How To Open Up As A Recovering Addict: Tips For Introverts

Addiction can be difficult to live with, considering the toll it exerts on a person’s mind and body and the health issues that come along. Unfortunately, getting treatment for it is also not as easy. Even more so for an addict who is introverted in nature.

Negative thoughts, social anxiety, fear of being judged, and the intimidating idea of sharing their vulnerabilities with random people can keep them from opening up during recovery, especially in inpatient settings.

Although they usually tend to mix in once they get familiar with the people and the environment around them, in the early stages of rehab programs, it might feel a little overwhelming.

Here are a few tips that can help recovering introverts:

Look at the Bigger Picture

Consider why you joined a treatment center in the first place. Handling addiction alone can be far more challenging than with others who are riding the same boat as you.

Even if you feel anxious about taking the first step to interact with new people, do it! Usually, it only takes that much.

Recovering from addiction can be tricky, considering the mental and emotional turmoil a person goes through while withdrawing. Therefore it is imperative to have a group of supportive people around.

Try to Know Your Peers

Mostly, what keeps introverts from communicating much is their constant worry about what others will think about them.

Remember all your fellow patients are also going through the same struggles as you.

Some of them might have endured more than others, but all of them are looking for comfort and a sense of community.

Derive Inspiration from Extroverts

Take note of how your extroverted companions go about the process of recovery, what they do, and how it helps them.

Maybe you can learn a thing or two yourself.

Seek Out Like-Minded People

Find people who can understand your predicament, respect your space and also resonate with your sentiments. Developing a relationship with them might help you keep steady on the path of sobriety.

Plus, you might even get to know more recovering introverts who are facing the same difficulties. By exchanging words and ideas with them, you can help each other to get past the fear of socializing.

Try Listening Before You Speak

Analyzing how your fellow inmates talk about sensitive issues, their battle with addiction, and their strengths and weaknesses might help you to:

connect with them on a personal level, making you feel a little more comfortable around them.
understand how to share your story and unburden yourself as well.

Keep Honest with Yourself and Fellow Patients

In an attempt to avoid socializing, introverts start making excuses to convince themselves against interacting altogether. It keeps them from speaking their heart out. Accepting yourself as who you are and seeking help accordingly is crucial.

Also, let your peers know about your preferences. Being open about your psychological needs can help them associate with you appropriately.

Take it One Step at a Time

Personalities can’t change overnight. Do not hurry. By pushing yourself more than you can handle, you’ll only end up overstraining yourself further. It might affect the progress you were making or worse, you might end up relapsing.

Instead, try to:

Utilize any amount of time you get alone in the day to relax and recharge.
Use one-on-one sessions with counselors and psychiatrists to help you deal with your conservations.
Write your feelings down and address them one by one.
Take advantage of activities like yoga, meditation, and self-healing to repose yourself gradually.

Learn to Appreciate Yourself

One may say that introverts have double the job to do in recovery than fellow extroverts. So give yourself credit for trying hard.

Reward yourself when you successfully make a conversation with someone the next time.

Also, recognize the benefits of introversion. Introverts are already self-aware and capable of analyzing their triggers and weaknesses which most others can’t. This can be a huge advantage while working towards sustainable healing.

Conclusion

The idea of group therapies may feel pointless to an introvert who used addictive substances as a means of communication, to begin with.

Hence most of them deny getting any help at all when they are in fact in dire need of it.

Remember, introvert or not, everyone suffering addiction, deserve a chance to heal.