How to Embrace Vulnerability in Your Healing Journey

Vulnerability is an important part of discovering the root cause of substance use disorder (SUD) or mental health issues. According to the London Journal of Primary Care, "Changing from being someone who hides their vulnerability to one who values it and uses it wisely is an internal transformation." Treatment involves collaboration and creating trust between clients and clinicians. Addiction recovery and mental health professionals at West Coast Recovery Centers teach clients to embrace vulnerability in a safe and controlled space.

What Does It Mean to Embrace Vulnerability?

Embracing vulnerability is about understanding the value of lowering defensive walls and being emotionally exposed and honest. Healthy vulnerability in a supportive setting improves resilience, self-confidence, and self-worth. Being vulnerable with care team members, peers, and loved ones can increase positivity and improve overall mental health. Improving emotional stability may increase optimism and motivate individuals in recovery. According to Alcohol Research Current Reviews, "[O]ptimism has been associated with resilience to stress-related disorders, including alcohol use disorders." 

Embracing emotional vulnerability involves doing the following: 

• Acknowledging feelings and thoughts without judgment 
• Openly and honestly expressing thoughts and feelings
• Being authentic with others 
• A willingness to feel and process difficult emotions 
• Practicing self-acceptance, self-forgiveness, and self-compassion
• Accepting imperfections
• Being open to feedback from different sources

Healing from substance abuse and mental health disorders involves showing vulnerability and accepting responsibility for personal choices. Lifestyle changes happen when people take steps to address underlying issues through increased self-awareness. Many people find speaking openly with trusted individuals about their thoughts and beliefs empowering. Honesty and a willingness to open up about the root cause of unhealthy behaviors, including substance abuse, provide people with a foundation for healing and personal growth. 

Vulnerability Allows for Healing and Growth

Individuals reflect on the past to process trauma and other underlying issues impacting their mental health. People willing to share their experiences without hiding uncomfortable truths may feel more emotionally balanced and find treatment programs more effective. West Coast Recovery Centers uses a client-focused approach to treatment, ensuring clients feel comfortable and secure sharing their thoughts and feelings with the care team. Studies have shown that "[d]eveloping the alliance [between clinicians and clients] can be undertaken through reflective listening, demonstrating respect, honesty, and openness." Many feel more confident managing their condition after successfully opening up to their care team. 

The Benefits of Choosing to Embrace Vulnerability

People who allow themselves to be emotionally vulnerable have an increased risk of being rejected, judged, or having a negative experience. Most people avoid being in that position at all costs. However, lowering emotional walls and acknowledging other perspectives allows people to learn and grow. 

Some of the benefits of being honest in therapy and showing a willingness to embrace change include: 

• Greater resilience, self-confidence, and self-efficacy 
• Improved self-awareness and mindfulness
• A deeper relationship with the care team

Individuals who practice open communication have an easier time identifying the root cause of their condition and problem-solving practical solutions. Clients who practice honesty and vulnerability during treatment may experience better outcomes. In addition, clients may experience faster recovery times if they feel more comfortable engaging with the care team. 

The Positive Impact of Vulnerability on Overall Health

Being vulnerable and choosing to trust in others reduces feelings of isolation and shame during treatment. People who accept the need for help and take the time to embrace new ways of interacting with others experience significant health benefits, including: 

• Increased positivity and emotional well-being 
• Deeper social connections and stronger personal relationships 
• Increased self-acceptance and self-forgiveness 

Individuals recovering from SUD should be careful about when and how they allow themselves to be vulnerable. Healthy boundaries are an important part of developing positive relationships. 

How Does West Coast Recovery Centers Help Clients Embrace Vulnerability?

The goal of treatment programs is to ensure clients have the tools and support they need to heal and build a healthy, sober future. Studies have shown that:

While each individual in treatment will have specific long- and short-term goals, all specialized substance abuse treatment programs have three similar generalized goals:

• Reducing substance abuse or achieving a substance-free life
• Maximizing multiple aspects of life functioning
• Preventing or reducing the frequency and severity of relapse

Practicing honesty and openness helps clients achieve their treatment goals. The professionals at West Coast Recovery Centers guide clients through navigating vulnerable situations and moments in treatment. Clinicians and support staff also provide motivation and inspiration to help clients continue to make positive changes. 

How Does Personal Growth Reduce the Risk of Relapse

Substance abuse often keeps people stuck in place, unable to grow or learn new ways of managing stress. By choosing to make a change and embracing vulnerability, clients in treatment improve their overall health and reduce the risk of relapse. Personal growth and skill development allow people to recognize how their choices affect their overall well-being and recovery from substance abuse. Individuals lower their risk of relapse by trusting their care team and relying on their support system. 

Vulnerability may cause some people to feel scared and uncertain. However, a significant part of healing from substance abuse requires people to be vulnerable during treatment and continuing care. By opening up and sharing personal beliefs, people begin to heal and make connections between thoughts and behaviors. Self-awareness and a willingness to accept uncomfortable truths facilitate personal growth and skill development. West Coast Recovery Centers offers tailored treatment plans to ensure clients feel comfortable sharing freely with their care team. Over the course of treatment, many clients learn to embrace new ways of connecting with others. To learn more about our programs and services, contact our office today at (760) 492-6509.