When dealing with a difficult problem such as alcohol use, it is important to keep your self-image in check. Once you figure out how you view yourself more positively and how you want others to view you; you can successfully move towards a happier life without substance. With self-image comes change. Change is scary for anyone, but by maturing, taking responsibility for your past, present and future you will ultimately build self-confidence to tackle difficult situations in life without turning to substance.
Below are some examples of new self-image you may want or have thought of:
- I want to have a stable life with no more drama
- I need to update my appearance to be reminded of my new goals
- I want others to see me differently
- I absolutely do not want to be seen as an alcoholic or drug addict. I want to be a non-substance user.
- I want to be a person who is productive and looks the part, someone an employer would be proud to hire.
- I want to be a patient and kind parent, spouse or friend.
- I want to be honest
- I want to be happy, joyful and content
- I want to be approachable, loving and much more tolerant of circumstances I cannot control.
Overcoming substance through the power of positive thinking is possible. Dr. Schaler, the author of Addiction Is A Choice quotes,”The more people believe in their ability to moderate their consumption of drugs and alcohol, the more likely they will be to moderate. The converse is also true: the more people believe in their ability to moderate their consumption of drugs and alcohol, the more likely they will be not to moderate” (Schaler 37).
If you truly desire to overcome alcohol or drugs you can. By believing in yourself and your own free will, you can create an empowering new way to look at substance use. It’s important to remember that the body can only do what the mind tells it to do. You are in control of your actions at all times. The difference between people who use substance all the time and those who can successfully quit is that initial thought before a reaction.
If your pattern of drinking after a hard day or work has been repeated day in and day out for years, you have created an association of stress with drinking. Even though this reaction may seem automatic, it was a choice you made at one time and a behavior that you can still change. Imagine creating a new habit that replaced the feeling of being drunk. Through having a better outlook on your life, and ultimately a better self-image you can create the confidence you need to change. It is possible to restructure your life, even after years of heavy substance abuse, and live a long happy life.
