What Is Self-Destructive Behavior And How Does It Hinder Sobriety?
When it comes to addiction, there are a lot of additional factors involved that can affect the person on their path to sobriety. Sometimes, these additional factors are conditions that preceded or developed as a result of the addiction. One such condition is self-destructive behavior, and understanding what it is and how it can affect your sobriety can help you succeed in treatment.
Consider contacting us at 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) to find out what treatment options are available for you.
Defining Self-Destructive Behavior
Self-destructive behavior is the term used to describe harmful thoughts and actions a person directs towards themselves. Some individuals who exhibit self-destructive behavior are aware of their actions and continue to do them out of impulse or habit.
There have been cases where it was used as a coping mechanism and/or as a means to push others away. Instances of self-destructive behavior can be triggered by stress, as the person often has difficulty handling stressful situations and may have low self-confidence.
What Are The Signs?
Neglecting one’s physical health is a sign of self-destructive behavior.
Self-destructive behavior can occasionally be misidentified or part of another co-occurring mental condition. The behaviors can also be a result of what the DEA refers to as chemical changes in the brain as a result of drug use, which has largely unpredictable and occasionally long-lasting effects.
Addiction itself can be considered a symptom of self-destructive behavior, as well as the person refusing help of any kind. Other symptoms of self-destructive behavior can manifest as physical neglect, like poor eating habits and refusing to properly care for oneself, failing to acknowledge or show the appropriate emotions for a situation, and having a very passive response to things.
The person’s mental state might be extremely pessimistic and result in self-pity or depressing thoughts. While it is not always the case, the person may cause physical harm to themselves or contemplate suicide. They may also intentionally harm others and do what they can to destroy their relationships with loved ones.
The Effect on Sobriety
It is very common that those who show self-destructive behavior to actively sabotage their recovery. The NIDA and other groups consider a support system of friends and family plays a vital role in the recovery and treatment process.
With self-destructive behavior, it is often hard for the person to allow any loved ones from helping them seek treatment and remain sober. The person might also not see any point in seeking help, as their self-defeating thoughts might make them believe that they will fail or that it’s pointless.
It is also possible that the person might no longer care enough about their wellbeing with self-destructive behavior and will actively refuse and fight against receiving any help. They might be under the impression that they greatly enjoy the way their destructive behavior makes them feel and will consider it a self-sacrifice if they keep it contained within their own life.
It is also possible that they might not believe that anything is wrong, thus there is no point in seeking help for something that, to them, doesn’t exist.
If you or a loved one has an addiction, know that help is available. Please call us at 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) to learn more about your treatment options.
