Women struggling with addiction and mental health disorders often report experiencing a loss of power and control over their lives. They may feel as if their substance abuse or distressing mental health symptoms are subverting their autonomy. To effectively restore a sense of power and control, women must recognize the undeniable value of empowerment for recovery.

Grace Recovery provides a variety of recovery resources for women that aim to foster long-lasting empowerment. From transitional living to experiential recovery coaching and more, women assisted by Grace can begin to take pride in their healing journies as they lean on opportunities for empowerment in recovery and beyond.

Understanding Group Empowerment for Recovery

It is common for women to believe that recovery is a lonely road. Oftentimes, this is what hinders them from seeking or participating in treatment. While the road less traveled can get lonely at times, the road to recovery is most effective when it is taken alongside others. Empowerment brings forth this notion, highlighting the value that group efforts can facilitate sustained healing and lasting sobriety.

According to Empowerment by Lisa M. Haddad and Tammy J. Toney-Butler, “Empowerment is viewed as a process or an outcome” by which an individual or group comes together to accomplish a common goal. Individuals in recovery share a variety of common goals. Some of these goals include:

• Establishing and maintaining sobriety
• Holding each other accountable for growth and healing
• Effectively transitioning back to life outside of treatment
• Building life skills
• Strengthening social support and relationships

Rather than working to achieve these goals alone, group empowerment for recovery enables individuals to work together to further the well-being of all involved. Additionally, group empowerment removes unnecessary setbacks and pressures that may otherwise hinder an individual’s ability to accomplish such goals without help.

The Value of Self-Empowerment for Recovery

It is important to recognize that group empowerment can also strengthen self-empowerment, which can be especially valuable for healing and recovery. As a result of addiction and other mental health disorders, individuals may experience increased feelings of powerlessness and decreased motivation to establish sobriety. A group setting can help inspire women to internalize a more empowered attitude.

Additionally, it is important to point out that recovery is not linear, and that many ups and downs can occur throughout an individual’s healing journey. Nevertheless, self-empowerment can help an individual regain a sense of power and control over their health and well-being.

Navigating Recovery With Empowerment

There are many things that individuals in recovery can do to enhance their experience of empowerment in recovery. Here are some examples:

Increase Self-Awareness

To reap the benefits of self-empowerment in recovery, individuals must first reflect on the person they want to become. Self-awareness can enable individuals to determine what factors are helping and/or hindering their recovery journey. For example, by increasing self-awareness, an individual may discover that they want to develop a more positive attitude to increase their sense of self-love and self-worth. Fortunately, developing a positive attitude is a skill that can be strengthened over time through activities such as mindfulness practices as well as therapy.

Set SMART Recovery Goals

Another way to foster empowerment in recovery is by setting recovery goals – both short-term and long-term. Trying to accomplish large goals without creating stepping stones in between can further hinder an individual’s self-worth, especially if such goals are not realistic or achievable in a given amount of time. Therefore, ensuring that short-term goals are setting the foundation for future long-term goals can be paramount. Individuals can consider developing goals alongside other peers in recovery, as this can provide a sounding board in ensuring that goals are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Challenge Negative Thinking

While it’s easier said than done, positive thinking can foster empowerment in recovery. If an individual is consumed by ruminating or otherwise intrusive thoughts, they will not have the energy to further their healing process. Some examples of ways to challenge negative thinking in recovery include:

• Seeking professional support
• Focusing on gratitude
• Bringing attention to negative thought patterns
• Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations

Utilize Grace Recovery to Strengthen Empowerment for Recovery

For those still seeking additional ways to develop empowerment in recovery, we at Grace Recovery are here to help. We offer professional guidance and support through a variety of different resources to enable women’s empowerment in healing from SUD, trauma, and other mental health disorders. Additionally, we believe in the value of holistic healing to foster a total balance of the mind, body, and spirit for all clients.

One of the most valuable resources we offer is our transitional living homes for women. These homes provide safe and supportive, drug- and alcohol-free environments for those working to sustain a life of sobriety and recovery. Rather than solely providing a safe space for women, we encourage our residents to build strong connections with other women in recovery. As social support is known to foster greater treatment entry and engagement, we recognize the value that group empowerment can have on an individual’s recovery process.

If you are seeking healing, you can benefit from recognizing the undeniable value of empowerment for recovery. Group empowerment can facilitate self-empowerment, which can reduce any feelings of powerlessness you may experience as a lasting effect of substance use or mental health disorders. You can reap the benefits of group empowerment by getting connected with a recovery community like Grace Recovery TX. We offer transitional living homes, experiential recovery coaching, case managing, advising, and life-skills building for women who are seeking recovery from addiction and co-occurring disorders. We believe that women’s empowerment can facilitate greater treatment engagement as well as more sustainable recoveries for all involved. To learn more, call (737) 237-9663.