts in writing can empower alumni to be more honest with themselves, confront burgeoning stresses, and fairly judge themselves against the stresses they face without becoming overly critical. This kind of perspective can help alumni identify self-destructive behaviors by picking out derogatory thoughts and unfair criticisms and exploring accountability for further growth in sobriety. 

Some of the most common forms of self-destructive behavior are self-belittling thoughts and speech. These thoughts can take the form of derogatory language or self-pointed insults, as well as thoughts of doubt, especially in a person’s regards to continuing their sober lives, repairing relationships, and more. Positive self-talk can be a great way to pay more attention to the language a person directs at themselves. 

Saying self-affirming language out loud, putting images or reminders with positive language or mantras at important locations like at a person’s desk, wallet, purse, or bedroom, or reinforcing spiritual beliefs and affirmations to help challenge self-destructive thoughts and normalize a positive view of oneself. 

Being complacent in recovery can be incredibly dangerous for those overcoming addiction of any kind. Complacency is the idea of “good enough” and is often marked by stagnation in the development of new coping strategies, self-care outlets, hobbies, and more. It is normal to feel “stuck” from time to time in recovery, but pushing through this feeling rather than accepting it is paramount. While stresses will continue to build in sobriety and new challenges and triggers may manifest, avoiding complacency is necessary to prevent further chances of relapse. 

Engaging in outpatient treatment programs and sober communities can empower alumni to understand the challenges of sobriety and the work it takes to maintain such a lifestyle. Not only can these communities provide a wealth of new ideas and strategies, but they can also keep people focused on their upcoming milestones. Stresses will continue to build in sobriety, and new challenges and triggers may still manifest. Coupled with a mentality of complacency, however, the chances of release can increase. 

Self-care is anything that tends to personal needs, from a healthier physical life through exercise and healthy dieting to a more robust spiritual conviction. Whether a person is exploring self-care through engaging in a hobby, eating right, or just stepping back from the stresses of the day and letting the body and mind rest, self-care is most effective when it is normalized and routinely used. 

Creating a schedule as an alumnus that prioritizes several self-care outlets as much as other responsibilities can be a great way of addressing self-destructive behaviors and recognizing how some behaviors may be acting against a person’s well-being.

Self-destructive behaviors can fundamentally affect the way you view yourself and your actions and continued sobriety. At Hawaii Island Recovery, our commitment to healing incorporates not just strategies and support to challenge substance use but also many self-destructive thoughts and behaviors that may affect your mental and emotional health. Our unique approach to Hawaii rehabilitation is a holistic approach to healing that develops strategies for mental, emotional, spiritual, and social healing, all while helping you develop skills to pursue your sober goals and transformations. For more information on how we can support you in your journey to challenge and overcome self-destructive behaviors, addiction, and more, call to speak to us today at (866) 390-5070.