No matter how much recovery time you have, the key to keeping sober is being in tune with what you think and feel. When you have a handle on how you think and feel and can tune in to the feelings of others, you can make the adjustments you need to stay on the path of recovery. This skill is called emotional intelligence and is a crucial part of your recovery toolkit.
If you are unfamiliar with emotional intelligence (EI) in recovery, this article will provide you with the nuts and bolts of EI and how it will help you stay on the path to long-term recovery. Success in long-term recovery is made possible through drug treatment. SEE Purpose provides evidence-based intensive and aftercare treatment programs personalized to meet your specific needs.
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What is Emotional Intelligence?
So, what is emotional intelligence (EI) exactly?
Emotional intelligence can be defined as having the ability to manage your emotions as well as understand the emotions of people around you. When you have a high sense of emotional intelligence, you fully understand what you are feeling and how those feelings and emotions impact your life and the lives of others. Also, you have a better understanding of the emotions behind others’ behavior and learn how to interact with others.
There are five key components to EI:
- Self-awareness – the ability to recognize and understand your emotions and make sound decisions based on what you feel.
- Self-Regulation – the ability to take a step back when you feel overwhelmed with your emotions and maintain control of yourself.
- Having the ability to set high goals for yourself and having the drive to improve yourself.
- Empathy – the ability to put yourself into someone else’s shoes and see their perspective.
- Social Skills – being a “people person” and having the ability to interact with others positively.
The Path To Emotional Intelligence in Recovery
Emotional intelligence is a skill that must be practiced and honed over time. While you do possess this crucial life skill, it takes time to develop. What are the steps to develop emotional intelligence? First, you need to be aware of how your past impacts you in the here and now. This first step is the most difficult and requires a great deal of courage. You also need to learn how to be the “real you” and drop any facades you have to allow your true self to come through.
No matter the emotions that you feel, you must understand and accept them at face value. Find quiet time for reflection and put the focus on your personal growth. Additionally, you need to be able to set healthy boundaries as well as respect the boundaries of others. All of these goals can be accomplished through individual and group therapy.
It is important to reiterate the main role of emotional intelligence in recovery. First, you must have the bravery to uncover and address your past since it has shaped your addiction and where you are in the present moment. During this step, you must take all the time you need to reflect on your past and understand that you are not that person right now. You must also find the motivation to make the changes needed to become the healthy and happy person you want to become. Thirdly, you must show empathy towards others, understand why they feel the way they do, and mold your behaviors accordingly. With time and practice, you will be able to cultivate a strong sense of emotional intelligence.
Contact our drug and alcohol rehab in Indiana today to learn more about our treatment offerings.
Create A New and Healthier You With Help From SEE Purpose Treatment Center
If you are addicted to drugs, you feel broken and beyond repair. While you may feel hopeless in the face of addiction, the help you need is just a phone call away. SEE Purpose Treatment Center goes beyond a cookie-cutter treatment approach. Our dynamic and individualized approach to treatment will give you the tools and support you need to become the healthy and happy person you were meant to become. Face your addiction head-on with help from SEE Purpose Treatment Center. Call us today and start your recovery journey at our Indiana inpatient substance abuse treatment program.
