Victim Mentality can often hinder addiction recovery. Those with substance use disorder can also manifest a victim mentality. There are certain beliefs that people who struggle with addiction develop from their lifestyle and substance abuse. These beliefs often result in behaviors that continue the addiction, rather than help it end.
What is a Victim Mentality?
Victim mentality is when an individual believes that bad things happen to them and not because of their actions or choices. There is no personal accountability for their actions. Individuals with a victim mentality often blame others for their situation. They may resist help or just want answers and short-term solutions given to them instead of working for them on their own.
These individuals become comfortable playing the victim. This often causes codependent relationships, a lack of independence, and low self-esteem. Eventually, loved ones will get fed up with this behavior and find themselves alone.
What is Addiction?
Addiction is a brain disorder with a compulsive commitment to rewarding stimuli although negative consequences. Addiction is a very high cost for individuals and society as a whole. The total economic cost is greater to the American society than all types of cancer and diabetes-associated health costs. The first behavioral addiction that was acknowledged and diagnosed by the DSM-5 / ICD10 was gambling. Following this, the ABMS recognized addiction medicine as an official multispecialty subspecialty in 2016.
The term addiction is widely misused to describe compulsive behaviors or problems, especially in news media. Addiction is compulsively consuming a substance and is independent of behavior that can arise in the absence of further drug use.
How Does Victim Mentality Relate to Drug Addiction?
Individuals with both substance use disorders and a victim mentality have similar behaviors. They may blame their addiction on their genetics or on others.
These individuals will often use manipulation techniques to get what they want from others. They use manipulation and passive-aggressive behavior to convince friends or family members to enable their substance use. They may demand money, housing, vehicles, or rides.
Other manipulation techniques could include acting sick or unable to do things on their own. This behavior only hurts the individual and has to change in order for recovery.
Treatment of Addiction
It’s a long process, however, and could involve multiple attempts. Treatment can consist of any part or component often installed with an additional component. Treatment can be provided in a variety of settings in a sober living home, detox office, or drug rehab.
The same system for treatment will not work for everyone and that commitment is more important in this regard than the type of treatment they select. Good counseling focuses on many dimensions of life, including family roles and working skills as well as mental health.
How is Substance Use Disorder Treated?
A doctor should complete a formal diagnosis of symptoms to discover where there has been a substance using disorder. There are varying levels of effective treatment approaches. Medications control drug cravings, relieve withdrawal symptoms, and prevent relapse.
Psychotherapy may help individuals understand their own behavior, motivational patterns, and brain changes. A recovery plan will provide specific treatment to a particular situation and could incorporate other techniques other than formal treatment.
These principles are discussed in the Principles of Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide published by NIDA. As a consequence recovery is delayed if we do not recognize problematic drug use.
Treatment of Mental Health and SUD
Addiction programs that have mental health services are really beneficial for those with substance use disorder. Oftentimes individuals need treatment for mental health and addiction, especially when there is a victim mentality present.
Individuals with addiction and mental health should be treated under one roof as a co-occurring disorder. Treatment programs that treat addiction alone have limited success rates unless there is a dual diagnosis present. Harm Reduction Center has the ability to provide dual diagnosis treatment, substance use treatment, and more.
If You Think You Might Have an Addiction
It is common for a person engaged in addictive activities, to not believe that he or she is an addict. For many people, they believe it’s controllable. Yet, as soon they try to stop, it can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Some people experience withdrawal symptoms that are life-threatening. It can increase your risk of mental health and other life-threatening health issues if you try to quit on your own.
How Can I Start Changing the Victim Mindset
Accept Responsibility
You are in control of your choices and the consequences that come with them. I can’t stress this enough, it’s a mental game. You have to take responsibility for your actions and use tools and resources to get better.
Accept Mistakes
It is understandable that some might feel bad when they don’t succeed. However, you have to accept mistakes and failure as part of the addiction journey. This will help to develop a healthier mindset over time.
Acknowledge Your Self Worth
Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Your brain thinks what you say, so speak out loud about your addiction recovery journey in a more positive light.
Stop Self-Centered Thought Patterns
Instead of only thinking of yourself and your wants and needs, consider others. Next time you are upset, stop and try to think about how others may feel and what they may need or want.
Forgive Yourself for Substance Use Disorder
Give yourself a break and forgive the past. It’s is best not to give up on yourself as it can lead to a risk of relapse. Use these moments to plan for the future and take steps towards your goals.
Volunteer or Help Others Suffering From Addiction
Consider giving back by volunteering or helping others. The addiction recovery journey is not an easy one, so consider other ways you can help and make a difference in the lives of others. It’s easy to take the focus off yourself when you help others.
Consider Long Term Consequence’s or Rewards
Many addicts become stuck in short-term needs and want. The harmful consequences are not a concern during this cycle because drug seeking takes precedence. Shift your focus onto what actions and choices will do for you in the long term.
Start Healing Today
If you or a family member needs help don’t wait to research options. Many addiction programs offer free consultations and can help find a counselor who fits your needs. The longer you live with addiction the more dangerous it becomes.
Harm Reduction Center in South Florida
Call Harm Reduction Center today for more information on our addiction programs and how we can help you heal. Our addiction treatment center near West Palm Beach has been helping those with addiction for years. Our team of professionals can help you find the individualized recovery path that’s right for you.
